Multi-compressor oil equalization

Abstract

This invention relates to multi-compressor oil equalization, and more specifically, provides a mixing device and a vapor compression system incorporating the mixing device. The vapor compression system includes an intake line, at least two compressors, and at least one predominantly open (e.g., including at least a certain percentage, say 70%) of voids / openings) mixing device. The intake line is used to deliver a working fluid consisting of refrigerant and oil. The intake line includes at least one inlet (e.g., for receiving the working fluid) and at least one outlet (e.g., for distributing the working fluid). The vapor compression system includes a first compressor fluidly connected to a first outlet and a second compressor fluidly connected to a second outlet. At least one mixing device is disposed within the intake line (e.g., to increase internal turbulence of the working fluid).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 198,033, filed September 25, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 199,727, filed January 20, 2021, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] A vapor compression system (such as a refrigeration unit) typically includes at least one compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. Refrigerant circulates through the vapor compression system to cool a medium (such as air). The refrigerant exits the compressor(s) at high pressure and high enthalpy through multiple discharge ports. The refrigerant then flows through the condenser at high pressure and dissipates heat to an external fluid medium. The refrigerant then flows through the expansion valve, which expands it to a low pressure. After expansion, the refrigerant flows through the evaporator and absorbs heat from another medium (such as air). The refrigerant then re-enters the compressor(s) through multiple suction ports in the suction line, completing the cycle.

[0004] Some vapor compression systems provide oil to mix with the refrigerant as the refrigerant circulates through the compressors(s) in the vapor compression system. In some instances, this oil is actively managed. For example, the vapor compression system may include an oil separator to remove oil from the refrigerant as it exits the compressors(s) (e.g., where the removed oil can be circulated back into the compressors(s) by mixing with the refrigerant upstream of the compressors(s) in the suction line). In other instances, the oil is passively managed. For example, the vapor compression system may allow the oil to remain mixed with the refrigerant throughout the refrigeration cycle. Regardless of whether the oil is actively or passively managed, it is important that the compressors(s) receive sufficient oil to keep them lubricated (e.g., to prevent them from becoming damaged).

[0005] Ensuring adequate lubrication becomes increasingly difficult when multiple compressors are combined in a vapor compression system. This problem is particularly complex when the refrigerant is of a lower molecular weight type (e.g., for example, R32) and is mixed with a higher viscosity oil at a high oil circulation rate (e.g., up to 10%). For example, a common problem in these cases is that the oil may not be evenly distributed in the refrigerant / oil mixture in the suction line, which could result in one compressor receiving a higher proportion of available oil. This can lead to one or more compressors in the vapor compression system not being adequately lubricated, and as mentioned above, this can cause damage to the compressors.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need for methods to prevent or at least mitigate insufficient lubrication of compressors in multi-compressor vapor compression systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, a vapor compression system is provided. The vapor compression system includes an intake line for conveying a working fluid, the working fluid comprising a mixture of refrigerant and oil, the intake line including at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The vapor compression system includes a first compressor and a second compressor in fluid communication with the intake line. The first compressor is fluidly connected to a first outlet. The second compressor is fluidly connected to a second outlet. The vapor compression system includes at least one mixing device disposed within the intake line. The mixing device is configured to increase internal turbulence of the working fluid. The mixing device includes at least 70% (70%) voids.

[0008] According to another or alternative embodiment, the first mixing device is located at a maximum distance upstream of the first outlet.

[0009] According to another or alternative embodiment, the vapor compression system further includes a third compressor in fluid communication with the intake line, the third compressor being connected to a third outlet, and the second mixing device being located at a maximum distance upstream of the second outlet.

[0010] According to another or alternative embodiment, the vapor compression system further includes a fourth compressor in fluid communication with the intake line, the fourth compressor being connected to a fourth outlet, and a third mixing device being located at a maximum distance upstream of the third outlet.

