Moisture Removal Systems for Electric Compressor Installations

Abstract

The present invention relates to a moisture removal system for an electric compressor device. A compressor device includes a housing and a rotating group having an axis and a compressor impeller supported on the axis. The compressor impeller includes a back side. The compressor device also includes a bearing that supports the rotating group in the housing for rotation around an axis. In addition, the compressor device also includes a spacer that is longitudinally arranged between the back side of the compressor impeller and the bearing along the axis. The spacer is received in the wall of the housing. In addition, the compressor device includes a moisture removal system that is configured to receive and remove moisture contained in a fluid flow from the back side of the compressor impeller to an area between the spacer and the wall of the housing. The moisture removal system includes a channel cooperatively defined by the spacer and the wall of the housing. The channel extends around the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to compressor devices, and more particularly, to a moisture removal system for an electric compressor device. Background Art

[0002] Various systems include compressor devices for supplying compressed fluid to a device. For example, an engine system may include at least one compressor device (e.g., an electric compressor, a turbocharger, a supercharger, or other related device) for compressing air supplied to the engine. A fuel cell system may also include one or more compressor devices for providing compressed air to a fuel cell stack. The compressor devices may improve the operating efficiency of these systems.

[0003] However, moisture entering the fluid flow into the compressor may adversely affect the compressor device. For example, in some embodiments, the compressor device may include an electric motor, and moisture entering the compressor device may negatively affect the motor, electronic control components for the motor, etc.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a compressor device that efficiently and effectively removes moisture flowing therethrough.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 compressor device is disclosed, which includes a housing and a rotating group having an axis and a compressor impeller supported on the axis. The compressor impeller includes a back side. The compressor device also includes a bearing that supports the rotating group in the housing for rotation around an axis. In addition, the compressor device also includes a spacer that is longitudinally arranged between the back side of the compressor impeller and the bearing along the axis. The spacer is received in the wall of the housing. In addition, the compressor device includes a moisture removal system that is configured to receive and remove moisture contained in a fluid flow from the back side of the compressor impeller to the area between the spacer and the wall of the housing. The moisture removal system includes a channel cooperatively defined by the spacer and the wall of the housing. The channel extends around the axis.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a compressor device is disclosed. The method includes providing a rotating group having an axis and a compressor impeller supported on the axis. The compressor impeller includes a back side. The method also includes supporting the rotating group in a housing with a bearing for rotation about an axis. In addition, the method includes longitudinally arranging a spacer between the back side of the compressor impeller and the bearing along the axis so that the spacer is received in the wall of the housing. In addition, the method also includes defining at least a portion of a moisture removal system, the moisture removal system being configured to receive and remove moisture contained in a fluid flow from the back side of the compressor impeller to an area between the spacer and the wall of the housing, wherein the moisture removal system includes a channel cooperatively defined by the spacer and the wall of the housing, and wherein the channel extends around the axis.

[0007] In another embodiment, a fluid system is disclosed, which is configured to compress a fluid supplied to a receiving device. The fluid system includes an upstream compressor device and a downstream compressor device. The fluid system also includes a valve having a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the fluid system provides a first flow path from the upstream compressor device to the downstream compressor device and then to the receiving device. When the valve is in the second position, the fluid system provides a second flow path from the upstream compressor device to the receiving device and bypassing the downstream compressor device. The downstream compressor device includes a housing and a rotating group, the rotating group having a shaft and a compressor impeller supported on the shaft, wherein the compressor impeller includes a back side. In addition, the downstream compressor device includes a bearing that supports the rotating group in the housing for rotation around an axis. The downstream compressor device also includes a spacer, which is longitudinally arranged along the axis between the back side of the compressor impeller and the bearing, wherein the spacer is received in the wall of the housing. In addition, the downstream compressor device includes a moisture removal system, which is configured to receive and remove moisture contained in the fluid flow from the back side of the compressor impeller to the area between the spacer and the wall of the housing. The moisture removal system includes a channel cooperatively defined by the divider and a wall of the housing, wherein the channel extends about the axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an engine system having an electric compressor device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of an electric compressor device;

[0011] Figure 3 It was taken along line 3-3 Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an electric compressor device; and

[0012] Figure 4 According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of an electric compressor device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] 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.

