초록 ▼

An expansion/separation compressor system is presented for a multi-rotor compressor configuration. In accordance with the present invention the rotors are disposed in a shell having open and closed off portions for providing expansion, compression and separation. The closed off portions depend from

An expansion/separation compressor system is presented for a multi-rotor compressor configuration. In accordance with the present invention the rotors are disposed in a shell having open and closed off portions for providing expansion, compression and separation. The closed off portions depend from or are attached to other suitable compressor structure including the induction or discharge plates. In an embodiment the expansion portion is comprised of a sliding valve. Separation is achieved when the flute and respective open shell portion expose the fluid to basic plenum pressure. The fluid is essentially removed by centrifugal force through the opening in the shell. The compressor is mounted to an evaporator and a control system is provided to regulate the temperature of water in the evaporator thereby controlling the rate of evaporation of liquid phase refrigerant in the evaporator. The liquid phase refrigerant is expanded between the rotors and respective shell portions to a desired volume. Further, the present invention presents foam generated from the liquid phase refrigerant to an opening in the shell at the induction side of the compressor for cooling, sealing and lubrication purposes. In accordance with the present invention the capacity of above described system can be varied without mechanical unloading.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [35.] A method of expansion and compression comprising:delivering liquid phase refrigerant to an interface of a first rotor having a plurality of teeth and at least one second rotor having a plurality of teeth, said at least one second rotor being axially aligned with said fir

[ What is claimed is:] [35.] A method of expansion and compression comprising:delivering liquid phase refrigerant to an interface of a first rotor having a plurality of teeth and at least one second rotor having a plurality of teeth, said at least one second rotor being axially aligned with said first rotor, said first rotor and said at least one second rotor being disposed in a rotor shell, said rotor shell having a first closed portion for providing expansion, a second closed portion for providing compression, and an open portion for providing separation, said interface of said first rotor and said at least one second rotor comprises a volume defined by the teeth of said first rotor and the teeth of said at least one second rotor and said first closed portion of said rotor shell; anddriving said first rotor which in turn drives said at least one second rotor, whereby said volume expands as said first and second rotors are rotated, the liquid phase refrigerant entering said volume is expanded into two-phase refrigerant, said two-phase refrigerant comprising a liquid portion and a vapor portion, said liquid portion is thrown out of said volume at said open portion of said rotor shell by the centrifugal forces and away from said first and second rotors, said vapor portion is compressed at the second closed portion of the rotor shell by the rotation of said first and second rotors.