Two-Stage Fluid Compressor with Integrated Motor Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed fluid compressors in heat pumps are bulky and inefficient due to separate cooling circuits and significant heat loss, making them unsuitable for compact integration and optimal energy use.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage high-speed fluid compressor design with a casing that integrates the motor and electronic components within the fluid compression path, utilizing the same fluid for both compression and cooling, and incorporating aerodynamic bearings to minimize friction and maintain compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate cooling circuits are used for high-speed compressors, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling circuit with the fluid compression circuit by using the same housing for both functions. The housing contains channels that allow the fluid to be compressed to simultaneously cool the motor and electronic components, eliminating the need for separate cooling circuits and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the compression stages, provides cooling channels for the motor and electronics, and houses electronic components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cooling infrastructure, reducing device volume while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
2Productivity
If high-speed rotation is used for compression, then compression ratio is improved, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by high-speed rotation into a beneficial resource by using it to pre-cool the fluid before compression and to cool electronic components. The housing channels are designed to capture this heat and redirect it for useful cooling purposes, transforming energy loss into energy recovery.
3Device complexity
If motor and electronics are placed outside compressor, then cooling is simplified, but device integration and compactness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the motor and electronic components inside the compressor housing. The motor is positioned within the housing and cooled by the same fluid channels that compress the refrigerant, while electronic components are mounted on the housing walls and cooled by the fluid passing through integrated channels, achieving compact integration without compromising cooling.
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 results in a compact, high-speed compressor with a high compression ratio and optimal energy efficiency, capable of recovering all heat losses to enhance performance while occupying a limited volume.
Implementation Method 1
The internal housing has an inner wall arranged to form channels with the motor between at least one of these inner walls and the motor. These channels extend between the first and second compression stages, allowing the motor to be cooled by contact with the fluid to be compressed circulating in the channels.
Implementation Method 2
The casing comprises at least one cavity on its surface forming at least one integrated housing arranged to receive at least one electronic component of the compressor. This integrated housing extends towards the inner wall to allow the electronic component to be cooled by the fluid to be compressed circulating in the channels via the inner wall.
Implementation Method 3
The motor drives the high-speed compression wheels, which compress the fluid. The fluid used here is a refrigerant, specifically a refrigerant gas. Using two compression wheels allows the fluid to be compressed twice as much.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heat pump (100) comprising a two-stage fluid compressor (1) including a casing (2) having a fluid inlet and a compressed fluid outlet and enclosing a shaft (7) mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis, a first compression wheel and a second compression wheel mounted back to back on said shaft (7), said first compression wheel constituting a first compression stage and said second compression wheel constituting a second compression stage, and a motor positioned between the first compression wheel and the second compression wheel and arranged to rotate the shaft (7).The casing (2) includes an internal through-housing (50) extending coaxially to the longitudinal axis and in which at least the motor is disposed, said internal housing (50) having an internal wall (52) arranged to form, with the motor, channels (54) between at least said internal wall (52) and the motor, said channels (54) extending between the first compression stage and the second compression stage, allowing the motor to be cooled by contact with the fluid to be compressed circulating in the channels (54). Furthermore, the casing (2) includes on its surface at least one cavity (60a, 60b) forming at least one integrated housing arranged to receive at least one electronic component (4a, 4b) of the compressor, said integrated housing extending towards the inner wall (52) to allow said electronic component (4a, 4b) to be cooled by the fluid to be compressed circulating in the channels (54) through the inner wall (52).