Compressor arrangement for HVACR system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACamp; r) system comprising a heat exchanger configured to receive a heat exchanger directed through the HVACamp; r system working fluid, and the heat exchanger includes a housing. The HVACamp; the R system also includes a compressor system having a plurality of compressors, where each compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the housing of the heat exchanger.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 350,271, filed on June 8, 2022, entitled “COMPRESSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR HVAC&R SYSTEM,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure described below. It is believed that this discussion helps to provide the reader with background information to promote a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this light, rather than as an admission of the prior art.

[0004] A chiller system or vapor compression system utilizes a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) that changes phases between vapor, liquid, and combinations thereof in response to different temperatures and pressures within the components exposed to the chiller system. The chiller system can place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid (e.g., water), and can deliver the conditioning fluid to a conditioning device and / or a regulated environment served by the chiller system. In some embodiments, the chiller system may include one or more compressors configured to pressurize the working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through the chiller system, such as to a heat exchanger directed to the chiller system. However, a chiller system with multiple compressors may occupy a large physical footprint. Summary of the invention

[0005] The following describes an overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented only to provide the reader with a brief overview of these specific embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may cover various aspects that may not be described below.

[0006] In one embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a heat exchanger configured to receive a working fluid directed through the HVAC&R system, and the heat exchanger includes a housing. The HVAC&R system also includes a compressor system having a plurality of compressors, wherein each compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the housing of the heat exchanger.

[0007] In another embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes: a vapor compression circuit configured to direct a working fluid therethrough; a heat exchanger disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the heat exchanger includes a shell; and a compressor system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the compressor system includes a plurality of compressors and each of the plurality of compressors is mounted directly to the shell.

[0008] In a further embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a vapor compression circuit configured to circulate a working fluid; an evaporator disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the evaporator includes a first shell and the evaporator is configured to cool the working fluid; a condenser disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the condenser includes a second shell and the condenser is configured to heat the working fluid; and an economizer system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the economizer system includes a third shell and the economizer system is configured to separate the working fluid into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid. The HVAC&R system also includes a plurality of compressors disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the plurality of compressors are configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is directly mounted to the first shell, the second shell, the third shell, or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Various aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood after reading the following detailed description and referring to the drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a building in which an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system may be used in a commercial environment according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 According to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system;

[0013] Figure 4 According to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system;

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system having multiple compressors mounted to a heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system having multiple compressors mounted to multiple heat exchangers according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system having multiple compressors mounted to a heat exchanger and economizer system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system having multiple compressors mounted to a heat exchanger and economizer system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system having multiple compressors mounted to multiple heat exchangers according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system having multiple compressors mounted to multiple heat exchangers and economizer systems according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system having multiple compressors mounted to multiple heat exchangers and economizer systems according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, a large number of implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will be a routine task of design, production and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from this disclosure.

[0022] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to indicate that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that are further incorporated into the recited features.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "substantially," and "substantially," etc., are intended to convey that the value of a property being described may be within a relatively small range of the value of the property, as understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, when a property value is described as being "approximately" equal to (or, for example, "substantially similar to") a given value, this is intended to mean that the property value may be within + / -5%, within + / -4%, within + / -3%, within + / -2%, within + / -1%, or even closer of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being "substantially parallel" to another feature, "substantially perpendicular" to another feature, etc., this is intended to mean that the given feature has the described property within + / -5%, within + / -4%, within + / -3%, within + / -2%, within + / -1%, or even closer, such as being parallel to another feature, perpendicular to another feature, etc. Additionally, it should be understood that mathematical terms such as "flat," "inclined," "perpendicular," "parallel," and the like are intended to encompass features of surfaces or elements as understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as strictly as would be understood in the mathematical arts. For example, a "flat" surface is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be substantially flat or smooth (within relevant tolerances) using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, a surface having a "slope" is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be oriented at an angle (e.g., inclined) relative to a reference point using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system having a vapor compression system (e.g., a vapor compression loop). The vapor compression system may include a plurality of compressors configured to pressurize a working fluid within the vapor compression system and direct the working fluid to one or more heat exchangers of the vapor compression system. For example, the compressor may direct the working fluid to a condenser, which may cool and condense the working fluid. The condensed working fluid may be directed to an expansion device, which may reduce the pressure of the working fluid and further cool the working fluid. The cooled working fluid may be directed from the expansion device to an evaporator, which may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid to cool the conditioning fluid. Subsequently, the compressor may receive the working fluid from the evaporator for pressurization, thereby restarting the vapor compression cycle.

