Scroll Compressor Intermediate Pressure Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scroll compressors in HVACR systems face limitations in increasing capacity without enhancing compressor pressure, as they primarily operate with suction and discharge pressures, lacking an effective method to introduce intermediate pressure fluid for enhanced performance.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an intermediate pressure fluid into a scroll compressor through an intermediate pressure chamber and injection port, which interconnects with the compression chamber between suction and discharge pressures, allowing for the compression and discharge of fluid at a higher pressure, thereby increasing compressor capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If intermediate pressure fluid is introduced to increase compressor capacity, then compressor capacity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional intermediate caps and chambers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor capacityVSAvoidcompressor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor housing is segmented into multiple pressure zones using first and second intermediate caps that divide the internal space into suction pressure chamber, intermediate pressure chamber, and discharge pressure chamber. This segmentation allows independent pressure control in each zone while enabling the intermediate pressure fluid injection function to increase overall compressor capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate pressure chamber is introduced as a mediator between the suction pressure chamber and discharge pressure chamber. This intermediate chamber receives intermediate pressure fluid through an injection port and facilitates the compression process by providing an intermediate pressure zone that enables efficient fluid compression without requiring a complete redesign of the compressor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If intermediate pressure fluid injection port is added to the non-orbiting scroll member, then fluid compression efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid compression efficiencyVSAvoidinjection port positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate pressure fluid injection port is merged with the non-orbiting scroll member structure, combining the compression function and injection function into a single integrated component. This merging allows the injection port to be positioned precisely during the scroll member manufacturing process rather than requiring separate assembly operations, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining compression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables the scroll compressor to efficiently compress and discharge fluid at a higher pressure, enhancing its capacity and operational efficiency by utilizing the intermediate pressure fluid effectively within the compression chamber.

Implementation Method 1

compress the intermediate pressure fluid in the compression chamber to provide a discharge pressure fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a face seal disposed between an upper surface of the non-orbiting scroll member and a lower surface of the first intermediate cap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

a radial seal disposed between an inner radial wall of the second intermediate cap and an outer sidewall of the compression chamber discharge port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS11560889B1Scroll compressor with second intermediate cap to facilitate refrigerant injection

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A scroll compressor includes a compressor housing, an orbiting scroll member and non-orbiting scroll member intermeshed to form a compression chamber, a discharge pressure chamber, an intermediate pressure chamber. The housing includes a lower portion, a first intermediate cap, a second intermediate cap, and an upper portion. The discharge pressure chamber configured to receiving a discharge pressure fluid from the compression chamber. The intermediate pressure chamber fluidly connecting an intermediate pressure fluid inlet port and an intermediate pressure fluid injection port of the non-orbiting scroll member. A method injecting an intermediate pressure fluid into a compression chamber of a scroll compressor includes disposing the intermediate pressure fluid in an intermediate pressure chamber. The method also includes injecting the intermediate pressure fluid in the intermediate pressure chamber through the intermediate pressure fluid injection port into the compression chamber.