[0011] According to other or alternative embodiments, the refrigerant is in the main vapor phase, while the oil is in the main liquid phase.

[0012] According to another or alternative embodiment, the at least one mixing device includes at least one of the following: a plate structure including a honeycomb cross-sectional area; a blade structure including a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending blades; and a vortex structure including a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending members intersecting the central axis of the intake line.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a mixing device for increasing turbulence in the working fluid, comprising a mixture of refrigerant and oil, is provided in the suction line. The suction line defines an inner diameter (D). SL The mixing device has a plate structure comprising a honeycomb cross-sectional region. The honeycomb cross-sectional region is defined by multiple sidewalls and multiple voids. The honeycomb cross-sectional region has at least 70% (70%) voids.

[0014] According to another or alternative embodiment, each corresponding gap is defined between at least five (5) sidewalls.

[0015] According to another or alternative embodiment, each corresponding sidewall has a density of less than 0.05 (D). SL The width of ).

[0016] According to another or alternative embodiment, each corresponding gap has a density of 0.3 (D). SL ) and 0.08 (D SL The inner diameter between ).

[0017] According to another or alternative embodiment, the plate structure includes a first side and a second side defining a plate thickness therebetween, a plurality of sidewalls and a plurality of gaps extending from the first side to the second side, and the plate thickness is less than 0.05 (D). SL ).

[0018] According to another or alternative embodiment, each corresponding gap includes at least one of the following: a generally consistent inner diameter from the first side to the second side, and an inner diameter that tapers from the first side to the second side.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a mixing device for increasing turbulence in the working fluid, comprising a mixture of refrigerant and oil, is provided in the suction line. The suction line defines an inner diameter (D). SL The mixing unit has a blade configuration comprising a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending blades. Each respective blade has a blade angle of attack, a blade axial length, a blade height, and a blade thickness, wherein at least one of the following is true: the blade angle of attack is between 15° and 45°, and the blade axial length is between 0.05 (D). SL ) and 0.5 (D SL The blade height is between 0.05 (D) and 0.05 (D). SL ) and 0.2(D SL The blade thickness is between 0.005 (D) and between 0.005 (D). SL ) and 0.02 (D SL )between.

[0020] According to another or alternative embodiment, the blade configuration further includes a circumferential ring to which a plurality of circumferentially extended blades spaced at equal intervals are connected.

[0021] According to another or alternative embodiment, the circumferential ring includes a ring height and a ring thickness, wherein at least one of the ring height and the ring thickness is within 0.01 (D). SL ) and 0.1(D SL )between.

[0022] According to another or alternative embodiment, each corresponding blade includes at least one of the following: a rectangular configuration and a tapered configuration, wherein the rectangular configuration has a consistent blade height along the blade length, and the tapered configuration has an inconsistent blade height along the blade length.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, a mixing device for increasing turbulence in the working fluid, comprising a mixture of refrigerant and oil, is provided in the suction line. The suction line defines an inner diameter (D). SL The mixing device has a vortex configuration comprising a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending members intersecting the central axis of the intake line. Each respective member includes a straight section and a flap section. The straight section is configured to be substantially parallel to the central axis of the intake line. The flap section includes a flap angle of attack, a flap axial length, and a flap thickness, wherein at least one of the following is true: the flap angle of attack is between 15° and 45°, and the flap axial length is between 0.05 (D). SL ) and 0.5 (D SL The flap thickness is between 0.005 (D) and 0.005 (D). SL ) and 0.02 (D SL )between.

[0024] According to another or alternative embodiment, the vortex structure further includes a circumferential ring to which a plurality of circumferentially extended members spaced at equal intervals are connected.

[0025] According to another or alternative embodiment, the straight portion includes 0.05 (D SL ) and 0.25 (D SL The axial length between ().

