Scroll Compressor Oil Backflow Prevention via Check Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scroll compressors, oil supplied to the compression unit can backward flow due to insufficient pressure difference between high and intermediate pressure areas, leading to reduced oil supply and efficiency issues, especially when driven at low pressure ratios or high speeds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a regulating portion with a check valve or spring-based mechanism in the compressor's main frame or fixed scroll to control the oil supply path, preventing backward flow by selectively opening or closing the delivery and fixed paths based on differential pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a lower scroll compressor configuration is used with the compression unit below the driving unit, then oil can be directly supplied to the compression unit without a lower frame, but oil backward flow occurs due to insufficient pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the oil supply path between the intermediate pressure area and the compression unit. This check valve allows oil to flow forward when pressure difference is sufficient but prevents backward flow when pressure difference becomes insufficient, thus maintaining reliable oil supply without requiring structural changes to the lower scroll compressor configuration.
2Productivity
If the compressor is driven at low pressure ratios or high speeds, then productivity increases, but the pressure difference between high and intermediate pressure areas becomes insufficient causing oil backward flow
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve acts as a one-way gate that permits oil flow during normal high-pressure ratio operation but automatically closes to prevent backward flow during low-pressure ratio or high-speed operation when the pressure gradient reverses or becomes insufficient, thereby maintaining oil supply reliability across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve changes its flow resistance parameter dynamically based on pressure difference conditions. When the pressure difference between the intermediate pressure area and compression unit is sufficient, the valve opens with low resistance allowing smooth oil flow. When the pressure difference becomes insufficient or reverses, the valve closes with high resistance to prevent backward flow, adapting to varying operational parameters.
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
Stably maintains oil supply, prevents backward flow, and ensures efficient operation even at varying pressure ratios and speeds, enhancing the reliability and performance of the compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve, which prevents backflow of oil supplied to the compression unit, is provided in the delivery path or the fixed path
Implementation Method 2
a regulate portion provided in at least one of the main frame and the fixed scroll to control or selectively shield an opening of the delivery path or the fixed path
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor is disclosed, which comprises a regulate portion provided in at least one of a main frame and a fixed scroll to control or selectively shield an opening of a delivery path or a fixed path.