Scroll Compressor Pulsation Absorber for Discharge Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scroll compressors in vapor compression systems, such as HVAC systems, generate noise due to discharge pulsations of compressed working fluids, which can exceed acceptable sound levels as per building codes, necessitating a method to control and reduce sound levels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pulsation absorber within the discharge plenum of the compressor, which divides the plenum into multiple volumes, and optionally using a muffler assembly with Helmholtz resonators to absorb and dissipate the pulsations, thereby reducing sound levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a pulsation absorber is added to the discharge plenum, then sound level is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge plenum is divided into multiple separate volumes using pulsation absorbers, creating distinct acoustic zones that isolate and dampen pressure pulsations from different compression chambers, thereby reducing overall sound level while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
Pulsation absorbers are introduced as intermediary components within the discharge plenum to absorb and dissipate pressure pulsations and sound waves, acting as a mediator between the compression mechanism and the discharge environment to reduce harmful acoustic effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the discharge plenum is divided into multiple volumes, then pulsation attenuation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge plenum is segmented into multiple volumes using pulsation absorbers positioned at strategic locations, creating acoustic isolation zones that enhance pulsation attenuation while allowing for modular assembly and simplified manufacturing of individual plenum sections
Solution Approach 2:
Pulsation absorbers are placed at specific locations within the discharge plenum where pressure pulsations are most intense, providing localized attenuation without requiring modification of the entire plenum structure, thus simplifying manufacturing while achieving effective pulsation control
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 solution effectively attenuates pulsations, resulting in a quieter operation of the compressor without significantly impacting its efficiency, by absorbing sound via friction and dispersing the working fluid, thus meeting sound level reduction requirements.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing sound via friction
Implementation Method 2
A pulsation absorber is disposed within the discharge plenum, the pulsation absorber dividing the discharge plenum into a plurality of volumes
Implementation Method 3
optionally using a muffler assembly with Helmholtz resonators to absorb and dissipate the pulsations
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes an enclosure including a compression mechanism that compresses a working fluid. A discharge port discharges a compressed working fluid. A discharge plenum receives the compressed working fluid from the discharge port. A pulsation absorber is disposed within the discharge plenum, the pulsation absorber dividing the discharge plenum into a plurality of volumes.