Suction Side Slide Valve for Screw Compressor Capacity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial compressor systems face inefficiencies in capacity control, particularly at part load operations, due to inherent inefficiencies in mechanical and electrical aspects of prior art methods like inlet valve throttling and variable speed control, which lead to decreased compressor efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a suction side slide valve that is movable between positions to control the capacity of the compressor, allowing for variable geometry and efficient operation at part load conditions by adjusting the compression chamber size, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inlet valve throttling or variable speed control is used for capacity control, then the compressor can match supply to demand changes, but compressor efficiency decreases substantially at part load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable geometry compression chamber through a movable discharge valve that can change position between fully closed and fully open states. This dynamic adjustment of the compression chamber volume allows the compressor to maintain efficient operation across different load conditions by optimizing the compression space to match the actual demand, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy efficiency.
2Device complexity
If fixed geometry machines are used, then the structure is simple, but part load efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable discharge valve that creates a variable geometry compression chamber, transforming the fixed geometry design into a dynamic one. This single moving component allows the compression chamber volume to be adjusted during operation, enabling efficient part load performance while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a suction side slide valve is implemented, then stepless control of capacity is achieved and efficiency at part load is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction side slide valve implements dynamic geometry control by moving along the suction side of the compression chamber, creating a variable compression space. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables stepless capacity control from 0% to 100% load, optimizing energy efficiency at part load conditions while the slide valve design keeps the mechanical complexity manageable through a single linear motion component.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide valve changes the geometric parameter of the compression chamber volume by adjusting its position. This parameter change allows continuous variation of the compression space, enabling stepless capacity control and maintaining optimal compression ratios across different load conditions, thereby improving part load efficiency without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a screw compressor system having a rotor housing with a pair of screw rotors rotatably supported within a compression chamber. A suction side slide valve is in fluid communication with an inlet to the compression chamber. The suction side slide valve is movable between a closed position and a fully open position to define a variable suction side inlet volume for controlling capacity of the compressor.