Single-stage compressor with blowdown system for thrust load relief

Abstract

A single-stage compressor device includes a housing and a rotating assembly with a shaft and a compressor impeller. The compressor impeller includes a front face and a back face. The front face cooperates with the housing to define a compressor flow path. A motor drives the rotation of the rotating assembly within the housing. In addition, the compressor device includes a bleed system fluidly connected to the compressor flow path, which is configured to receive bleed fluid from the compressor flow path. The bleed system includes a bleed passage. At least a portion of the bleed passage is cooperatively defined by the back face of the compressor impeller and the opposing surface of the housing. The bleed system is configured to allow bleed air to pass through the bleed passage, thereby alleviating thrust loading of the compressor impeller on the rotating assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a single-stage compressor, and more particularly to a single-stage compressor with a bleed air system for thrust load relief. Background Art

[0002] Various systems include compressors for supplying compressed fluids. For example, fuel cell systems often include a fuel cell compressor for compressing air before it is supplied to the fuel cell stack. This can improve the operating efficiency of the fuel cell system.

[0003] However, conventional compressors may have various drawbacks. For example, some compressors may be too large, too heavy, or too complex for some applications. In addition, the bearings used in some conventional compressors may be a source of contamination. In addition, some compressors may have a load-bearing capacity that limits their usefulness and / or operating efficiency.

[0004] Thus, it is desirable to provide a compact compressor that is less complex than conventional compressors. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a compressor bearing that is less likely to contaminate the compressor. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a compressor that has a higher load capacity than conventional compressors. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background discussion. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a single-stage compressor device including a housing is disclosed. The compressor device also includes a rotating assembly including a shaft and a compressor impeller fixed to the shaft. The compressor impeller includes a front face and a back face. The front face cooperates with the housing to define a compressor flow path. The compressor device also includes a bearing that supports the rotation of the rotating assembly within the housing. In addition, the compressor device includes a motor that drives the rotation of the rotating assembly within the housing. In addition, the compressor device includes a bleed system fluidly connected to the compressor flow path, which is configured to receive bleed fluid from the compressor flow path. The bleed system includes a bleed channel. At least a portion of the bleed channel is cooperatively defined by the back face of the compressor impeller and the opposing surface of the housing. The bleed system is configured to allow bleed air to pass through the bleed channel, thereby alleviating the thrust loading of the compressor impeller on the rotating assembly.

[0006] In another embodiment, a single-stage motorized compressor device is disclosed, which includes a housing and an electric motor housed in the housing. The compressor device also includes a rotating assembly, which includes a shaft and a compressor impeller fixed to the shaft. The rotating assembly is turbine-free and is configured to be driven to rotate by a motor around an axis of rotation. The compressor impeller includes a front face and a back face. The front face cooperates with the housing to define a compressor flow path. In addition, the compressor device includes an air bearing that supports the rotation of the rotating assembly within the housing. In addition, the compressor device includes a bleed system, which includes a bleed channel and a return channel. The bleed channel is configured to receive bleed air from the compressor flow path. The return channel is configured to return the bleed air toward the compressor flow path. At least a portion of the bleed channel is defined by the back face of the compressor impeller and the opposing surface of the housing in cooperation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system with an inflator according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detailed cross-sectional view of an inflator;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A rear perspective view of a compressor impeller of an inflator; and

