Scroll Compressor Capacity Modulation With Integrated Piston Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors in climate-control systems lack efficient capacity modulation systems that can effectively switch between high-capacity and low-capacity modes to meet varying cooling and heating demands while maintaining reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design incorporating a capacity-modulation system with movable pistons and control valves that allow fluid communication between modulation ports and suction-pressure regions, enabling switching between high-capacity, intermediate-capacity, and low-capacity modes by controlling fluid flow through recesses and vent passages using solenoid coils and springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a capacity-modulation system is added to the compressor, then the adaptability to different capacity needs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacity-modulation system is nested within the existing compressor structure. The piston is disposed within a recess in the end plate, and the modulation ports are integrated into the end plate's fluid communication passages. This nesting approach allows the compressor to adapt to different capacity needs by enabling the piston to block or open modulation ports, without requiring a completely separate external modulation system, thereby improving adaptability while controlling the increase in device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple modulation ports are used for capacity control, then the precision of capacity modulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston serves multiple functions: it blocks modulation ports to control capacity and simultaneously manages fluid communication between different pressure regions. The end plate integrates multiple fluid communication passages that serve both compression and modulation functions. This multi-functionality approach allows precise capacity modulation through multiple ports while reducing overall system complexity by having existing components perform multiple roles.
3Reliability
If a piston and control valve system is implemented, then the reliability of capacity switching is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is biased by a spring to automatically return to its initial position after being moved by the control valve. The control valve itself is actuated by a solenoid that responds to control signals. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable capacity mode switching without requiring external actuators or complex control systems, as the system uses its own internal components (spring, solenoid) to execute the switching reliably.
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
The system enables efficient and reliable operation by allowing the compressor to adapt to different capacity needs, enhancing performance and energy efficiency by modulating capacity based on demand.
Implementation Method 1
The control valve may include a solenoid coil and a spring. The spring may bias the valve member toward the second position. When the solenoid coil is energized, the valve member may move toward the first position.
Implementation Method 2
The control valve may include a solenoid coil and a spring. The spring may bias the valve member toward the second position.
Implementation Method 3
The capacity-modulation system may include a control valve and a piston. The control valve is movable between a first position and a second position. The piston may be disposed within a recess in the second end plate. The piston may be movable in the recess between an open position in which fluid communication between the modulation port and the vent passage is allowed and a closed position in which fluid communication between the modulation port and the vent passage is prevented.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor may include first and second scrolls and a capacity-modulation system. The first and second scrolls include first and second end plates and first and second spiral wraps. The second end plate may define a suction inlet, a discharge passage, a modulation port, and a vent passage. The capacity-modulation system may include a control valve and a piston. The control valve is movable between first and second positions. The piston may be disposed within a recess in the second end plate and is movable between an open position in which communication between the modulation port and the vent passage is allowed and a closed position in which communication between the modulation port and the vent passage is prevented. Moving the control valve to the first position moves the piston to the closed position. Moving the control valve to the second position moves the piston to the open position.