[0025] Unfortunately, incorporating multiple compressors in a vapor compression system has traditionally increased the physical footprint occupied by the HVAC&R system. For example, in some prior systems, supports, bases, shells, housings, and / or mounting structures (e.g., compressor skids) may be manufactured and incorporated to accommodate and / or support multiple compressors in an HVAC&R system. For example, prior systems may utilize a separate structure or mounting system (e.g., separate from a heat exchanger of the vapor compression system) configured to support multiple compressors. The separate mounting system may increase the costs associated with the manufacture and / or installation of the HVAC&R system. In addition, the separate mounting system may increase the physical footprint occupied by the HVAC&R system.

[0026] Thus, it is now recognized that avoiding (e.g., eliminating) a separate support or mounting structure (e.g., dedicated to compressor mounting) in a multi-compressor system can reduce the manufacturing cost of the HVAC&R system and / or increase the efficient use of space by the HVAC&R system. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to HVAC&R system configurations and arrangements that enable more efficient use of space, particularly for HVAC&R systems having multiple compressors. For example, the present embodiments include system configurations and / or arrangements that include mounting, securing, and / or attaching multiple compressors to other components of the HVAC&R system (e.g., vapor compression system components). As an example, one or more compressors may be mounted to (e.g., directly mounted to) a heat exchanger of the HVAC&R system, such as a condenser and / or evaporator. As another example, one or more compressors may be mounted to (e.g., directly mounted to) an economizer system of the HVAC&R system, such as an intermediate vessel or flash tank. In either example, one or more compressors may be implemented without a separate support structure (e.g., separate from other vapor compression components of the HVAC&R system), such as a mounting structure dedicated to supporting the compressor. Thus, mounting the compressor to other equipment in the HVAC&R system (such as vapor compression system components) can reduce costs associated with the manufacture and / or installation of the HVAC&R system (e.g., costs associated with the manufacture and / or installation of a dedicated support structure for the compressor) and / or can reduce the physical footprint occupied by the HVAC&R system.

[0027] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an environment for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 for a typical commercial environment. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller, a vapor compression loop) that supplies a cooling liquid that may be used to cool the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 for supplying warm liquid to heat the building 12 and an air distribution system that circulates air through the building 12. The air distribution system may also include an air return duct 18, an air supply duct 20, and / or an air handler 22. In some embodiments, the air handler 22 may include a heat exchanger that is connected to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14 via ducts 24. Depending on the operating mode of the HVAC&R system 10, the heat exchanger in the air handler 22 may receive heated liquid from the boiler 16 or cooled liquid from the vapor compression system 14. The HVAC&R system 10 is shown with separate air handlers on each floor of the building 12, but in other embodiments, the HVAC&R system 10 may include air handlers 22 and / or other components that may be shared between floors.

[0028] Figure 2 and 3 is an embodiment of a vapor compression system 14 that may be used in the HVAC&R system 10. The vapor compression system 14 may circulate a refrigerant (e.g., a working fluid) through a circuit beginning at a compressor 32. The circuit may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and a liquid cooler or evaporator 38. The vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 having an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, a non-volatile memory 46, and / or an interface board 48.

[0029] Some examples of fluids that can be used as refrigerants (e.g., working fluids) in the vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerants, such as R-410A, R-407, R-134a, R-1234ze, R1233zd, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), "natural" refrigerants such as ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable refrigerant. In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 can be configured to efficiently utilize a refrigerant having a normal boiling point of about 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at one atmosphere, also known as a low-pressure refrigerant, rather than a medium-pressure refrigerant, such as R-134a. As used herein, "normal boiling point" can refer to a boiling point temperature measured at one atmosphere.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSD) 52, a motor 50, a compressor 32, a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and / or an evaporator 38. The motor 50 may drive the compressor 32 and may be powered by the variable speed drive (VSD) 52. The VSD 52 receives AC power having a specific fixed line voltage and a fixed line frequency from an alternating current (AC) power source and provides power having a variable voltage and frequency to the motor 50. In other embodiments, the motor 50 may be powered directly by an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motor 50 may include any type of motor that may be powered by a VSD or directly by an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

[0031] The compressor 32 compresses the refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser 34 through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, the compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered to the condenser 34 by the compressor 32 may transfer heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., water or air) in the condenser 34. As a result of the heat transfer with the cooling fluid, the refrigerant vapor may condense into a refrigerant liquid in the condenser 34. The liquid refrigerant from the condenser 34 may flow to the evaporator 38 through the expansion device 36. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment of , the condenser 34 is water-cooled and includes a tube bundle 54 connected to a cooling tower 56 that supplies cooling fluid to the condenser 34 .