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A forward perspective view of a compressor impeller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application and uses of the present disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0013] Broadly, the example embodiments disclosed herein include a compressor device, such as an electronic feeder or an electric compressor, wherein a fluid bleed system is configured to improve the operation of the compressor device. The bleed system may be configured to be a bleed air system that helps the rotating assembly rotate in a balanced and efficient manner. The bleed air system may include one or more fluid channels configured to receive bleed air from a compressor airflow path. The bleed air system may be configured to allow bleed air to pass through to relieve the thrust loading of the compressor impeller on the rotating assembly. Therefore, the compressor may include relatively simple bearings, such as air bearings. This can provide cost savings and other benefits without adversely affecting performance. In addition, the compressor can be configured to be a single-stage compressor that is compact and simple in design and assembly.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system 100 with an example inflation device 102 of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system 100 may be included in a vehicle such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, van, motorcycle, etc. However, it should be appreciated that the fuel cell system 100 may be configured for different uses without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] The fuel cell system 100 may include a fuel cell stack 104 including a plurality of fuel cells. Hydrogen may be supplied to the fuel cell stack 104 from a tank 106, and oxygen may be supplied to the fuel cell stack 104 to generate electricity through known chemical reactions. The fuel cell stack 104 may generate electricity for an electrical device such as an electric motor 105. As stated, the fuel cell system 100 may be included in a vehicle; thus, in some embodiments, the electric motor 105 may convert electrical power into mechanical power to drive and rotate an axle (and thus one or more wheels) of the vehicle.

[0016] Oxygen may be provided at least in part to the fuel cell stack 104 by the charging device 102. Thus, the charging device 102 may be configured as an electric compressor device (ie, an electric supercharger) with a single-stage compressor in some embodiments.

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the inflator 102 may generally include a rotating assembly 118 and a housing 119 (i.e., a compressor housing). The rotating assembly 118 may include a shaft 150 and various other components fixedly supported on the shaft 150 to rotate within the housing 119 via one or more bearings 121. In some embodiments, the bearing 121 may be configured as a sliding bearing, an air bearing, and / or an oil-free bearing.

[0018] The inflatable device 102 can define a motor portion 112. The motor portion 112 can include an electric motor 199 including a stator 146 and a rotor 148. The rotor 148 can be fixed to a shaft 150. The stator 146 can be supported and contained within a housing 119 and can driveably rotate the rotor 148 and other elements of the rotating assembly 118 about an axis 120.

[0019] The inflator 102 may also include a compressor portion 110. In some embodiments, the compressor portion 110 may be the sole (only) compressor portion of the inflator 102. Thus, the inflator 102 may be relatively compact. The compressor portion 110 may include a compressor impeller 130 fixed to a longitudinal end of the shaft 150. Thus, the motor 199 may driveably rotate the compressor impeller 130 within the housing 119 of the compressor portion 110 about the axis 120.

[0020] Thus, inlet air flow (indicated by arrow 122 ) may be compressed by compressor portion 110 , and compressed air flow (indicated by arrow 124 ) may be directed to intercooler 128 and then to fuel cell stack 104 for improving operating efficiency of fuel cell system 100 .

[0021] Additionally, the exhaust gas flow from the fuel cell stack 104 (indicated by arrow 132) is as follows: Figure 1 150. In other words, the exhaust gas flow 132 can be directed away from the charging device 102. Therefore, the rotating assembly 118 can be driven to rotate without a turbine. In other words, the rotating assembly 118 can be turbine-free and can be driven solely by the electric motor 199 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the exhaust gas flow 132 can be directed back toward the charging device 102, for example to drive the rotation of a turbine impeller fixed to the shaft 150. This in turn can drive the rotation of the compressor impeller 130, for example to assist the electric motor 199.

[0022] The various components of the fuel cell system 100 may be controlled by a control system 134. The control system 134 may be a computerized system with a processor, various sensors, and other components for electrically controlling the operation of the fuel cell stack 104, the motor 199, and / or other features of the system 100. In some embodiments, the control system 134 may define or may be part of an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle.