[0014] Broadly speaking, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include a compressor device for a fluid system. The compressor device may include a moisture removal system configured to receive and remove moisture within an airflow moving through the compressor device. In some embodiments, the compressor device may be a motorized e-compressor. The moisture removal system may direct moisture away from an electric motor and / or an electronic control device of the motorized e-compressor device. Thus, the moisture removal system protects moisture-sensitive components and increases the operating life of the compressor device.

[0015] Also disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing the compressor device and manufacturing systems for the compressor device.In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure include fluid systems, compressor systems, engine systems, fuel cell systems, and other systems incorporating a compressor device having a moisture removal system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the moisture removal system may include an internal passage for receiving moisture within the airflow through the compressor device. The passage may be defined by a spacer and / or a housing of the compressor device. In some embodiments, the spacer may include a groove that cooperates with the housing to define the passage. In additional embodiments, the housing may include a groove that cooperates with the spacer to define the passage.

[0017] The passage may extend at least partially around the axis of rotation of the rotating group of the compressor device. The passage may be arcuate. The passage may be annular. The passage may extend continuously around the axis. The moisture removal system may also include a discharge line extending through the housing of the compressor device and fluidly connected to the passage.

[0018] The moisture removal system can effectively remove moisture from the airflow through the compressor device without negatively affecting the operation.In addition, the moisture removal system of the present disclosure can also be incorporated without significantly increasing the manufacturing cost or complexity.

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an engine system 100 having an associated fluid system 102 (i.e., intake and exhaust systems). As will be discussed, the fluid system 102 is configured to provide a compressed gas flow (represented by arrow 101) to an internal combustion engine 111 (i.e., a receiving device). The engine 111 may also provide an exhaust gas flow (represented by arrow 112) back to the fluid system 102.

[0020] In some embodiments, the engine system 100 and the fluid system 102 may be included in a vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a sports utility vehicle, a van, a motorcycle, etc. However, it will be appreciated that the engine system 100 and / or the fluid system 102 may be configured for different uses without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will also be appreciated that the fluid system 102 may be applicable to devices other than internal combustion engines. For example, the fluid system 102 may be operably coupled to a fuel cell stack for providing a compressed air flow thereto.

[0021] The fluid system 102 may include at least one pressure boosting device, such as a compressor, a turbocharger, a supercharger, an electric supercharger, etc., configured to provide a compressed gas flow 101. In some embodiments, for example, the fluid system 102 may include a first (upstream) compressor device 114 and a second (downstream) compressor device 116. Figure 1 As presented in the drawings, the first compressor device 114 may be configured as a turbocharger, and the second compressor device 116 may be configured as an electric compressor device (i.e., an electric supercharger, etc.). However, the first and / or second compressor devices 114, 116 may be configured differently without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] The fluid system 102 may also include a valve 117. The valve 117 may be disposed between the compressor sections of the compressor devices 114, 116. More specifically, the valve 117 may be disposed between an outlet of the compressor section of the first compressor device 114 and an inlet of the second compressor device 116. The valve 117 may be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position (open position), the first and second compressor devices 114, 116 may be arranged in series such that a first flow path is defined from the first compressor device 114 through the second compressor device 116 and subsequently to the internal combustion engine 111. In the second position (closed position), the valve 117 may provide a second flow path from the first compressor device 114 to the internal combustion engine 111 that bypasses the second compressor device 116.

[0023] The fluid system 102 may further include an intercooler 113. The intercooler 113 may be disposed upstream of the internal combustion engine 111 and may cool the compressed air flow 101 before it is received by the engine 111.

[0024] The various components of the engine system 100, the fluid system 102, the first compressor device 114, the second compressor device 116, and / or the valve 117 may be controlled by a control system 115. The control system 115 may be a computerized system having a processor, various sensors, and other control components. In some embodiments, the control system 115 may define or may be a part of an electrical control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. The control system 115 may control the position of the valve 117 based on a variety of factors, such as the engine speed of the engine 111.

[0025] During operation of the engine system 100, the control system 115 may move the valve 117 to the first position. In addition, the compressor section of the first compressor device 114 may also receive and compress air, which is directed through the valve 117 to the second compressor device 116, which further compresses the airflow. The compressed airflow 101 may be supplied to the intercooler 113, which cools the airflow 101 before it is supplied to the engine 111. The fluid system 102 also directs the exhaust flow 112 of the engine 111 back to the turbine section of the first compressor device 114 for driving its rotation.

