Secondary Airflow Paths for Low-Density Compressor Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary screw compressors face inefficiencies due to low intake air density, particularly at high altitudes or under conditions where air is heated, leading to reduced compressor capacity and increased energy demand when using turbochargers for pre-compression.
Innovation Solution
A secondary airflow path is introduced into closed compression cells through boost ports positioned downstream of the radial cut-off, utilizing pressurized air from a secondary compressor or pressure reservoir to enhance air pressure and flow without significant additional energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a turbocharger is used for pre-compression to increase compressor capacity, then air delivery increases, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary airflow path that delivers pressurized air from a reservoir into the compression chamber at a predetermined location, performing preliminary compression action before the main compression process. This reduces the energy demand of the main compressor while maintaining compressor capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pressure reservoir as an intermediary component to store pressurized air and deliver it through a secondary airflow path to the compression chamber. This intermediary system reduces the direct energy consumption of the main compressor by pre-compressing air in a separate stage.
2Productivity
If intake air density is low (at high altitudes or heated conditions), then compressor capacity decreases, but increasing compressor size to compensate increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the intake air by introducing a secondary airflow path that delivers pressurized air from a reservoir into the compression chamber. This increases the density of air entering the compression cells, thereby increasing compressor capacity without requiring a larger compressor.
3Productivity
If a secondary airflow path is introduced to increase compressor throughput, then air delivery increases, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the secondary airflow path system with the main compression system by integrating the boost port into the compression chamber and using the pressure reservoir as a shared component. This combining approach increases throughput while minimizing the addition of separate independent systems.
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 approach increases compressor throughput and air delivery without requiring larger or more costly components, maintaining efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A boost port can be in fluid communication with the compression chamber to direct pressurized air into the compression cells downstream of the radial cut-off
Implementation Method 2
a radial cut-off arranged to successively close compression cells formed by the first and second rotors, during rotation of the first and second rotors, for compression of air within the compression cells
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary airflow path can be provided for a compressor of a compressor system. The secondary airflow path can provide pressurized air to a boost port in communication with a closed compression cell of the compressor.