[0023] The inflator 102 may include a bleed system 162 (bleed air system 162) that manages aerodynamic loads for balanced and efficient rotation of the rotating assembly 118. The bleed air system 162 may mitigate and / or reduce thrust loads generated by the compressor impeller 130 during operation. The thrust loads would otherwise tend to displace the rotating assembly 118 axially along the axis 120 relative to the housing 119. However, the bleed system 162 helps maintain the rotating assembly 118 in a substantially fixed position (fixed axial position) along the axis 120. The bleed air system 162 allows the bearings 121 to be simplified. For example, one or more bearings 121 may be air bearings in some embodiments. Thus, the inflator 102 may maintain heavy-duty operation for a long operational life. In addition, due to the features of the present disclosure, the inflator 102 may be cheaply manufactured and repaired in a time-saving manner.

[0024] Reference now Figure 2-Figure 4 , the compressor impeller 130 of the rotating assembly 118 will be discussed in more detail according to an exemplary embodiment. The compressor impeller 130 may be generally centered on the axis 120 and fixed to one end of the shaft 150. The compressor impeller 130 may include a front face 167 ( Figure 4 ) and back 168( Figure 3 ). The body of the compressor impeller 130 may be defined by a support structure 182. The support structure 182 may be frustoconical or otherwise tapered along the axis 120 from the front face 167 to the back face 168, and the back face 168 may be disposed generally orthogonal to the axis 120. The back face 168 and the front face 167 may intersect at a radially outer edge 230 of the impeller 130. The front face 167 may include a plurality of blades 184. The blades 184 may be relatively thin members that protrude from the front face 167. The blades 184 may protrude radially outward from the axis 120. The blades 184 may also extend helically about the axis 120.

[0025] The compressor impeller 130 includes a hub 170 centered about the axis 120. The hub 170 may protrude axially from a surrounding area of ​​the back surface 168 ( Figure 3 ) and may protrude axially from the surrounding area of ​​the front face 167 ( Figure 4 ). A bore 169 extends axially through the hub 170 and extends axially through the impeller 130 from the back face 168 to the front face 167. The bore 169 may be defined by an inner surface generally indicated at 206. Figure 4As indicated, the inner surface 206 may be defined by two or more radial engagement surfaces and may include two or more radial engagement surfaces, such as a first radial engagement surface 208a, a second radial engagement surface 208b, a third radial engagement surface 208c, and a fourth radial engagement surface 208d. The inner surface 206 may also be defined by two or more grooves and may include two or more grooves, such as a first groove 210a, a second groove 210b, a third groove 210c, and a fourth groove 210d. The grooves 210a-210d may separate the corresponding pairs of engagement surfaces 208a-208d in a circumferential direction around the axis 120. The grooves 210a-210d may extend parallel to the axis 120 and may be spaced evenly (e.g., every ninety degrees) around the axis 120. The grooves 210a-210d may be radially recessed into the hub 170 and may be recessed from the engagement surfaces 208a-208d in a radial direction. In other words, the engagement surfaces 208a-208d may protrude radially from the intervening grooves 210a-210d. In some embodiments, the engagement surfaces 208a-208d may be located approximately within a common radius relative to the axis 120. The engagement surfaces 208a-208d may be knurled or otherwise textured to grip the shaft 150. The grooves 210a-210d may have a circular (e.g., semicircular) cross-sectional profile. The cross-sectional profile may remain approximately constant along the axis 120 from the back 168 to the front 167.

[0026] Wheel 170 Figure 3The hub 170 may be defined by two or more engagement surfaces and may include two or more engagement surfaces, such as a first engagement surface 202a, a second engagement surface 202b, a third engagement surface 202c, and a fourth engagement surface 202d. The hub 170 may also be defined by two or more apertures and may include two or more apertures, such as a first aperture 204a, a second aperture 204b, a third aperture 204c, and a fourth aperture 204d. The apertures 204a-204d may separate the corresponding pairs of engagement surfaces 202a-202d in the circumferential direction around the axis 120. The apertures 204a-204d may be spaced evenly (e.g., every ninety degrees) around the axis 120. The apertures 204a-204d may be axially recessed into the hub 170 and may be recessed from the engagement surfaces 202a-202d in the axial direction. In other words, the engagement surfaces 202a-202d may protrude axially from the intervening apertures 204a-204d. In some embodiments, the engagement surfaces 202a-202d may be substantially located in a common plane (i.e., the engagement surfaces 202a-202d may be coplanar). In addition, the engagement surfaces 202a-202d may be wedge-shaped. Similarly, the apertures 204a-204d may be wedge-shaped cutouts disposed between corresponding pairs of engagement surfaces 202a-202d.