[0026] Under other operating conditions, the control system 115 may move the valve 117 to the second position. In addition, the compressor section of the first compressor device 114 may also receive and compress air, which is directed through the valve 117 to the intercooler 113 and further downstream to the engine 111. This compressed air flow 101 bypasses the second compressor device 116. In addition, the exhaust gas flow 112 is returned to the turbine section of the first compressor device 114.

[0027] The airflow received by the second compressor device 116 may have a significant moisture content (i.e., high humidity). When the valve 117 is in the first position, a relatively large amount of high humidity air may move through the second compressor device 116. In addition, as the valve 117 moves between the first position and the second position, the static pressure within the second compressor device 116 may provide some of this high humidity air thereto. However, as will be discussed, the second compressor device 116 may include one or more features that receive, manage, and remove this moisture in order to protect other components of the device 116 (e.g., electronics, etc.).

[0028] Reference now Figure 1-3 , the second compressor device 116 will be discussed in more detail according to an exemplary embodiment. The compressor device 116 may generally include a rotating group 118 and a housing 119. The rotating group 118 is supported for rotation about an axis 120 within the housing 119. In addition, in some embodiments, the compressor device 116 may define a compressor section 122 and a motor section 124.

[0029] Rotating group 118 may include an elongated shaft 126 extending along axis 120 between compressor section 122 and motor section 124. Shaft 126 may be centered on axis 120.

[0030] The rotating group 118 may also include a compressor impeller 128. The compressor impeller 128 may have a front face 130 that is generally frustoconical and includes a plurality of blades 132 protruding therefrom. The blades 132 may also extend helically along the front face 130 about the axis 120. The compressor impeller 128 may also have a back face 134 that is substantially flat and smooth and extends radially relative to the axis 120. The compressor impeller 128 may be fixed to one end of the shaft 126.

[0031] The compressor wheel 128 may be supported within a compressor housing 136 of the housing 119. The compressor housing 136 may include a hollow tubular inlet 138, a contoured inner surface 140, and a volute or scroll-shaped outlet 142. The inlet 138 may be centered and oriented along the axis 120. The outlet 142 may extend about the axis 120. The inner surface 140 may be gradually contoured between the inlet 138 and the outlet 142. The compressor wheel 128 may be received within the compressor housing 136, wherein the front face 130 and the blades 132 are opposite the inner surface 140. Thus, the compressor wheel 128 and the compressor housing 136 may cooperatively define the compressor section 122 of the compressor device 116.

[0032] The housing 119 may also include a motor housing 144. The motor housing 144 may include one or more solid and rigid portions defining a motor cavity 146 therein. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the motor housing 144 may include an outer housing 145 and an end wall 147 that cooperatively define a motor cavity 146 .

[0033] The compressor device 116 may further include an electric motor 148 housed in a motor cavity 146 of the motor housing 144. The electric motor 148 may include a stator 150 surrounded by an outer housing 145. An axial end of the stator 150 may be covered by an end wall 147 of the housing 144. The electric motor 148 may further include a rotor member 152 supported on the shaft 126 of the rotating group 118. The motor 148 may selectively drive the rotating group 118 to rotate.

[0034] Additionally, the compressor assembly 116 may include at least one control panel 154 ( Figure 1), which is mounted on and supported by the housing 119. The control panel 154 may include electronic components for controlling the electric motor 148. In some embodiments, the control panel 154 may include one or more circuit board assemblies housed in a control housing 156. The control housing 156 may be fixed to the motor housing 144. For example, Figure 1 As presented in , the control housing 156 may include a portion secured to a longitudinal end of the compressor assembly 116 (on the longitudinal end opposite the compressor section 122). Figure 1 , the control housing 156 may also include a portion fixed to the radial side of the motor housing 144. The control panel 154 may also include a first electronic component 155 (e.g., one or more circuit board assemblies, etc.) disposed on the radial side and / or a second electronic component 157 disposed on the longitudinal end of the compressor device 116. The electronic components 155, 157 may communicate with the control system 115 of the system 100. Therefore, the control system 115 may control the speed, acceleration, and other operating conditions of the motor 148 in order to selectively control the operation of the system 100.

