Compressor rotor, compressor and refrigerant circulation system

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed compressors, such as centrifugal compressors, face challenges with heavy integrated rotor structures that complicate machining and increase costs, and the use of rolling or oil film bearings leads to complex refrigerant circulation systems requiring additional oil lubrication and separation systems.

Innovation Solution

A compressor rotor design featuring a motor rotor with multiple sections connected axially, a locking rod, and a compression unit rotating part, which form a pressing structure to securely connect the rotor sections, allowing for a more reliable and efficient assembly process, and the use of a gas bearing to eliminate the need for oil lubrication systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an integrated motor rotor structure is adopted to ensure bearing capacity, then the bearing capacity is improved, but the rotor weight increases and critical rotating speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacityVSAvoidrotor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motor rotor is divided into multiple rotor sections (first rotor section, second rotor section, etc.) that are connected axially through locking rods. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured separately with lighter weight, while the locking rods provide the necessary connection and bearing capacity support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If an integrated motor rotor structure is adopted to ensure bearing capacity, then the bearing capacity is improved, but the machining complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacityVSAvoidmachining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The motor rotor is divided into multiple rotor sections that can be manufactured separately using standard machining equipment, avoiding the need for complex large-scale machining operations required for integrated rotors. The sections are then assembled using locking rods with locking members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor sections are pre-manufactured as separate components with standardized features, and the locking rods are pre-prepared with external threads and locking members. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final assembly process and reduces manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If rolling bearing or oil film bearing is adopted to support the compressor rotor, then the bearing capacity is improved, but the refrigerant circulation system complexity increases due to additional oil lubrication and separation systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacityVSAvoidrefrigerant circulation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a gas bearing system using refrigerant gas for lubrication and support of the compressor rotor, replacing traditional oil-based bearing systems. This eliminates the need for separate oil lubrication systems and oil separation systems, significantly simplifying the refrigerant circulation system while maintaining adequate bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Data Source

PatentUS11946476B2Compressor rotor, compressor and refrigerant circulation system
Publication Date: 2024.04.02 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • US11946476B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a compressor rotor, a compressor and a refrigerant circulation system. The compressor rotor includes: a motor rotor including a plurality of rotor sections, a locking rod, a compression unit rotating part and a locking member. The rotor sections are fixedly connected in an axial direction and are provided with an axial through hole and the locking rod penetrates through the axial through hole. The compression unit rotating part is located at the end part of the motor rotor and is connected to the locking rod. The locking member is configured to lock the compression unit rotating part on the locking rod. The locking rod, the compression unit rotating part and the locking member form a pressing structure which applies a pressure toward an axial inner side to the motor rotor.