Abstract:
This disclosure relates to a centrifugal compressor. In a first example, the compressor includes a first impeller provided in a main refrigerant flow path, a second impeller provided in the main refrigerant flow path downstream of the first impeller, and a recirculation flow path. In the first example, the recirculation flow path is provided between a first location and a second location along the main refrigerant flow path. The first location is downstream of the second location, and the second location is downstream of the first impeller. In a second example, the compressor includes an impeller provided in a main refrigerant flow path, and a recirculation flow path provided between a first location and a second location along the main refrigerant flow path. In the second example, the recirculation flow path includes a recirculation volute. Further disclosed is a method for operating a centrifugal compressor.
Abstract:
One exemplary embodiment of this disclosure relates to a centrifugal refrigerant compressor system. The system includes a condenser, an evaporator, and an economizer between the condenser and the evaporator. The system further includes a centrifugal compressor having a first impeller and a second impeller downstream of the first impeller. The compressor includes at least one port. Fluid from a recirculation flow path and an economizer flow path is introduced into a main flow path of the compressor by way of the at least one port.
Abstract:
A heat pump system includes a refrigerant circuit. First and second heat exchangers are arranged in the refrigerant circuit. A flow reversing device selectively changes a direction of flow in the refrigerant circuit between the first and second heat exchangers. A centrifugal compressor is arranged in the fluid circuit and has first and second impellers arranged in series relative to one another to provide a desired compressor pressure ratio. In one example, the centrifugal compressor mounts the first and second impellers on opposing ends of a shaft. The first and second impellers respectively include first and second stage inlets and outlets. One example desired compressor pressure ratio of at least 10:1 corresponds to a second stage outlet pressure to a first stage inlet pressure. A first diffuser is arranged at the first stage outlet, and the first diffuser is a variable geometry diffuser.