[0026] According to another or alternative embodiment, the flap portion includes a slit defining a slit depth and a slit width, the slit depth being between 50% and 100% of the flap's axial length, and the slit width being 0.1 (D). SL ) and 0.5 (D SL )between. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The subject matter to be disclosed herein is specifically pointed out and expressly claimed in the claims at the end of the specification. The following description of the drawings should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings, similar elements are designated by similar reference numerals:

[0028] Figure 1 According to one aspect of the present invention, a schematic illustration of a vapor compression system includes an intake line in fluid communication with a plurality of compressors, and at least one mixing device is disposed in the intake line.

[0029] Figure 2This is a perspective front view of an exemplary mixing device having a plate structure according to one aspect of the present invention, the plate structure comprising a honeycomb cross-sectional region defined by a plurality of sidewalls and a plurality of voids.

[0030] Figure 3 This is one aspect of the invention disclosed herein. Figure 2 The exemplary hybrid device shown is a perspective side view.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a perspective front view of a gap defined by a plurality of sidewalls, according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an exemplary mixing device having a blade configuration according to one aspect of the present invention, the blade configuration comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced, circumferentially extending blades connected to a circumferential ring, wherein each respective blade has a rectangular configuration.

[0033] Figure 6 According to one aspect of the present invention, from Figure 5 The perspective side view of the circumferentially extending blade shown.

[0034] Figure 7 This is one aspect of the invention disclosed herein. Figure 5 The illustration shows a perspective view of an exemplary mixing device, wherein each corresponding blade has a tapered configuration.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an exemplary mixing device having a vortex configuration according to one aspect of the present invention, the vortex configuration comprising a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending members intersecting the central axis of the suction line.

[0036] Figure 9 According to one aspect disclosed in the present invention, a crack is present in the flap portion of the component. Figure 8 A perspective view of the exemplary mixing device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] As will be described below, a mixing device and a vapor compression system including at least one mixing device are provided. It should be understood that the vapor compression system described herein is a multi-compressor vapor compression system, meaning that it includes at least two compressors. By incorporating at least one mixing device, the vapor compression system may be able to prevent or at least mitigate inadequate lubrication of one or more compressors. This inadequate lubrication is typically caused by the uneven distribution of oil (e.g., mixed within a working fluid, which is a mixture of refrigerant and oil) between the compressors. In some instances, this uneven distribution may be caused by different materials in different phases (e.g., the refrigerant may be in a predominantly vapor phase upon entering the compressor, while the oil may be in a predominantly liquid phase). The mixing device described herein is strategically constructed and positioned to help avoid or at least mitigate this uneven distribution. Although the mixing device described herein can be considered a static mixer, it is contemplated that in some instances the mixing device may be a dynamic mixer (e.g., constructed as an impeller, etc.). By incorporating a mixing device, oil can be distributed more evenly throughout the working fluid (e.g., compared to when no mixing device is used), which helps ensure that each compressor in a vapor compression system receives an adequate amount of oil to remain lubricated. For example, the mixing device described herein helps ensure that each compressor receives the same or substantially the same amount of oil.

[0038] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vapor compression system 100 is shown, which includes a condenser 150, an expansion valve 140, an evaporator 130, a suction line 120, at least two compressors 110 in fluid communication with the suction line 120, and at least one mixing device 160 disposed within the suction line 120. It should be understood that the vapor compression system 100 may include any system (e.g., a refrigeration unit, etc.) having multiple compressors 110 in fluid communication with the suction line 120, wherein at least one mixing device 160 is disposed within the suction line 120. It is contemplated that the compressors 110 may be replicas of the same compressor (e.g., having the same dimensions and construction) or may be different (e.g., having different dimensions or different constructions). Regardless of whether the compressors 110 are replicas or different from each other, the vapor compression system 100 described herein may be configured to circulate a working fluid (e.g., a mixture of a refrigerant, such as R32, and oil) through the vapor compression system 100 to provide cooling to a medium (e.g., air, water, ethylene glycol, etc.). Although R32 is mentioned, it will be understood that other types of refrigerants can be used.

