Scroll Compressor Modulation Plate Capacity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressors lack effective capacity modulation mechanisms that efficiently vary operating capacity between suction and discharge pressures, leading to suboptimal performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a modulation plate that radially displaces between two positions within the housing, isolating or communicating fluid passages with the suction pressure region, and includes a seal assembly and actuation mechanism to pivotally couple the modulation plate, allowing for precise control of fluid communication between compression pockets and suction pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a modulation plate is radially displaced to isolate or communicate fluid passages with the suction pressure region, then capacity modulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modulation plate is designed to be radially displaceable between first and second positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This dynamic capability allows the plate to selectively isolate or communicate fluid passages with the suction pressure region, enabling precise capacity modulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled movement rather than multiple complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The modulation plate serves as an intermediary element between the compression pockets and the suction pressure region. By positioning the plate to radially displace and selectively block or open fluid passages, it mediates the fluid communication in a controlled manner, achieving precise capacity modulation without requiring direct complex control mechanisms for each compression pocket
2Reliability
If a seal assembly is engaged with the housing and first scroll member to define a recess, then reliability of pressure region isolation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the housing. This segmentation allows the seal to be produced using standard sealing component manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while reliably isolating the suction pressure region from the discharge pressure region when engaged with the first scroll member
3Ease of operation
If an actuation mechanism is engaged with the modulation plate to displace it between positions, then capacity control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is designed to directly engage with the modulation plate and utilize the plate's own radial movement capability to achieve displacement between first and second positions. This self-service approach allows the modulation plate to be actuated through its inherent structural design rather than requiring external complex actuation systems, improving capacity control precision while minimizing the addition of complex external mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor may include a housing and first and second scroll members supported within the housing, each having an end plate with a spiral wrap extending therefrom and meshingly engaged with the other to form a series of compression pockets operating at an intermediate fluid pressure between a suction pressure and a discharge pressure. A first passage in communication with one of the compression pockets extends from a first side of the first end plate to a second side of the first end plate generally opposite the first side. A modulation plate overlies the second side of the first scroll member for radial displacement between first and second positions. The modulation plate isolates the first passage from communication with a suction pressure region of the compressor when in the first position and provides communication between the first passage and the suction pressure region when in the second position.