DESIGN NAME: Cross Vane
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Expander-Compressor Unit
INSPIRATION: In conventional refrigeration system, the expansion energy is always lost to the environment. This amount of energy can be up to half the energy required for the compression process. CVEC recovers this energy to drive the compression process of the same cycle, improving the efficiency of the system. Many existing designs are formed by a separated expander and compressor, and are impractical. Hence, an innovative design is needed to integrate the expander and compressor into a single unit.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: CVEC performs the function of expander (for energy saving) and compressor in a single unit. This result in one machine rather than two compared to other existing designs. Therefore it is smaller and compact, saves material, and has one set of losses rather than two. The design itself is simple. It is made of cylindrical and concentric components, and has lesser rubbing surfaces. This further improves the mechanical efficiency of CVEC and makes it a green product.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The novel Cross Vane mechanism integrates the expander and compressor into a single unit. It has geometrically simple parts which are shared between the two entities, making CVEC space efficient, compact, and smaller compared to other existing designs. Its function is to recover the expansion energy to drive the compression process of the same cycle, thereby reducing the energy input. Since it is one machine, as opposed to two in other existing designs, it is more efficient mechanically.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: This is a Phd project, it was started in 2011 and is entering experimental phase. The location in which the prototype is tested is Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Product Engineering and Technical Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The conceptualization process begins by studying and solving some of the flaws that exists in two of the existing rotary compressor mechanisms, i.e. Rolling Piston and Revolving Vane mechanisms. The solution involves the elimination of rubbing surfaces between moving components, and effective use of space to increase the capacity of the machine.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Diameter 140 mm x Height 300 mm
TAGS: expander, compressor, expander-compressor unit, refrigeration system, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, green technology
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The Cross Vane expander-compressor (CVEC) integrates the function of expander and compressor in a single unit. Significant amount of energy is recovered by the expander to drive the compressor of the same system. As a result, the energy-efficiency is improved. CVEC is smaller, compact, and has lesser components which are geometrically simple. The simple design coupled with the ability in energy saving makes CVEC a promising device in future heating, ventilating, and air conditioning technology.
CHALLENGE: The challenge is in the invention of a new design that is superior to other existing designs in terms of efficiency, and yet geometrically simple. Also, as CVEC comprises the expander and compressor, the suction/discharge ports, valves, and other major components of the two entities have to be fitted into one machine. Lastly, the compressor and expander are located in close proximity. Hence, heat transfer and leakage effect between them has to be accounted for. This is uncommon in other systems.
ADDED DATE: 2015-09-28 11:35:20
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Ken Shaun Yap and Kim Tiow Ooi
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Ken Shaun Yap, 2015. Optional Image #1: Ken Shaun Yap, 2015. Optional Image #2: Ken Shaun Yap, 2015. Optional Image #3: Ken Shaun Yap, 2015. Optional Image #4: Ken Shaun Yap, 2015.
Video Credits: Ken Shaun Yap, 2015.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: This mechanism is patent pending, and registered under the name "a Vane Mechanism" (WO2013162477).
https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?
docId=WO2013162477&recNum=262&docAn=SG2013
000169&queryString=vibration&maxRec=119470
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