Scroll Compressor Valve Assembly Minimizing Recompression Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressors in cooling, refrigeration, and heat-pump systems face inefficiencies due to over-compression, which results in unnecessary work and reduced performance, as existing valve systems fail to effectively manage fluid pressure ratios and recompression volumes.
Innovation Solution
The compressor incorporates a valve assembly with a valve member that is displaceable between open and closed positions, minimizing the recompression volume to less than one percent of the suction pocket volume, and includes a spring and wear washer to bias the valve toward the closed position, allowing fluid communication between ports and passages to prevent over-compression and optimize fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional valve system is used in the compressor, then the valve can control fluid flow, but the recompression volume becomes large causing over-compression and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is made displaceable between open and closed positions to dynamically control the recompression volume. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to minimize recompression losses by adapting the valve position to operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the recompression volume parameter by displacing the valve member to different positions. By controlling the volume of the recompression chamber through valve position, the system optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining a manageable device structure
2Productivity
If the valve member is positioned to minimize recompression volume, then energy efficiency improves, but the valve must be precisely controlled to prevent over-compression
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to self-regulate the recompression volume through the natural displacement of the valve member. The system uses the fluid pressure differential and spring force to automatically position the valve, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms and reducing manufacturing precision requirements
3Reliability
If the valve assembly allows fluid communication between ports and passages, then over-compression is prevented, but fluid leakage may occur around the valve member
Solution Approach 1:
A leakage path is intentionally designed as an intermediary channel around the valve member. This controlled leakage path allows fluid to bypass the valve member when it is in the open position, preventing over-compression while managing fluid flow in a predictable manner rather than allowing uncontrolled leakage
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 configuration enhances the compressor's efficiency by minimizing recompression losses and preventing over-compression, thereby improving the overall performance and energy efficiency of the climate control system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed axially between the valve body and the valve member and biasing the valve member toward a closed position
Implementation Method 2
A recompression volume may be disposed between the valve member and the at least one of the pockets. The recompression volume may be less than or equal to approximately one percent of a volume of one of the pockets at a suction seal-off position
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor may include first and second scroll members having first and second scroll wraps, respectively. The scroll members define a suction inlet, a discharge outlet, and fluid pockets moving therebetween. The second scroll member may include a port, and a passage. The port may be in fluid communication with at least one of the pockets. The passage may extend through a portion of the second end plate and may be in fluid communication with the port. A valve assembly may be disposed in the passage and may include a valve member displaceable between open and closed positions. A recompression volume may be disposed between the valve member and the at least one of the pockets. The recompression volume may be less than or equal to approximately one percent of a volume of one of the pockets at a suction seal-off position.