Two-Stage Turbo Compressor Layout for Lower Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbo compressors with two-stage centrifugal impellers face limitations in size increase due to circular impeller shapes and complex passage connections, leading to increased pressure loss and size expansion.
Innovation Solution
A turbo compressor design featuring a mixed flow impeller for primary compression and a centrifugal impeller for secondary compression, with a connection passage surrounding the motor case to guide refrigerant flow, reducing pressure loss and size by simplifying the flow path and using vanes to minimize swirl.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two-stage centrifugal impellers are continuously arranged in series with circular shapes, then compression performance is improved, but the turbo compressor increases in size and pressure loss increases due to complex passage connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal series arrangement to a vertical arrangement where the first impeller is positioned above the second impeller along the rotational axis. This dimensional change allows the connection passage to be arranged vertically, simplifying the passage structure and reducing the overall compressor footprint while maintaining two-stage compression performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric impeller designs where the first impeller and second impeller have different configurations optimized for their respective compression stages. The connection passage is also asymmetrically designed to efficiently connect the impeller outlets to the respective inlets, reducing passage complexity and size
2Productivity
If two-stage centrifugal impellers are symmetrically disposed with separate connection tubes, then compression performance is improved, but the turbo compressor more increases in size due to additional connection components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection passages into a unified vertical arrangement along the rotational axis, eliminating the need for separate connection tubes. The first connection passage connects the first impeller outlet to the second impeller inlet, while the second connection passage connects the second impeller outlet to the first impeller inlet, creating an integrated flow path structure that reduces component count and simplifies the overall design
3Productivity
If centrifugal impellers are used with limited specific speed range, then compression efficiency is improved, but the impeller diameter must increase to maintain performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression process into two distinct stages with separate impellers, each optimized for its specific compression ratio requirements. This segmentation allows each impeller to operate within an optimal specific speed range without requiring excessive diameter, as the total compression is achieved through sequential stages rather than a single large impeller
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 design enhances compression performance, reduces refrigerant flow loss, and minimizes the compressor's size while maintaining efficiency, making it suitable for eco-friendly refrigerants and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the turbo compressor may include an impeller that rotates by driving force of the driving motor to compress the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
the turbo compressor may function to discharge a gas in a high-pressure state while converting kinetic energy generated by a driving motor into a positive pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A turbo compressor includes a housing with a refrigerant suction hole, through which a refrigerant is introduced, at a front portion thereof, and a motor case defining an accommodation space. The accommodation space includes a rotation shaft extending in a front-rear direction and a motor that is configured to rotate the rotation shaft. A first impeller is coupled to one end of the rotation shaft and a second impeller is coupled to the other end of the rotation shaft. The first impeller is configured to primarily compress the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant suction hole. A connection passage, that surrounds the motor case extends backward from an outlet of the first impeller. The second impeller is configured to secondarily compress the refrigerant introduced through the connection passage.