Semi-hermetic Scroll Compressor Magnetic Coupling Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressors and vacuum pumps face challenges in efficiently transferring heat and power without leakage of the working fluid or infiltration of atmospheric gases, particularly when dealing with non-air gases like hydrogen or natural gas, which requires a completely enclosed housing to prevent fluid leakage and atmospheric intrusion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a semi-hermetic scroll device with a magnetic coupling for power transfer and internal and external fins for heat transfer, along with an enclosed inlet plenum and a fan for accelerated heat transfer, ensures that heat is dissipated to the atmosphere without fluid leakage, using a magnetic face seal to prevent atmospheric infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a completely enclosed housing is used to prevent fluid leakage and atmospheric infiltration, then sealing reliability is improved, but heat dissipation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple sections with internal fins creating divided heat transfer pathways. The housing includes a first section with a first fin and a second section with a second fin, allowing heat to be dissipated through multiple separated surfaces while maintaining the enclosed sealing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from simple external cooling surfaces to three-dimensional internal fin structures within the housing. The fins extend into the housing interior, creating additional heat transfer surfaces in the vertical and radial dimensions, enabling efficient heat dissipation from the scrolls while maintaining the sealed environment.
2Reliability
If magnetic coupling is used for power transfer without physical connection, then atmospheric infiltration is prevented, but power transfer efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces direct mechanical power transmission through shafts and seals with a magnetic coupling system. The driver assembly uses magnetic fields to transmit rotational force to the orbiting scroll without physical penetration of the housing, eliminating the need for shaft seals that could leak atmospheric gases while maintaining reliable sealing integrity.
3Temperature
If internal fins are added to the housing for heat transfer, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the housing structure with the heat transfer function by integrating fins directly into the housing walls. The first fin is formed as part of the first section of the housing, and the second fin is formed as part of the second section, combining structural support and thermal management into a single integrated component rather than adding separate heat sinks.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural containment for the sealed environment, acts as a magnetic coupling interface for power transfer, and functions as a heat dissipation system through its integrated fins. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 enhances the efficiency of compressors and vacuum pumps by effectively transferring heat and power without fluid leakage, maintaining a sealed environment for the working fluid, suitable for applications like hydrogen recirculation pumps and natural gas compressors, while maintaining high precision and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The scrolls receive torque and rotation from a magnetic coupling or magnetic face seal so that the atmosphere does not infiltrate the housing
Implementation Method 2
a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll each having fins upon their back surfaces and a housing having internal fins that engage those fins on the orbiting scroll and the atmosphere for heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
transfers heat from the housing without infiltration of gases into the housing during compression or expansion of the gas other than air within the housing
Implementation Method 4
The present invention also has an enclosed inlet plenum to prevent mixture or infiltration of the working fluid into the heated fluid inside the housing
Data Source
AI summary
This gas equipment, for other than air, includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll, each having fins upon their back surfaces. The orbiting scroll remains within a housing having fins that engage with the fins on the orbiting scroll. The internal fins of the housing transfer heat from the orbiting scroll to the housing for air cooling by the atmosphere. The spiral arranged fins pump working fluid within the housing to increase heat transfer. The housing may also have an exterior fan. The orbiting scroll receives torque and rotation from a magnetic coupling or magnetic face seal, without a physical connection to a motor, so that the atmosphere does not infiltrate inside the housing. The present invention also has an enclosed inlet plenum to prevent infiltration of the atmosphere into the working fluid.