[0027] In addition, the grooves 210a-210d are as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, it can intersect with corresponding apertures of the apertures 204a-204d at the back surface 168. Figure 2 This intersection is illustrated, for example, between aperture 204a and recess 210a. (It should be appreciated that Figure 2 The area above the axis 120 represents the area along the Figure 3 A cross section is taken from a first plane defined by the radial reference line 220 and the axis 120. Figure 2 The area below the axis 120 in FIG. 1 represents the area along which Figure 3 A cross section is taken from a second plane defined by the radial reference line 222 and the axis 120. )

[0028] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example embodiment of the housing 119 of the inflatable device 102 is discussed in more detail. As shown, the housing 119 can include a hollow and cylindrical motor housing 144. The motor housing 144 can extend longitudinally along the axis 120 from one axial end of the compressor portion 110. The motor housing 144 can house a stator 146. Thus, the stator 146 can be fixed within the motor housing 144, and the rotor 148 can be fixed on the shaft 150 of the rotating assembly 118 and can be received within the stator 146.

[0029] In addition, the housing 119 may include a compressor housing member 136 defining an axial inlet 138, a shroud member 139, and a volute member 140. The axial inlet 138, the shroud member 139, and the volute member 140 may be attached together in a single, unitary compressor housing member 136. The volute member 140 may be fixedly attached to one end of a motor housing 144 and / or to other portions of the device 102. The axial inlet 138 may be tubular, linear, and centered on the axis 120. The shroud member 139 may be shaped inversely to the blades 184 of the compressor impeller 130. The shroud member 139 may oppose the blades 184 of the compressor impeller 130 to jointly define a diffuser region 179 of the compressor portion 110. The volute member 140 may define a volute passage 142 extending about the axis 120. The volute passage 142 may be fluidly connected to the diffuser region 179, including an outlet 143 ( Figure 1 ), which provides the compressed air flow 124 to the intercooler 128 and then to the fuel cell stack 104, as described above.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the bearing 121 of the inflator 102 may include an air bearing. Thus, the bearing 121 may include a first bearing housing 186 disposed on an end of the motor portion 112 proximate the compressor portion 110. The bearing 121 may also include a second bearing housing 196 on an opposite end of the motor portion 112. The first bearing housing 186 may be cap-shaped and may support a first journal bearing 188, a thrust bearing 187, and a thrust plate 189 that support the rotation of the rotating assembly 118 relative to the housing 119. Figure 1 As shown, the first bearing housing 186 can cover the end of the stator 146. The first bearing housing 186 can also include a radial outer edge 183 fixed to the motor housing 144. The radial outer edge 183 can be attached (e.g., sealed) to the compressor housing member 136. Figure 2 As shown, the first bearing housing 186 may include a flow surface 185 that partially defines the diffusion region 179. In other words, the flow surface 185 of the first bearing housing 186, the front face 167 of the impeller 130, and the inner surface 141 of the shroud member 139 may cooperatively define the diffusion region 179. Thus, the diffusion region 179, together with the inlet 138 and the volute passage 142, may collectively define a compressor flow path for the inlet air flow 122 to be converted into the compressed air flow 124. As shown, the inlet air flow 122 may flow axially into the inlet 138 along the compressor flow path, turn radially outward through the diffusion region 179, and enter the volute passage 142. The resulting air flow 124 flows to the intercooler 128, and then flows to the fuel cell stack 104, as described above.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, a second bearing housing 196 can extend radially inward from the motor housing 144 and can support a second journal bearing 197 that further supports rotation of the rotating assembly 118 relative to the housing 119. The second bearing housing 196 can overlie an end of the stator 146.

