Trane International Inc.

Jon Christopher Johnson

Mark W Harrison

Todd Wayne Smith

Rick Todd James

Yuanjie Wu

Christopher Glen Thilges

Richard Mason Heiden

Joel S Duga

Centrifugal compressors can incorporate a side stream flow of intermediate pressure vapor between stages of that compressor. The side stream flow can be controlled by a side stream injection port controlled by a throttle ring disposed between stages of the compressor. The throttle ring can allow or obstruct flow through the side stream injection port. The throttle ring can extend and retract in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow from the first stage impeller to the second stage impeller. A method of operating a centrifugal compressor can include actuating a throttle ring by rotating a drive ring to adjust a flow of interstage fluid into the second stage impeller.

Interstage capacity control valve with side stream flow distribution and flow regulation for multi-stage centrifugal compressors

An interstage throttle for a centrifugal compressor includes a flow guide plate, a throttle ring, a drive ring, and linkage assemblies. The flow guide plate includes guide vanes that form channels that direct working fluid in between stages of the compressor. The linkage assemblies connect the drive ring to the throttle ring such that rotation of the drive ring moves the throttle ring in an axial direction. Teeth of the throttle ring partially block the channels when the throttle ring is in an extended position. A method of operating a centrifugal compressor includes directing the working fluid discharged from the first stage to a second stage via channels in a interstage throttle. A centrifugal compressor includes a first stage with a first impeller, a second stage with a second impeller, and an interstage throttle fluidly connecting the first stage to the second stage.

Compressor interstage throttle, and method of operating therof

Centrifugal compressors can incorporate a side stream flow of intermediate pressure vapor between stages of that compressor. The side stream flow can be controlled by a side stream injection port controlled by a capacity control valve that has a curved surface facing a flow of refrigerant from the first stage to the second stage. The capacity control valve can allow or obstruct flow through the side stream injection port. The capacity control valve can extend and retract in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow from the first stage impeller to the second stage impeller. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can be ring-shaped. The side stream injection port and the capacity control valve can allow at least some of the side stream to be introduced on a side of the capacity control valve opposite the curved surface.

Systems and methods to clamp an impeller on a shaft in a centrifugal compressor. The embodiments as disclosed herein may include clamping individual impeller independently to the shaft, which may reduce the tolerance stack-up effect of a plurality of impellers. The impeller can be clamped to the shaft by positioning, for example, a relatively stiff support (e.g. a shaft locknut) on a front side of the impeller. The impeller can also be clamped to the shaft by a relatively flexible support to compensate for e.g. thermal expansion/contraction of the impeller. The embodiments as disclosed herein are particularly suitable for a multi-stage impeller.

Systems and methods to clamp an impeller to a compressor shaft

Systems and methods to help provide lubricant to a bearing in a compressor are disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein generally are directed to systems and methods to provide a lubricant flow to the bearing, where the lubricant flow relies on the rotation of a shaft of the compressor, so that the lubricant flow can be independent of a power supply.

Systems and methods to provide lubricant to a bearing

An actuation linkage assembly may include a first lever arm connected to one end of a shaft, a second lever arm connected at one end to another end of the shaft, a transition linkage connected to the other end of the second lever arm, and a bracket connected to the transition linkage. The transition linkage is configured to connect the bracket on a driver ring and to the shaft to transfer rotational motion about the axis of the shaft, from a linear motion received by an actuator, to a linear motion through the bracket causing rotational motion of the driver ring. The actuation linkage assembly is configured with high mechanical advantage. The actuation linkage assembly can be part of a movable inter-stage vane guide assembly in a compressor such as for example a centrifugal compressor, which may be part of a chiller such as in a HVAC system.

Linkage to actuate inlet guide vanes

A terminal assembly configured to conduct current from an external power source to a hermetical motor-compressor unit. The terminal assembly includes a terminal board, at least one opening defined through the thickness of the terminal board, at least a conductive pin received in the opening, and an insulator having a convoluted contour. The insulator may be disposed over the conductive pin and spaced away from the terminal board.

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New Albin, IA, United States of America

Jon Christopher Johnson