[0039] Regardless of the specific type of refrigerant in the working fluid, the working fluid will contain at least a certain proportion of oil (e.g., as little as 0.1% of the mixture in some instances) and a certain proportion of refrigerant (e.g., at least 90% of the mixture in some instances). It will be understood that the type of oil used may depend at least in part on the refrigerant selected. This oil may be actively or passively managed by the vapor compression system 100. For example, the oil may remain in the working fluid as it circulates through the vapor compression system 100 (e.g., mixed with the refrigerant), or it may be removed after the working fluid passes through the compressor 110 (e.g., using an oil separator (not shown)). Whether actively or passively managed, this oil is used to lubricate the compressor 110. Therefore, it is important that each compressor 110 receives a sufficient supply of oil to be kept lubricated. It is envisioned that by positioning at least one mixing device 160 in the suction line 120, each compressor 110 will receive a sufficient supply of oil (e.g., each compressor 110 receives the same or substantially the same amount of oil because the mixing device 160 helps ensure that the oil is evenly distributed in the working fluid).

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, suction line 120 is used to convey working fluid (which consists of a mixture of refrigerant and oil) from evaporator 130 to compressor 110. As mentioned above, at certain locations in vapor compression system 100, the working fluid may or may not include oil (e.g., if oil is actively managed, it may be removed from the working fluid at different locations and reintroduced before entering compressor 110). For example, oil may be remixed into the working fluid in suction line 120. Regardless of whether the working fluid already includes oil when leaving evaporator 120, suction line 120 may include at least one inlet (e.g., multiple locations where working fluid (which may or may not include oil) is received from evaporator 130) and at least one outlet (e.g., multiple locations where the working fluid is conveyed to compressor 110). Figure 1 As shown, the vapor compression system 100 may include a first compressor 110(a) and a second compressor 110(b) in fluid communication with the suction line 120. For example, the first compressor 110(a) may be fluidly connected to a first outlet 122(a) and the second compressor 110(b) may be fluidly connected to a second outlet 122(b). A mixing device 160 disposed in the suction line 120 is configured to increase internal turbulence of the working fluid (e.g., to ensure that the oil in the working fluid is mixed with the refrigerant).

[0041] To ensure that the oil is adequately mixed before a portion of the working fluid enters the first compressor 110(a), the vapor compression system 100 may include a first mixing device 160(a) within a maximum distance D1 upstream of the first outlet 122(a). It should be understood that the maximum distances D1, D2, D3 can be any distance that ensures the oil remains mixed with the refrigerant (e.g., one (1) meter from the corresponding outlet 122). In some instances, the maximum distances D1, D2, D3 are based on the inner diameter D of the suction line 120. SL And the settings. For example, the maximum distances D1, D2, and D3 can be the inner diameter D of the suction line 120. SL Between two (2) times and twenty (20) times. For illustrative purposes, if the inner diameter D of the suction line... SL If the diameter is 50mm (approximately 2 inches), then the maximum distances D1, D2, and D3 can be between 0.1 meters and 1 meter from the corresponding outlet 122. It should be understood that the inner diameter D of the suction line 120... SL It can be between 12mm and 130mm (equivalent to approximately 0.5 inches to 5 inches).

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the vapor compression system 100 may include a third compressor 110(c) in fluid communication with the suction line 120 (e.g., connected to a third outlet 122(c)). To ensure that the oil is adequately mixed before a portion of the working fluid enters the second compressor 110(b), the vapor compression system 100 may include a second mixing device 160(b) disposed at a maximum distance D2 upstream of the second outlet 122(b). It should be understood that this maximum distance D2 may be the same length as or a different length from the maximum distance D1 between the first outlet 122(a) and the first mixing device 160(a). Figure 1 As shown, the vapor compression system 100 may include a fourth compressor 110(d) (e.g., connected to a third outlet 122(d)) in fluid communication with the suction line 120. To ensure that the oil is adequately mixed before a portion of the working fluid enters the third compressor 110(c), the vapor compression system 100 may include a third mixing device 160(c) disposed at a maximum distance D3 upstream of the third outlet 122(c). It should be understood that this maximum distance D3 may be the same length or a different length than the maximum distance D1 between the first outlet 122(a) and the first mixing device 160(a), or the maximum distance D2 between the second outlet 122(b) and the second mixing device 160(b). Although shown as including only four compressors 110, it should be understood that the vapor compression system 100 may include any number of compressors 110.

