Integrated Scroll Energy Cycle Layout Without External Piping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy cycle constructions are large in size and costly, with independent components connected via piping, which complicates the system and reduces reliability.

Innovation Solution

Integration of rotating components, such as scroll type expanders, pumps, and compressors, within a compact cylindrical container housing, where the working fluid flows about a torus in the poloidal direction, sharing a common shaft to simplify the system and eliminate piping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent components are connected via piping, then system flexibility is maintained, but system size increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device) into a single integrated scroll type device with shared housing and common refrigerant flow path, eliminating the need for external piping connections and reducing system complexity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of stationary object

If components are integrated within a compact container, then system size decreases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated scroll device is constructed from modular segments including separate compressor and expander assemblies that can be manufactured independently and then assembled within the common housing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining compact integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scroll type device performs multiple functions (compression, expansion, condensation, evaporation) within a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the compact design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If multiple rotating components share a common shaft, then system compactness increases, but mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoving component volumeVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the compressor and expander rotating components onto a single common shaft within the scroll device housing, reducing the overall volume occupied by moving parts while using the segmentation principle to maintain manageable mechanical complexity through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9784139B2Compact energy cycle construction utilizing some combination of a scroll type expander, pump, and compressor for operating according to a rankine, an organic rankine, heat pump, or combined organic rankine and heat pump cycle

Publication Date: 2017.10.10 AIR SQUARED LLC

AI summary

A compact energy cycle construction that operates as or in accordance with a Rankine, Organic Rankine, Heat Pump, or Combined Organic Rankine and Heat Pump Cycle, comprising a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form with some combination of a scroll type expander, pump, and compressor disposed therein to share a common shaft with a motor or generator and to form an integrated system, with the working fluid of the system circulating within the housing as a torus along the common shaft and toroidally within the housing as the system operates.