Scroll Compressor Partial Load Lubrication via Gas Diversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Scroll compressors operating at partial capacity face premature failure of bearing portions due to insufficient lubricant supply, as the reduced gas flow velocity and bypassing of gas past the lubricant region hinder effective lubricant pickup and transport to upper bearing areas.
Innovation Solution
A scroll compressor design incorporating a gas diverting passage with a lubricant opening and a mechanism to regulate lubricant circulation, where diverted gas from the capacity modulator entrains lubricant from a lubricant opening and transports it to upper bearing portions, enhancing lubrication by optimizing the geometry and positioning of the lubricant opening and gas flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gas is bypassed from compression pockets back to gas entrance for capacity modulation, then partial load capacity is achieved, but gas flow velocity drops and lubricant transport to bearing portions becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow path is segmented into two separate paths: one path allows gas bypass for capacity modulation, while another path ensures lubricant transport to bearing portions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both partial load operation and adequate lubrication to occur simultaneously through divided flow routes.
Solution Approach 2:
A lubricant opening acts as an intermediary element that facilitates lubricant pickup from the lubricant region and delivers it to bearing portions. This intermediary component ensures that even when overall gas flow velocity decreases during partial load operation, sufficient lubricant can still be transported to critical bearing areas.
2Use of energy by moving object
If gas suction flow velocity decreases at partial capacity operation, then energy consumption is reduced, but lubricant pickup and entrainment in gas flow becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant opening is strategically positioned in the lubricant region where gas flow can effectively pick up lubricant. By creating a localized area optimized for lubricant pickup, the system ensures adequate lubricant supply even when overall gas flow velocity is reduced during partial capacity operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant opening is positioned to enable preliminary lubricant pickup before gas enters the compression pockets. This preliminary action ensures that lubricant is already entrained in the gas flow before compression begins, maintaining lubrication effectiveness even at lower flow velocities.
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
Ensures adequate lubrication of bearing portions, particularly at the upper part of the compressor during partial capacity operation, preventing premature failure and improving compression efficiency with a cost-effective retrofit solution applicable to existing compressors.
Implementation Method 1
diverted gas from the capacity modulator entrains lubricant from a lubricant opening and transports it to upper bearing portions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A scroll compressor lubrication system and a scroll compressor are disclosed. The scroll compressor includes a capacity modulator, a lubricant opening, and a gas diverting passage. The capacity modulator is in fluid communication with compression pockets for selectively unloading gas from the pockets. The lubricant opening is in fluid communication with at least one bearing portion of the scroll compressor. Lubricant from the at least one bearing portion in the scroll compressor flows through the lubricant opening. The gas diverting passage includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the gas diverting passage is in fluid communication with the capacity modulator, and the gas diverting passage extends below the lubricant opening such that gas from the outlet of the gas diverting passage can flow through a travel path of the lubricant that flows through the lubricant opening and entrains at least part of the lubricant to at least one bearing portion for lubrication.