[0035] In the compressor section 122, the shaft 126 may extend through the end wall 147. The compressor housing 136 may be fixedly attached to the end wall 147 to cover the front face 130 of the compressor impeller 128. The back face 134 of the compressor impeller 128 may face the radially extending surface 158 of the end wall 147 of the housing 119. Thus, the end wall 147 may be longitudinally disposed between the back face 134 of the compressor impeller 128 and the stator 150 of the motor 148. In other words, the end wall 147 may separate the back face 134 of the compressor impeller 128 from the stator 150 of the motor 148.

[0036] In some embodiments, the end wall 147 can be cooperatively defined by multiple parts. For example, the end wall 147 can include a cover member 160 and an inner ring 162. Both the cover member 160 and the ring 162 can be generally annular in shape. The cover member 160 and the ring 162 can cooperatively define a central opening 164 of the end wall 147 through which the shaft 126 extends. The cover member 160 can be fixed to the outer shell 145 on one side and fixed to the compressor shell 136 on the opposite side. The inner ring 162 can be fixed and received within an inner radial region on a side of the cover member 160 that faces the motor 148.

[0037] The compressor assembly 116 may further include one or more bearings 168, 170. The bearings 168, 170 may be, for example, Figure 1 However, it will be appreciated that the compressor device 116 may include air bearings or other types of bearings without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] In some embodiments, compressor assembly 116 may include a first bearing 168 (i.e., a front bearing) received within central opening 164. More specifically, an outer radial portion (e.g., an outer race) of first bearing 168 may be attached to inner ring 162 of end wall 147, and an inner radial portion (e.g., an inner race) may be attached to shaft 126.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown in , the compressor device 116 may further include a second bearing 170 (i.e., a rear bearing). The second bearing 170 may be coupled to the shaft 126 at an end of the shaft 126 that is close to the control panel 154. More specifically, an outer radial portion (e.g., an outer ring) of the second bearing 170 may be attached to the housing 119, and an inner radial portion (e.g., an inner ring) may be attached to the shaft 126.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the compressor device 116 may further include a spacer 172. The spacer 172 may be generally annular, spool-shaped, tubular, cylindrical, etc. The spacer 172 may include an outer radial surface 174, a first longitudinal end 176, and a second longitudinal end 178 ( Figure 2 ). The spacer 172 can be received within the central opening 164, wherein the outer radial surface 174 faces the inner radial surface 175 of the cover member 160 of the end wall 147. The first longitudinal end 176 can abut against the hub area of ​​the back side 134 of the compressor impeller 128. The second longitudinal end 178 can abut against the inner race of the first bearing 168. The rotating group 118 can also include an end fastener 180, which is attached to the shaft 126 and fixedly attaches the components of the rotating group 118 to the shaft 126. In this assembled arrangement, the spacer 172 maintains the longitudinal spacing between the compressor impeller 128 and the bearing 168.

[0041] Additionally, compressor assembly 116 may include a moisture removal system 200. The moisture removal system 200 may be configured to receive moisture contained within an airflow passing through compressor assembly 116. The moisture removal system 200 may also remove (e.g., drain) moisture from compressor assembly 116. For example, compressor assembly 116 may remove moisture from compressor assembly 114 ( Figure 1 ) receives relatively humid air. For example, the moisture removal system 200 can remove moisture from the air flow that flows out between the back side 134 of the compressor impeller 128 to the area 202 between the divider 172 and the end wall 147.

[0042] In some embodiments, moisture removal system 200 may generally include a passage 204 and a drain line 208. Passage 204 may be defined adjacent to region 202 and / or may define a portion of region 202. The volume defined by passage 204 may be used to receive moisture within an airflow passing through region 202. Drain line 208 may extend through housing 119 and may be fluidly connected to passage 204 at one end. Thus, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As presented in , moisture collected within passage 204 may be discharged from compressor device 116 via discharge line 208 .

[0043] In addition, Figure 2 In some embodiments presented in FIG. 1 , the outer radial surface 174 of the spacer 172 may include a groove 210. The groove 210 may be recessed into the outer radial surface 174. The groove 210 may have a Figure 2 120. However, it will be appreciated that the groove 210 may have a different profile without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The groove 210 may extend arcuately along the outer radial surface 174 of the spacer 172. In some embodiments, the groove 210 may extend continuously around the axis 120. As the groove 210 extends around the axis 120, the radial profile (e.g., Figure 2 The U-shaped profile shown in (shown in) can remain substantially continuous. In addition, the groove 210 can also define a circle centered on the axis 120 and perpendicular to the axis 120.