[0032] The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another cooling fluid, which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in the condenser 34. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 38 may undergo a phase change from liquid refrigerant to refrigerant vapor. Figure 3 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5 , the evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 having a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to a cooling load 62. The cooling fluid of the evaporator 38 (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable fluid) enters the evaporator 38 via the return line 60R and leaves the evaporator 38 via the supply line 60S. The evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the cooling fluid in the tube bundle 58 by heat transfer with the refrigerant. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 may include multiple tubes and / or multiple tube bundles. In any case, the vapor refrigerant leaves the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 through the suction line to complete the cycle.

[0033] Figure 4is a schematic diagram of vapor compression system 14 in which intermediate loop 64 is coupled between condenser 34 and expansion device 36. Intermediate loop 64 may have an inlet line 68 directly fluidly connected to condenser 34. In other embodiments, inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly coupled to condenser 34. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 positioned upstream of an intermediate vessel 70. In some embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be a flash tank (e.g., a flash intercooler, an economizer). In other embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or a "surface economizer". Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment of , the intermediate container 70 is used as a flash tank, and the first expansion device 66 is configured to reduce (e.g., expand) the pressure of the liquid refrigerant received from the condenser 34. During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may evaporate, and thus the intermediate container 70 may be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from the first expansion device 66.

[0034] In addition, the intermediate container 70 can provide further expansion of the liquid refrigerant due to the pressure drop experienced by the liquid refrigerant when entering the intermediate container 70 (e.g., due to the rapid increase in volume experienced when entering the intermediate container 70). The vapor in the intermediate container 70 can be drawn by the compressor 32 through the suction line 74 of the compressor 32. In other embodiments, the vapor in the intermediate container can be drawn to an intermediate stage (e.g., a non-suction stage) of the compressor 32. Due to the expansion in the expansion device 66 and / or the intermediate container 70, the liquid collected in the intermediate container 70 can have a lower enthalpy than the liquid refrigerant leaving the condenser 34. The liquid from the intermediate container 70 can then flow through the second expansion device 36 in line 72 to the evaporator 38.

[0035] It should be understood that any of the features described herein can be combined with the vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. For example, the present technology can be combined with any HVAC&R system having an economizer (such as the intermediate container 70) and one or more compressors (such as one or more of the compressors 32). The following discussion describes the present technology in combination with an embodiment of the compressor 32 configured as a single-stage compressor. However, it should be noted that the systems and methods described herein can be combined with other embodiments of the compressor 32 (e.g., a multi-stage compressor) and the HVAC&R system 10.

[0036] As described above, the present disclosure relates to an HVAC&R system (e.g., HVAC&R system 10) that includes a plurality of compressors configured to pressurize a working fluid. The compressors may be mounted to a vapor compression system component and / or a vapor compression circuit component of the HVAC&R system, such as to a heat exchanger (e.g., condenser 34, evaporator 38) and / or an economizer system (e.g., intermediate vessel 70). For example, the vapor compression system component may have a housing, and the compressor may be mounted to the housing. In this way, the compressor may be mounted, assembled, fixed, or otherwise implemented as a component of the HVAC&R system without the need to manufacture and / or implement a separate support structure, such as an additional housing, base, mount, skid, etc., which may be dedicated or specifically incorporated to support the compressor (e.g., not to support other equipment of the HVAC&R system). In this way, multiple compressors may be incorporated into the HVAC&R system, thereby reducing cost, complexity, and / or physical footprint compared to conventional HVAC&R systems (e.g., chiller systems) having multiple compressors.

[0037] Considering the foregoing, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system 100 configured to circulate a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant, a heat transfer fluid). The HVAC&R system 100 (e.g., a vapor compression system) can include various vapor compression system components 101 (e.g., components of a vapor compression circuit, heat exchange components, a heat exchanger), such as a condenser 34 configured to cool the working fluid and an evaporator system 38 configured to place the working fluid in heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid. For example, the evaporator 38 can be operated to transfer heat from the conditioning fluid to the working fluid. In some embodiments, the HVAC&R system 100 can be configured to operate as a heat pump (e.g., where the evaporator 38 operates to heat the conditioning fluid in a heating mode).