[0043] Although the vapor compression system 100 described herein is configured to include multiple compressors 110, sometimes the vapor compression system 100 may not utilize all of the compressors 110. For example, sometimes the vapor compression system 100 may need to provide higher cooling capacity (which requires a higher refrigerant compression ratio), while at other times it may provide lower cooling capacity (which requires a lower refrigerant compression ratio). To provide a continuous and effective supply of a desired amount of compressed refrigerant, the vapor compression system 100 may periodically shut down one or more compressors 110 or reduce the operating speed of one or more compressors 110. It is contemplated that the vapor compression system 100 may include one or more valves (not shown) to help prevent the flow of working fluid from shutting down the compressors 110. Control of the compressors 110 and / or valves (not shown) may be accomplished by a controller (not shown), which may be considered a programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable controller capable of receiving inputs and outputs from one or more sensors, and may include a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and memory for storing programs used to control the components of the vapor compression system 100 (e.g., the operation of the compressors 110). The memory may include any one or a combination of volatile storage elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile storage elements (e.g., ROM, etc.), and / or have a distributed architecture (e.g., where different components are located remotely to each other but can be accessed by the processor).

[0044] Regardless of how the compressor 110 is controlled, it is important that the compressor 110 remains lubricated during operation. As described above, the vapor compression system 100 includes at least one mixing device 160 to help ensure adequate lubrication of the compressor 110. As will be described below, the mixing device 160 may have at least one of the following: a plate construction having a honeycomb cross-sectional area ( Figure 2-4 As shown in the figure); a blade configuration having a plurality of circumferentially extended blades 163 spaced at equal intervals ( Figure 5-7 As shown in the figure); and a vortex structure having a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending members 165 (as ...). Figure 8-9 (As shown in the diagram). To reduce the pressure drop from one side of the mixing unit 160 to the other and to avoid excessive obstruction of the flow of the working fluid, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing unit 160 may be predominantly open (i.e., including at least a certain percentage of voids / openings, say seventy percent (70%)). It should be understood that although the vapor compression system 100 is available Figure 2-9 The exemplary mixing device 160 shown is not limited to any of the examples shown, but it is contemplated that any suitable mixing device 160 may be used.