[0032] In addition, the inflator 102 may further include a first end plate 191. The first end plate 191 may be a thin-walled member received within the end flange 156 of the motor housing 144. The first end plate 191 may also cover the axial end of the stator 146, the motor housing 144, and / or the second bearing housing 196.

[0033] Additionally, the inflator 102 can include a second end plate 198. The second end plate 198 can be a thin-walled member received within the end flange 156 of the motor housing 144. The second end plate 198 can overlie the first end plate 191.

[0034] The inflator 102 may also include a first sealing plate 152 proximate the compressor portion 110. The first sealing plate 152 may include a hole for receiving the shaft 150. The first sealing plate 152 may also be received within a hole of the thrust bearing 187. The first sealing plate 152 may also be axially disposed between the back side 168 of the compressor impeller 130 and the thrust plate 189. On the opposite end of the shaft 150, the inflator 102 may include a second sealing plate 154 ( Figure 1 ). The second sealing plate 154 may include a hole for receiving the shaft 150. The second sealing plate 154 may also be received within a hole in the second end plate 198.

[0035] In addition, the inflator 102 may include an outer end plate 200. The outer end plate 200 may be a thin-walled member that covers the shaft 150, the second sealing plate 154, and the second end plate 198. In addition, the outer end plate 200 may be fixed to the flange 156 of the motor housing 144.

[0036] It should be understood that the housing 119, bearings 121 and / or rotating assembly 118 may include many additional components not described in detail. For example, the housing 119 may include many fasteners, fluid seals, thermal shields and / or other components for maintaining effective and efficient operation of the inflatable device 102.

[0037] The bore 169 of the compressor wheel 130 receives the shaft 150. The compressor wheel 130 can be fixed to one end of the shaft 150 in the compressor portion 110, with the back face 168 facing the motor portion 112. The engagement surfaces 208a-208d can abut and frictionally engage (adhere to) the shaft 150. In addition, the engagement surfaces 202a-202d can abut and frictionally engage (adhere to) the first sealing plate 152. As such, the first sealing plate 152 can be as Figure 2A support member is shown supporting the compressor impeller 130 in its fixed position on the shaft 150 .

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a nut 224 or another retainer may be fixedly (e.g., threadedly) attached to the shaft 150 to retain the compressor impeller 130 on the shaft 150. In some embodiments, the nut 224 may include a Figure 3 The end 225 is shown generally corresponding to the hub 170 of the compressor impeller 130. Thus, the nut 224 may include two or more wedge-shaped engagement surfaces 226 separated by a cutout 228 or other aperture in between. Thus, when the nut 224 is secured to the shaft 150, the engagement surface 226 may abut and engage the hub 170 at the front face 167, thereby compressing the compressor impeller 130 between the nut 224 and the first sealing plate 152. In addition, when the nut 224 is attached, the cutout 226 may intersect with a corresponding groove in the groove 210a so as to be fluidly connected. The shaft 150 may be supported by the bearing 121 for rotation about the axis 120 relative to the housing 119.

[0039] Reference now Figure 2-Figure 4 , the bleed air system 162 will be discussed in detail according to an exemplary embodiment. The bleed air system 162 may be generally defined within the compressor portion 110 of the inflator 102.

[0040] The bleed air system 162 may include a bleed inlet 232. The bleed inlet 232 may be cooperatively defined by a radially outer edge 230 of the compressor impeller 130 and a radially opposing surface 234 of the housing 119. Figure 2 , the opposing surface 234 may be included on the first bearing housing 186. As such, the bleed inlet 232 may be a circular gap between the radially outer edge 230 and the first bearing housing 186 to fluidly connect the bleed air system 162 to the diffuser region 179 of the compressor flow path.

