Variable Capacity Compressor With Cylinder Bypass Capacity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern refrigerators face inefficiencies during low demand periods due to compressors sized for high demand, leading to excess capacity, increased power consumption, cyclic losses, and temperature fluctuations, which complicates high efficiency operation.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating refrigerant compressor system with a movable piston and fluid passageway, controlled by an actuator responsive to environmental conditions, allowing for variable capacity and pressure ratio adjustments to optimize cooling capacity based on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large single capacity compressor is used to meet high demand, then high demand cooling capacity is satisfied, but low demand operation efficiency deteriorates with excess capacity and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor transitions from a fixed displacement design to a variable displacement design through the addition of a controllable fluid passageway and actuator mechanism. The passageway can be dynamically opened or closed to adjust the effective compression volume, allowing the compressor to adapt its capacity to match actual cooling demand and avoid energy waste during low demand periods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the compressor by introducing a controllable fluid passageway that modifies the compression chamber volume. By adjusting the position or openness of the passageway, the compressor can vary its displacement and pressure ratio to optimize performance across different operating conditions, reducing power consumption while maintaining required cooling capacity
2Force
If a motor is sized to supply starting torque for high demand, then high demand operation is supported, but low demand motor efficiency deteriorates with greater current requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid passageway enables partial compression action during low demand periods by allowing some refrigerant to bypass the full compression cycle. This reduces the torque and current requirements during part-load operation, allowing the motor to operate more efficiently without requiring excessive current capacity, while still maintaining the ability to deliver full starting torque when needed
3Use of energy by moving object
If a compressor runs infrequently during low demand, then excess capacity is avoided, but cyclic losses and temperature fluctuation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable capacity mechanism allows the compressor to maintain continuous operation at reduced capacity during low demand periods. By keeping the compressor running with adjusted displacement rather than cycling it on and off, the system maintains more stable refrigerant flow and evaporator temperatures, reducing temperature fluctuations and improving overall system stability while still consuming less energy
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 system reduces starting torque and motor size requirements, enabling efficient operation during low demand periods while maintaining high capacity during peak demand, thus improving energy efficiency and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a piston disposed within the cylinder, the piston being movable between a bottom dead center (BDC) and a top dead center (TDC) position for compressing refrigerant received in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The fluid passageway is disposed within the cylinder between the BDC and TDC position and is defined by one or more apertures. The actuator is in operative communication with the aperture and responsive to an environmental condition external to the compressor system to close the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating refrigerant compressor system is disclosed. The compressor system includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, at least one fluid passageway, and an actuator. The piston is movable between a bottom dead center (BDC) and a top dead center (TDC) position. The fluid passageway is disposed within the cylinder between the BDC and TDC position and defined by one or more apertures. The actuator is in operative communication with the aperture and is responsive to an environmental condition external to the compressor system to at least partially close the aperture.