[0044] The spacer 172 may also include a first notch 212 and a second notch 214 ( Figure 2 ), which are recessed into the outer radial surface 174. The first and second recesses 212, 214 can be continuous and annular so as to extend around the axis 120. The first and second recesses 212, 214 can be disposed on opposite axial sides of the groove 210. The first and second recesses 212, 214 can receive corresponding sealing rings 216, 218, which can be off-the-shelf sealing components. Therefore, the sealing rings 216, 218 can be attached to the spacer 172 and disposed on opposite sides of the groove 210 relative to the axis 120.

[0045] The spacer 172 can be received within the central opening 164 of the end wall 147 so that the sealing rings 216, 218 seal against the inner radial surface 175. In addition, the groove 210 can also cooperate with the inner radial surface 175 to define the channel 204 of the moisture removal system 200. Thus, the channel 204 can extend arcuately, annularly and continuously around the axis 120, wherein as the channel 204 extends around the axis 120, Figure 2 However, it will also be appreciated that the slot 210 may be shaped and / or otherwise configured without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] The drain line 208 may be axially straight and may extend radially away from the axis 120 through the end wall 147 of the housing 119. The drain line 208 may be fluidly connected to the passage 204. The diameter of the drain line 208 may change as the drain line 208 extends away from the passage 204. In some embodiments, the drain line 208 may include a membrane 269 for controlling moisture discharge from the line 208.

[0047] Thus, during operation of the compressor assembly 116, some air may flow from between the back side 134 of the compressor impeller 128 and the end wall 147. This air may flow through the region 202, past the first seal ring 216, and into the passage 204. As the air further flows and passes through the second seal ring 218, through the bearing 168, toward the rotor member 152 of the motor 148, and further into the motor section 124, moisture within the air flow may be collected within the passage 204. The moisture within the passage 204 may be discharged from the compressor assembly 116 via the discharge line 208, rather than entering the motor section 124. Thus, the moisture removal system 200 may protect the motor 148, the electronic components 155, 157, etc. from moisture exposure and extend the operating life of the compressor assembly 116.

[0048] The compressor device 116 can be manufactured efficiently and at low cost. The rotating group 118 can be arranged, assembled and supported in the housing 119. The spacer 172 can be arranged in the housing 119, and during this assembly, the channel 204 can be fluidly connected to the discharge line 208. Therefore, the assembly and further manufacturing can be completed in an efficient manner.

[0049] Reference now Figure 4 , the compressor device 316 will be illustrated according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The compressor device 316 may be substantially similar to Figure 1-3 Unless otherwise noted, the compressor device 116 is described in detail below. Therefore, the description of certain components / features will not be repeated. Figure 1-3 Components / features corresponding to those of FIG. 1 are indicated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 200.

[0050] As shown, the end wall 347 can include a groove 410. The groove 410 can be recessed into the inner radial surface 375 of the end wall 347. The groove 410 can extend annularly and continuously along the inner radial surface 375 of the end wall 347.

[0051] The spacer 372 can be received within the end wall 347 such that the groove 410 cooperates with the outer radial surface 374 to define a passage 404 of the moisture removal system 400. Thus, the passage 404 can extend arcuately, annularly, and continuously about the axis 320.

[0052] The spacer 372 may also include a first notch 412 and a second notch 414 that receive respective sealing rings 416, 418. Figure 4 , the spacer 372 can be cooperatively defined by a first portion 431 and a second portion 433. The first portion 431 and the second portion 433 can be bobbin-shaped and centered on the axis 320. The portions 431, 433 can be arranged longitudinally end-to-end to abut at a separation plane 467. The first portion 431 can include a first recess 412 and a first sealing ring 416, while the second portion 433 can include a second recess 414 and a second sealing member 418. Thus, the sealing rings 416, 418 can be attached to the respective portions 431, 433 of the spacer 372 and disposed on opposite sides of the channel 404 relative to the axis 320.

[0053] Because the spacer 372 includes the first and second portions 431, 433, assembly of the compressor assembly 316 may be facilitated. For example, during assembly, the second portion 433 may be placed in place on the shaft 326, and then the end wall 347 may be axially advanced over the second portion 433 and toward the stator 350. Subsequently, the first portion 431 may be axially advanced into the central opening 364 of the end wall 347 before the compressor impeller 328 is attached, and so on.

