Scroll Compressor Hub Plate Valve for Over-Compression Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressors in climate control systems face inefficiencies due to over-compression, where the internal pressure ratio exceeds the system's pressure ratio, leading to unnecessary work and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The compressor design incorporates a hub assembly with a valve member that allows fluid to exit through secondary discharge passages before reaching the radially inner position, preventing over-compression by moving between open and closed positions in response to pressure differentials, and includes a wave spring to bias the valve member towards the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the compressor continues compressing fluid until it reaches the radially inner position, then the compression ratio is maximized, but over-compression occurs causing unnecessary work and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge valve is positioned to open before the compression pockets reach the radially inner position, allowing fluid to be discharged in advance. This preliminary discharge action prevents the compression ratio from exceeding the system pressure ratio, eliminating over-compression and the associated energy waste while maintaining effective compression throughout the cycle.
2Productivity
If a valve member is added to control fluid discharge timing, then over-compression is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge valve member is actuated automatically by the pressure differential between the compression pockets and the discharge passage. When the compression ratio approaches the system pressure ratio, the higher pressure in the compression pockets forces the valve open, enabling self-regulated discharge timing without requiring external control mechanisms or complex actuation systems.
3Reliability
If the valve member is biased towards the closed position, then fluid discharge is controlled precisely, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The wave spring is integrated directly into the hub assembly structure, with its ends engaging the valve member and the hub assembly housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, or additional support structures, reducing the total component count while maintaining the necessary biasing function for reliable valve control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces or prevents over-compression, enhancing compressor efficiency by allowing fluid to discharge before reaching the radially inner position, thereby reducing unnecessary work and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wave spring to bias the valve member towards the closed position
Implementation Method 2
allows fluid to exit through secondary discharge passages before reaching the radially inner position, preventing over-compression by moving between open and closed positions in response to pressure differentials
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor may include first and second scrolls, a hub plate and a valve member. The first scroll includes an end plate having a primary discharge passage and a secondary discharge passage. The secondary discharge passage is disposed radially outward from the primary discharge passage. The hub plate is mounted to the first scroll and has a hub discharge passage extending therethrough. The hub discharge passage is in fluid communication with the primary discharge passage. The valve member is movable between open and closed positions. The valve member restricts fluid flow through the secondary discharge passage when in the closed position to restrict fluid communication between the secondary discharge passage and the hub discharge passage. The valve member allows fluid flow through from the secondary discharge passage when in the open position to allow fluid communication between the secondary discharge passage and the hub discharge passage.