Spherical Expansion Compressor Variable Volume Ratio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spherical expansion compressors are not adapted to variable working conditions, limiting their comprehensive capabilities and efficiency in applications requiring dynamic pressure management.

Innovation Solution

A spherical expansion compressor design incorporating a rolling rotor compressor as the first-stage compression, with a pressure-controlled inlet valve and a gas tank for maintaining constant pressure, along with compression and expansion working chambers, and a pressure control circuit to manage pressure fluctuations, allowing for two-stage compression and one-stage expansion under variable conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed volume ratio spherical expansion compressor is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to variable working conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to variable working conditionsVSAvoidCompressor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a variable volume ratio mechanism that allows the compressor to dynamically adjust its compression ratio based on working conditions. The volume ratio can be changed by adjusting the position of the piston or modifying the chamber volume, enabling the compressor to adapt to different pressure and flow requirements while maintaining a relatively simple spherical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the key parameter of volume ratio from fixed to variable. By implementing adjustable volume ratios through movable partitions or variable chamber designs, the compressor can optimize its performance across different operating conditions, transforming a static device into one that responds to changing system demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If spherical bearings are used in the spherical expansion compressor, then the structure is simplified, but manufacturing costs increase and precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveManufacturing precisionVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive spherical bearings with simpler, more economical bearing solutions that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the essential rotational or reciprocating motion functions required by the spherical compressor design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using spherical bearings to simplify the structure, the patent inverts the approach by using conventional bearings in a simplified configuration. This reversal achieves structural simplicity through straightforward bearing arrangements rather than through complex spherical bearing mechanisms, thereby reducing both cost and manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design enhances hermeticity, adapts to variable working conditions, optimizes structure, and reduces costs by eliminating spherical bearings, while maintaining operational efficiency and reducing leakage and deformation.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure control circuit arranged between the gas tank and the pressure-controlled inlet valve, for controlling the pressure-controlled inlet valve to open/close according to the pressure in the gas tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure control:

Implementation Method 2

a rolling rotor compressor used as first-stage compression

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

expansion working chambers used as at least one-stage expansion and arranged in the spherical inner chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExpansion:

Data Source

PatentEP2472115B1Spherical expansion compressor adapted to variable working conditions
Publication Date: 2017.02.15 XIAN ZHENGAN ENVIRONMENTAL TECH CO LTD
  • EP2472115B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2472115B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2472115B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A spherical expansion compressor adapted to variable working conditions with a spherical inner chamber, comprises a rolling rotor compressor used as first-stage compression, compression working chambers, expansion working chambers, a gas tank and a pressure control circuit. The pressure control circuit is arranged between the gas tank and a pressure-controlled inlet valve of the rolling rotor compressor, and controls the inlet valve to open/close according to the pressure in the gas tank. When the pressure in the gas tank exceeds a set value, the pressure-controlled inlet valve is closed by the pressure control circuit. When the pressure in the gas tank returns to the set value, the pressure-controlled inlet valve is opened and the rolling rotor compressor works normally. Working medium after first-stage compression enters the gas tank, the pressure in the tank maintains constant through the regulation of the pressure control circuit. Working medium with constant pressure enters second-stage compression, and then expands in the expansion-stage, thereby forming the spherical expansion compressor adapted to variable working conditions. (Fig. 1)