[0045] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, the mixing device 160 may include a plate construction having a honeycomb cross-sectional region (e.g., defined by a plurality of sidewalls 161 and a plurality of voids 162). As mentioned above, the cross-sectional region may consist of at least seventy percent (70%) of voids 162. It will be understood that voids 162 may be defined as openings / gap between sidewalls 161. Although Figure 2 and 4 The diagram shows six (6) sidewalls (e.g., 161(a)-161(f)) surrounding each cavity 162, but it will be understood that any suitable number of sidewalls 161 can be used. For example, in some instances, each corresponding cavity 162 may be defined among at least five (5) sidewalls 162. It is contemplated that each corresponding sidewall 161 may be constructed to maximize the size of the cavity(s) 162 (e.g., without unduly sacrificing the structural integrity of the mixing device 160). It should be understood that one or more dimensions of the mixing device 160 may be based on the inner diameter D of the suction line 120. SL Choice. For example, each corresponding sidewall 161 may include a defined width W. SW (For example, in some instances it may be less than 0.05 (D) SL The selection of these cavities 162 maximizes their size and / or ensures the structural integrity of the mixing device 160. In some instances, each corresponding cavity 162 may have a minimum inner diameter D. V In some instances, it can be as low as 0.3 (D). SL ) and 0.08 (D SL Between ), it will be understood that the specific construction of the mixing device 160 may depend on the amount of turbulence required for the vapor compression system 100.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the mixing device 160 can be configured as a plate having a first side 163 and a second side 163, with a plate thickness T defined between them. P (For example, in some instances it may be less than 0.05 (D) SL )). Figure 3 (It is a perspective side view of the mixing device 160) depicts Figure 2 The mixing device 160 shown (as a perspective front view of the mixing device 160) has been rotated ninety degrees (90°). It should be understood that multiple sidewalls 161 and multiple gaps 162 extend from the first side 163 to the second side 163. As... Figure 3 As shown, each corresponding gap 162 from the first side 163 to the second side 163 can have a substantially consistent inner diameter D. V Mainly consistent inner diameter D V This can be interpreted as meaning that the gap 162 does not gradually narrow from the first side 163 to the second side 163, which could mean that the diameter DV The gaps 162 and 163 on each side of the mixing device 160 may be substantially the same (e.g., + / - 0.5 mm). Although not shown, it is contemplated that in some instances at least one gap 162 may be tapered. A tapered inner diameter D is present. V The gap 162 can be viewed as having a different diameter on one side (e.g., the first side 163) than on the other side (e.g., the second side 164). For example, when the gap 162 narrows, the diameter D on the first side 163... V The diameter D on the second side 164 is comparable. V 0.6mm larger.

[0047] like Figure 5-7 As shown, the mixing device 160 may have a blade configuration in some instances. The blade configuration includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades 163. It should be understood that although shown as including only six blades 163, any number of blades 163 may be used (e.g., between four (4) and sixteen (16) blades 163 in some instances). It is contemplated that in some instances the blades 163 may be directly attached (e.g., by welding, etc.) to the inner surface of the suction line 120. However, as... Figure 5 As shown, the blade configuration may include a circumferential ring 164, to which blades 163 may be attached (e.g., by welding). It should be understood that when the circumferential ring 164 is included, it can be attached to the inner surface of the suction line 120 using any suitable joining process (e.g., welding). Regardless of how it is attached to the suction line 120, each blade 163 can be seen to include a blade angle of attack Θ. AV (From the central axis Y of the suction line 120) SL Measurement), blade axial length L VA Blade height H V and blade thickness T V It should be understood that one or more of the aforementioned dimensions of blade 163 may be based on the inner diameter D of suction line 120. SL Selection. To fully increase the turbulence of the working fluid, at least one of the following dimensions may be applied to each corresponding blade 163: blade angle of attack Θ AV The blade axial length L can be between 15° and 45°. VA It can be found in 0.05 (D) SL ) and 0.5 (D SL Between ) the blade height H V It can be found in 0.05 (D) SL ) and 0.2(D SL Between ) and the blade thickness T V It can be found in 0.005 (D) SL ) and 0.02 (D SLBetween. For example Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the circumferential ring 164 can be seen to have a ring height H. R and ring thickness T R Ring height H R and ring thickness T R At least one of them can be in 0.01 (D SL ) and 0.1(D SL Between ), as mentioned above, the inner diameter D of the suction line 120 is envisioned in some instances. SL It can be between 12mm and 130mm.

[0048] Each corresponding blade 163 may include at least one of the following: rectangular construction ( Figure 5 (as shown) and tapered construction ( Figure 7 (As shown). The rectangular structure can be constructed along the blade length L. VA With consistent blade height H V The blade is 163 (meaning a height of H). V (The same applies at both ends of blade 163). The tapered structure can be defined along the blade length L. VA With non-uniform blade height H V The blades (meaning height H) V The definition is different at each end of blade 163. For example, when tapered, blade 163 may have a triangular shape and blade height H. V It can decrease from one end to the other (e.g., linearly or parabolically) (e.g.) Figure 7 (as shown in the image).

