Variable-Volume Head for Compressor Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating compressors often have volumetric compression efficiency that does not match the system they operate in, due to varying inlet and outlet pressures caused by upstream and downstream components, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A variable-volume head design that includes a plug, adjustment screw, and collar system, allowing for adjustable compression efficiency by altering the cylinder volume with minimal space and force consumption, and resistance to corrosive elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed compressor design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the volumetric compression efficiency cannot be matched to different system conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cylinder volume adjustable rather than fixed. The variable-volume head allows the cylinder volume to be changed to match different system conditions, enabling the compressor to adapt its volumetric compression efficiency dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by introducing adjustability without fundamentally changing the overall compressor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cylinder volume parameter through the variable-volume head mechanism. By changing the volume parameter, the compressor can optimize its volumetric compression efficiency for different inlet and outlet pressure conditions while maintaining the same basic compressor design.
2Stress or pressure
If the cylinder volume is increased to improve volumetric compression efficiency, then the pressure output increases, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The variable-volume head enables dynamic adjustment of the cylinder volume, allowing the system to optimize the balance between cylinder volume and outlet pressure based on specific operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making the volume a variable parameter rather than a fixed design constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cylinder volume parameter through the variable-volume head mechanism, allowing optimization of outlet pressure while controlling the space occupation. By adjusting the volume parameter, the system can achieve higher pressure output when needed without permanently increasing the device footprint.
3Productivity
If the compressor is designed for high volumetric efficiency, then it performs well at high outlet pressures, but it performs poorly when outlet pressure requirements are low
Solution Approach 1:
The variable-volume head makes the compressor adaptable to different pressure conditions by allowing volume adjustment. This enables the compressor to maintain optimal performance whether operating at high or low outlet pressures, resolving the contradiction between specialized high-performance design and general adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a compressor that can function optimally across multiple pressure conditions through the variable-volume head. The ability to adjust the cylinder volume makes the compressor versatile, allowing it to perform well whether the system requires high or low outlet pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device that includes a natural-gas compression system having a natural-gas powered combustion engine, a compression cylinder configured to receive natural gas and output compressed natural gas, a piston disposed in the compression cylinder and configured to translate through the compression cylinder in response to mechanical power received from the natural-gas powered combustion engine, and a variable-volume head mounted to the compression cylinder and configured to vary a compressed volume of the compression cylinder. In some instances, the variable-volume head includes a head body, an adjustment screw rotatably coupled to the head body, a plug moveable in threaded engagement with the adjustment screw, and an anti-rotation device coupled to the plug, the head body, or both. The anti-rotation device may be configured to impede the plug from rotating relative to the head body as the adjustment screw rotates.