[0038] The HVAC&R system 100 may also include a compressor system 102 configured to pressurize the working fluid and / or direct the working fluid through the vapor compression circuit. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressor system 102 includes a plurality of compressors (e.g., a main compressor) arranged in a serial flow arrangement relative to the flow of the working fluid through the compressor system 102. For example, the compressor system 102 may include a first compressor 104 configured to receive the working fluid from the evaporator 38 and pressurize the working fluid. The compressor system 102 may also include a second compressor 106 configured to receive the working fluid pressurized by the first compressor 104 and discharged from the first compressor. The second compressor 106 may further pressurize the working fluid received from the first compressor 104. The compressor system 102 may additionally include a third compressor 108 configured to receive the working fluid pressurized by the second compressor 106 and discharged from the second compressor. The third compressor 108 may further pressurize the working fluid received from the second compressor 106, and the working fluid may be discharged by the third compressor 108 to flow toward the condenser 34. Thus, the compressors 104 , 106 , 108 may be arranged in series with respect to the flow of the working fluid through the compressor system 102 .

[0039] The size of the compressors 104, 106, 108 can be selected based on the desired amount of pressurization (e.g., lift) provided to the working fluid. For example, the third compressor 108 can provide a smaller pressurization than the corresponding pressurization provided by the first compressor 104 and / or the second compressor 106. Therefore, the third compressor 108 may have a relatively smaller size than the first compressor 104 and / or the second compressor 106. In fact, each subsequent compressor of the compressor system 102 that receives the working fluid (e.g., a downstream compressor relative to the flow of the working fluid) can provide a reduced amount of pressurization, and each subsequent compressor can therefore have a reduced size. Alternatively, each subsequent compressor of the compressor system 102 that receives the working fluid can provide an increased amount of pressurization, and each subsequent compressor can therefore have an increased size. In such embodiments, the third compressor 108 may have a relatively larger size than the first compressor 104 and / or the second compressor 106.

[0040] In some embodiments, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be controlled by a respective variable speed drive (VSD) 113, which may be operated to adjust the respective pressurization amount by which the compressors 104, 106, 108 pressurize the working fluid. Compared to fixed speed compressor operation, the VSD 113 may provide greater control over the operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108, such as to provide changes in the pressurization or lift of the working fluid. In addition, each VSD 113 may be a low voltage VSD (e.g., 240 volts alternating current [VAC] to 600VAC, less than 1000VAC). For example, the operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 via the VSD 113 may provide sufficient, desired, and / or target pressurization of the working fluid. In practice, the VSD 113 may enable improved (e.g., more efficient) operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 in response to changes during operation of the HVAC&R system 100 (such as lift changes, load changes, etc.). Thus, VSD 113 can achieve desired operation of HVAC&R system 100 without requiring the implementation and / or operation of a medium voltage VSD (e.g., 2,400VAC to 69,000VAC) or a high voltage VSD (e.g., 115,000VAC to 1,100,000VAC), which may significantly increase costs associated with the manufacture and / or operation of HVAC&R system 100.

[0041] The vapor compression system component 101 may also include an economizer system 110 (e.g., an intermediate container system, a flash tank system) configured to receive a working fluid from the condenser 34. The economizer system 110 may include a first economizer 112 (e.g., a flash tank, an economizer chamber) configured to receive a working fluid (e.g., a liquid working fluid) from the condenser 34 and reduce the pressure of the working fluid to vaporize at least a portion of the working fluid. The first economizer 112 may also separate the working fluid into a liquid working fluid and a vapor working fluid. The first economizer 112 may direct the vapor working fluid to the compressor system 102 and direct the liquid working fluid to a second economizer 114 (e.g., a flash tank, an economizer chamber) of the economizer system 110. The second economizer 114 may further reduce the pressure of the working fluid to vaporize at least a portion of the received working fluid and separate the working fluid into a liquid working fluid and a vapor working fluid. The second economizer 114 may direct the liquid working fluid to the evaporator 38 and the vapor working fluid to the compressor system 102. By further reducing the pressure of the working fluid, the second economizer 114 may further reduce the temperature of the working fluid directed to the evaporator 38, thereby increasing the amount of cooling provided to the conditioning fluid by the evaporator 38. In certain embodiments, the economizer system 110 may include a single shell, shell, housing, or casing 115, and each economizer 112, 114 may include a separate chamber, compartment, or volume within the single shell 115. For example, the first economizer 112 and the second economizer 114 may be separated by a plate 117 (e.g., a vertical plate) extending within the shell 115 and configured to enable a flow of working fluid therethrough to flow between the first economizer 112 and the second economizer 114. That is, the plate 117 may generally separate a first volume (e.g., chamber) within the housing 115 associated with the first economizer 112 and a second volume (e.g., chamber) within the housing 115 associated with the second economizer 114. The first economizer 112 and the second economizer 114 may be positioned end to end and / or may be aligned along a horizontal axis. Thus, the housing 115 (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the housing 115) of the economizer system 110 may extend generally horizontally, similar to the first housing 122 of the condenser 34 and the second housing 124 of the evaporator 38. Additionally or alternatively, each economizer 112, 114 may include a respective (e.g., separate) shell and / or housing defining a respective volume, and the shells may be positioned adjacent to each other (e.g., coupled to each other) to form the economizer system 110.