[0049] like Figure 8-9 As shown, the mixing device 160 may have a vortex configuration in some embodiments. The vortex configuration includes a Y-axis intersecting the central axis of the suction line 120. SL Multiple components 165. It should be understood that although shown as including only four components 165, any number of components 165 may be used (e.g., between four (4) and eight (8) components 165 in some instances). Each corresponding component 165 may be seen to include a straight portion 166 and a flap portion 167. The straight portion 166 may be configured to be generally parallel (e.g., + / - 5°) to the central axis Y of the suction line 120. SL The flap section 167 is visible, including the flap angle of attack Θ. AF axial length L of the flap FA and flap thickness T F To sufficiently increase the turbulence of the working fluid, at least one of the following dimensions may be applied to each corresponding blade 163: flap angle of attack Θ AF The flap axial length L can be between 15° and 45°.FA It can be found in 0.05 (D) SL ) and 0.5 (D SL Between ), and the flap thickness T F It can be found in 0.005 (D) SL ) and 0.02 (D SL Between ), the straight portion 166 can be seen to include the axial length L. SA In some instances, it can be as low as 0.05 (D). SL ) and 0.2(D SL Between. It should be understood that component 165 can be directly attached (e.g., by welding) to the inner surface of suction line 120, or attached to circumferential ring 164 (similar to...). Figure 5-7 (The embodiment shown). Although in Figure 8-9 Not shown, but it should be understood that the circumferential ring 164 has a defined ring height H when incorporated into the vortex structure. R and ring thickness T R At least one of them can be in 0.01 (D SL ) and 0.1(D SL )between.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, in some instances, at least one flap portion 167 of a member 165 may include a crack 168 (considered as a gap / space in the flap portion 167). The crack 168 may have a defined crack depth D. S and crack width W S In some instances, the crack depth D S The flap axial length L FA Between 50% and 100% (meaning that crack 167 can extend through flap 167 from beginning to end). In some instances, the crack width W S It can be in 0.1(D) SL ) and 0.5 (D SL Between ), as mentioned throughout the text, at least one of the aforementioned dimensions of the mixing device 160 may depend at least in part on the inner diameter D of the suction line 120. SL In some instances, this can be between 12 mm and 130 mm (equivalent to approximately 0.5 inches to 5 inches). For example, with the inner diameter D of the suction line 120... SL Increase, blade axial length L VA Blade height H V Blade thickness T V Ring height H R Ring thickness T R axial length L of the flap FA and flap thickness T F At least one of the dimensions can be increased.

[0051] The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar indicators in the context of describing this invention should be interpreted as covering both the singular and plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly negated by the context. Any and all examples of the use of language provided herein (e.g., “for instance,” “for example,” “incidentally,” etc.) are intended only to better illustrate the invention and not to limit its scope, unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for the practice of this invention.

[0052] Although this invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments contemplated as the best mode for carrying out this disclosure, but rather that this disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vapor compression system, comprising: A suction line for conveying a working fluid, said working fluid being a mixture of refrigerant and oil, said suction line including at least one inlet and at least one outlet; A first compressor and a second compressor are in fluid communication with the suction line, the first compressor being fluidly connected to a first outlet and the second compressor being fluidly connected to a second outlet; as well as At least one mixing device is disposed within the suction line, the mixing device being configured to increase the internal turbulence of the working fluid, the mixing device comprising at least 70% (70%) voids; The at least one mixing device includes at least one of the following: a plate structure including a honeycomb cross-sectional area; a blade structure including a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending blades; and a vortex structure including a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending members intersecting at the central axis of the suction line.

2. The vapour compression system of claim 1 wherein, The first mixing device is located at the maximum distance upstream of the first outlet.

3. The vapor compression system of claim 1 further includes a third compressor in fluid communication with the suction line, the third compressor being connected to a third outlet, and the second mixing device being disposed at a maximum distance upstream of the second outlet.