[0041] The bleed air system 162 may also include a bleed passage 236. The bleed passage 236 is cooperatively defined by the back side 168 of the compressor wheel 130 and one or more opposing faces of the housing 119 and / or the bearing 112. Figure 2 As shown, the opposing faces are collectively defined by the first bearing housing 186, the thrust bearing 187, and the first seal plate 152. Thus, the bleed passage 236 may be fluidly connected to the bleed inlet 232 and may extend radially along the back face 168. The bleed air received through the inlet 232 may be received in the bleed passage 236.

[0042] In addition, the bleed air system 162 may also include one or more return passages 240. The return passages 240 may be fluidly connected to the bleed passages 236 at a first fluid connection 242. Figure 2 As shown, the connection 242 can be defined by the aperture 204a, the first sealing plate 152, the groove 210a and the outer surface of the shaft 150. It should be appreciated that similar connections 242 can be formed at other apertures 204b-204d and grooves 210b-210d. The return passage 240 can extend axially through the compressor impeller 130 from the back surface 168 to the front surface 167. In some embodiments, there can be a plurality of return passages 240, each of which is defined by the grooves 210a-210d of the compressor impeller 130 and the outer diameter surface of the shaft 150. Each return passage 240 can be defined between the inner surface 206 of the corresponding groove 210a-210d and the outer surface of the shaft 150. Thus, the return passage 240 can extend axially along the inner surface 206 of the hole 169 (i.e., between the grooves 210a-210d) and the shaft 150.

[0043] Additionally, the return passage 240 may be fluidly connected to the compressor flow path via one or more return inlets 242. In some embodiments, the return inlet 242 may be cooperatively defined by the nut 224, the end of the shaft 150, and the hub 170 of the compressor wheel 130. Figure 2 As shown, return passage 240 may extend radially outward from return passage 240 , may turn radially through cutout 228 in nut 224 , and may connect to the compressor flow path at a location upstream of compressor impeller 130 .

[0044] Thus, the bleed air system 162 may receive bleed air and circulate fluid from the compressor flow path, through the bleed passage 236 and the return passage 240, back to the compressor flow path via the return inlet 242. Therefore, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the bleed air system 162 may be a passive closed system that circulates bleed air from the compressor flow path and back to the compressor flow path.

[0045] Thus, during operation of the device 102, the motor 199 may rotate the compressor wheel 130 to compress the inlet air flow 122. Bleed air in the compressor portion 110 may flow into the bleed inlet 232 along the back side 168 of the compressor wheel 130 through the bleed passage 236. The bleed air in the bleed passage 236 may enter the return passage 240 and return to the inlet 138 of the compressor flow path. The bleed air may relieve, suppress, or otherwise reduce the thrust load (the load directed along the axis 120) on the rotating assembly 118. For example, the bleed air may escape from the bleed passage 236 along the back side 168 of the compressor wheel 130, thereby limiting the pressure accumulated behind the compressor wheel 130. In other words, the bleed air system 162 may limit the pressure gradient between the front face 167 and the back face 168 of the compressor wheel 130. Therefore, the rotating assembly 118 may maintain a balanced rotation without significant overall thrust loads. As such, the bearing 121 may be a relatively lightweight bearing, such as an air bearing, without compromising the operation of the inflatable device 102 .