[0054] Therefore, with Figure 1-3 Similar to the embodiment of the present invention, the moisture removal system 400 can remove moisture from the compressor device 316. Therefore, the moisture removal system 200, 400 of the present disclosure can protect sensitive components. In addition, the moisture removal system 200, 400 of the present disclosure can also be included without significantly increasing manufacturing time or cost.

[0055] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that there are a large number of variations. It should also be appreciated that the one or more exemplary embodiments described are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that various changes may be made in the functions and arrangement 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 compressor device, comprising: case; a rotating group having a shaft and a compressor impeller supported on the shaft, the compressor impeller including a back surface; a bearing supporting the rotating group within the housing for rotation about an axis; a spacer of the rotating group, the spacer being disposed longitudinally on the shaft along the axis between the back surface of the compressor impeller and the bearing, the spacer abutting the compressor impeller and the bearing to maintain a spacing between the compressor impeller and the bearing along the axis, the spacer being received within a wall of the housing; a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring attached to the spacer, wherein the spacer includes a first portion and a second portion, the first sealing ring being attached to the first portion, and the second sealing ring being attached to the second portion; as well as a moisture removal system configured to receive and remove moisture contained within a fluid flow from the back side of the compressor impeller to an area between the spacer and the wall of the housing, the moisture removal system comprising a channel cooperatively defined by the spacer and the wall of the housing, the channel extending about the axis, wherein the compressor device further comprises a discharge line extending through the wall of the housing, the discharge line being fluidly connected to the passage; wherein the wall includes a groove on an inner radial region thereof, the groove cooperating with an outer radial surface of the spacer to define the passage, and wherein the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are disposed on opposite sides of the groove relative to the axis.

2. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The compressor device also includes an electric motor; and Therein, the wall of the housing separates the back side of the compressor impeller from the electric motor.

3. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The channel extends arcuately about the axis.

4. The compressor device according to claim 3, wherein: The passage extends annularly about the axis.

5. The compressor device according to claim 4, wherein: The channel has a radial cross-section that remains substantially continuous as the channel extends about the axis.

6. The compressor device according to claim 5, wherein: The radial cross section is U-shaped.

7. The compressor arrangement of claim 1, wherein the discharge line further comprises a membrane for controlling moisture discharge from the discharge line.

8. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The spacer includes first and second notches recessed into outer radial surfaces of the first and second portions, respectively.

9. The compressor device according to claim 8, wherein: The first and second recesses are continuous and annular so as to extend around the axis.

10. The compressor device according to claim 8, wherein: The first and second recesses are disposed on opposite axial sides of the groove and are configured to receive first and second sealing rings, respectively.

11. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein: The bearing is a rolling element bearing having an inner race attached to the shaft, the spacer being disposed on the shaft and abutting the inner race to maintain a spacing between the compressor impeller and the inner race of the bearing along the axis.

12. A method of manufacturing a compressor device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: providing a rotating group having a shaft and a compressor impeller supported on the shaft, the compressor impeller including a back surface; The rotating group is supported in the housing by bearings for rotation about the axis; disposing a spacer of the rotating set longitudinally on the shaft along the axis between the back side of the compressor impeller and the bearing, the spacer abutting the compressor impeller and the bearing to maintain a spacing between the compressor impeller and the bearing along the axis, the spacer being received within a wall of the housing; as well as defining at least a portion of a moisture removal system configured to receive and remove moisture contained within a fluid flow from the back side of the compressor impeller to an area between the spacer and the wall of the housing, the moisture removal system comprising a passage cooperatively defined by the spacer and the wall of the housing, the passage extending about the axis, wherein the method further comprises providing a drain line extending through the wall of the housing, the drain line being fluidly connected to the moisture passage.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method also includes housing an electric motor within the housing, wherein supporting the rotating group within the housing includes separating the back side of the compressor impeller from the electric motor with the wall.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further includes providing the discharge line with a membrane for controlling moisture discharge from the discharge line.

15. A fluid system configured to compress a fluid supplied to a receiving device, comprising: Upstream compressor unit; Downstream compressor unit; a valve having a first position and a second position, wherein with the valve in the first position the fluid system provides a first flow path from the upstream compressor device to the downstream compressor device and subsequently to the receiving device, and wherein with the valve in the second position the fluid system provides a second flow path from the upstream compressor device to the receiving device bypassing the downstream compressor device; The downstream compressor arrangement is a compressor arrangement according to claim 1 .

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