4. The vapor compression system of claim 3 further includes a fourth compressor in fluid communication with the suction line, the fourth compressor being connected to a fourth outlet, and the third mixing device being disposed at a maximum distance upstream of the third outlet.

5. The vapor compression system of claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant comprises a primary vapor phase, and the oil comprises a primary liquid phase.

6. A mixing device for increasing turbulence in a working fluid, said working fluid comprising a mixture of refrigerant and oil in a suction line, said suction line comprising an inner diameter (D) SL The mixing device includes: A plate structure comprising a honeycomb cross-sectional region defined by a plurality of sidewalls and a plurality of voids, the honeycomb cross-sectional region comprising at least 70% (70%) voids; wherein the plate construction includes a first side and a second side defining a plate thickness therebetween, the plurality of sidewalls and the plurality of voids extending from the first side to the second side, the plate thickness being less than 0.05(D SL ).

7. The mixing device of claim 6, wherein, Each corresponding gap is defined between at least five (5) sidewalls.

8. The mixing device of claim 7, wherein, Each respective sidewall includes a width less than 0.05(D SL ).

9. The mixing device of claim 6, wherein, Each respective void comprises an inner diameter between 0.3(D SL ) and 0.08(D SL ).

10. The mixing device of claim 6, wherein, Each corresponding gap includes at least one of the following: a generally consistent inner diameter from the first side to the second side, and an inner diameter that tapers from the first side to the second side.

11. A mixing device for increasing turbulence in a working fluid, said working fluid comprising a mixture of refrigerant and oil in a suction line, said suction line comprising an inner diameter (D) SL The mixing device includes: The blade configuration comprises a plurality of circumferentially extended blades spaced equally apart. Each corresponding blade includes a blade angle of attack, a blade axial length, a blade height, and a blade thickness, wherein at least one of the following is true: the blade angle of attack is between 15° and 45°, and the blade axial length is between 0.05 (D). SL ) and 0.5 (D SL The blade height is between 0.05 (D) and 0.05 (D). SL ) and 0.2(D SL The blade thickness is between 0.005 (D) and 0.005 (D). SL ) and 0.02 (D SL )between; The blade structure further includes a circumferential ring, to which the plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extended blades are connected.

12. The mixing device of claim 11, wherein, The circumferential ring includes a ring height and a ring thickness, at least one of which is between 0.01(D SL ) and 0.1(D SL ).

13. The mixing device of claim 11, wherein, Each corresponding blade includes at least one of the following: a rectangular configuration and a tapered configuration, wherein the rectangular configuration includes a consistent blade height along the blade length, and the tapered configuration includes inconsistent blade heights along the blade length.

14. A mixing device for increasing turbulent flow of a working fluid, the working fluid comprising a mixture of a refrigerant and oil in a suction line, the suction line comprising an inner diameter (D SL ), the mixing device comprising: A vortex structure comprising a plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extending members intersecting at the central axis of the intake conduit. Each corresponding member includes a straight portion and a flap portion. The straight portion is configured to be substantially parallel to the central axis of the intake conduit. The flap portion includes a flap angle of attack, a flap axial length, and a flap thickness, wherein at least one of the following is true: the flap angle of attack is between 15° and 45°, and the flap axial length is between 0.05 (D). SL ) and 0.5 (D SL The thickness of the flap is between 0.005 (D) and 0.005 (D). SL ) and 0.02 (D SL )between.

15. The mixing device of claim 14, wherein, The vortex structure also includes a circumferential ring, to which the plurality of equidistant, circumferentially extended components are connected.

16. The mixing device of claim 14, wherein, The straight portion comprises a straight axial length between 0.05(D SL ) and 0.25(D SL ).

17. The mixing device of claim 14, wherein, The flap portion includes a split, the split including a split depth and a split width, the split depth being between 50% and 100% of the flap axial length, the split width being between 0.1(D SL ) and 0.5(D SL ).

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