[0046] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been introduced in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that there are a large number of variations. It should also be appreciated that one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A single-stage compressor device, comprising: case; a rotating assembly including a shaft, a support member, and a compressor impeller secured to the shaft, the compressor impeller including a front face and a back face, the front face cooperating with the housing to define a compressor flow path; a bearing that supports the rotation of the rotating assembly within the housing; a motor that drives the rotation of the rotating assembly within the housing; and a bleed system fluidly connected to the compressor flow path and configured to receive bleed fluid from the compressor flow path, the bleed system including a bleed passage, at least a portion of the bleed passage cooperatively defined by the back surface of the compressor impeller and an opposing surface of the housing, the bleed system configured to pass bleed air through the bleed passage to relieve thrust loading of the compressor impeller on the rotating assembly, wherein the back side of the compressor impeller comprises a hub having a first engagement surface, a second engagement surface, and an aperture separating the first engagement surface from the second engagement surface; wherein the compressor impeller is fixedly attached to the support member by engaging the support member with the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface; wherein the bleed system includes a first fluid connection cooperatively defined by the aperture and the support member, the first fluid connection fluidly connecting the bleed passage to a return passage, the return passage returning bleed fluid to a return inlet, the return inlet fluidly connected to the compressor flow path; wherein the compressor device further comprises a retainer fixedly attached to the shaft; wherein the compressor impeller is fixedly attached to the shaft between the retainer and the support member; and Wherein, the retainer at least partially defines the return inlet.

2. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The bleed system is configured to circulate fluid from the compressor flow path, through the bleed passage, to the return inlet.

3. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The compressor wheel includes a bore with an inner surface, wherein the bore receives the shaft; and The return passage is defined between the inner surface of the bore and the shaft, and extends along the inner surface of the bore from the discharge passage to the return inlet.

4. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The bleed passage extends radially between the back surface of the compressor impeller and the opposing surface of the housing; and Wherein, the return passage extends axially through the compressor impeller from the back side to the front side.

5. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The compressor wheel includes a bore with an inner surface, the inner surface including a first radial engagement surface, a second radial engagement surface, and a groove separating the first radial engagement surface from the second radial engagement surface; wherein the compressor impeller is fixedly attached to the shaft by engaging the shaft with the first radial engagement surface and the second radial engagement surface; and Wherein, the return passage is defined by the groove of the compressor impeller in cooperation with the shaft.

6. The compressor device according to claim 5, wherein: The groove is one of a plurality of grooves that are generally evenly spaced about the rotational axis of the rotational assembly.

7. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The aperture is one of a plurality of apertures that are generally evenly spaced about an axis of rotation of the rotating assembly.

8. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The compressor impeller includes a radially outer edge; wherein the discharge system includes a discharge inlet cooperatively defined by the radially outer edge and radially opposed surfaces of the housing; Wherein the bleed inlet fluidly connects a diffuser region of the compressor flow path to the bleed passage.

9. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The bearing is an air bearing.

10. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating assembly is turbine-free and configured to be driven in rotation by the motor; and Wherein the bleed system is a passive closed system that circulates bleed fluid from the compressor flow path and back to the compressor flow path.

11. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating assembly is turbine-less and is configured to be driven in rotation about a rotation axis by the motor.

12. The compressor device according to claim 11, wherein: The compressor wheel includes a bore with an inner surface, wherein the bore receives the shaft; and The return passage is defined between the inner surface of the hole and the shaft, and extends along the inner surface of the hole from the discharge passage to the return inlet.

13. The compressor device according to claim 11, wherein: The bleed passage extends radially between the back surface of the compressor impeller and the opposing surface of the housing; and Wherein, the return passage extends axially through the compressor impeller from the back side to the front side.

14. The compressor device according to claim 11, wherein: The compressor wheel includes a bore with an inner surface, the inner surface including a first radial engagement surface, a second radial engagement surface, and a groove separating the first radial engagement surface from the second radial engagement surface; wherein the compressor impeller is fixedly attached to the shaft by engaging the shaft with the first radial engagement surface and the second radial engagement surface; and Wherein, the return passage is defined by the groove of the compressor impeller in cooperation with the shaft.

15. The compressor device according to claim 11, wherein: The compressor impeller includes a radially outer edge; wherein the discharge system includes a discharge inlet cooperatively defined by the radially outer edge and radially opposed surfaces of the housing; Wherein the bleed inlet fluidly connects a diffuser region of the compressor flow path to the bleed passage.

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