[0042] It should be noted that the components of the HVAC&R system 100 may be described as being positioned or arranged upstream or downstream of each other. As described herein, upstream and downstream may refer to the positioning of a component relative to a sequential flow of a working fluid through the vapor compression system component 101 (e.g., through the HVAC&R system 100, through the vapor compression circuit), such as from the compressor system 102 (e.g., from the first compressor 104 to the second compressor 106, to the third compressor 108), to the condenser 34, to the economizer system 110 (e.g., from the first economizer 112 to the second economizer 114), to the evaporator 38, and back to the compressor system 102. For example, upstream may refer to the positioning of one component relative to another component in a direction opposite to the direction of the flow of the working fluid through the vapor compression system component 101 (e.g., a previous position), while downstream may refer to the position of one component relative to another component in the direction of the flow of the working fluid through the vapor compression system component 101 (e.g., a forward position).

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the second economizer 114 is configured to direct the vapor working fluid into the compressor system 102 downstream of the first compressor 104 and upstream of the second compressor 106 relative to the flow of the working fluid through the compressor system 102. Thus, the vapor working fluid discharged from the second economizer 114 can mix with the working fluid pressurized by the first compressor 104 and discharged from the first compressor. Additionally, the first economizer 112 can be configured to direct the vapor working fluid into the compressor system 102 downstream of the second compressor 106 and upstream of the third compressor 108 relative to the flow of the working fluid through the compressor system 102. Thus, the vapor working fluid discharged from the first economizer 112 can mix with the working fluid pressurized by the second compressor 106 and discharged from the second compressor.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the first compressor 104 may be configured to discharge the working fluid at a pressure similar to the pressure of the vapor working fluid discharged from the second economizer 114 (e.g., a first pressure, a first pressure level). The mixing of the vapor working fluid streams having similar pressures may improve the flow of the vapor working fluid through the HVAC&R system 100. For example, vapor working fluid streams at different pressures may cause the vapor working fluid at a higher pressure to cause a backflow of the vapor working fluid at a lower pressure (e.g., causing an undesirable flow of the vapor working fluid in an upstream direction, causing a disturbance in the flow of the vapor working fluid). Thus, the mixing of the vapor working fluid streams at similar pressures may prevent the backflow of the vapor working fluid and enable improved flow of the vapor working fluid in a downstream direction (e.g., toward the second compressor 106 instead of upstream and toward the first compressor 104 and / or toward the second economizer 114). In this way, the mixing of the working fluid discharged from the first compressor 104 and the working fluid discharged from the second economizer 114 may be improved, and thus the flow of the working fluid into the second compressor 106 may be improved. Additionally, the second compressor 106 may be configured to discharge working fluid at a pressure similar to the pressure of the vapor working fluid discharged from the first economizer 112. Thus, mixing of the working fluid discharged from the second compressor 106 and the working fluid discharged from the first economizer 112 may be improved, and thus flow of the working fluid into the third compressor 108 may be improved, as similarly discussed above.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the condenser 34 and / or the evaporator 38 and / or the economizer system 110 may include a corresponding housing, shell, shell, or casing. For example, the condenser 34 may include a first housing 122 (e.g., a first shell), and the evaporator 38 may include a second housing 124 (e.g., a second shell). In addition, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted, fixed, coupled, and / or attached (e.g., directly) to the first housing 122 of the condenser 34 and / or the second housing 124 of the evaporator 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressors 104, 106, 108 are mounted to the second housing 124 of the evaporator 38. For example, fasteners, welds, adhesives, brackets or other mounting features, sockets, punches, another suitable feature, or any combination thereof may be used to mount the compressors 104, 106, 108 to the second housing 124. However, in other embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to the first housing 122 of the condenser 34 (e.g., rather than being mounted to the second housing 124 of the evaporator 38). In this way, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be implemented with the HVAC&R system 100 without having to manufacture and / or use one or more separate structures (e.g., skids) dedicated to supporting (e.g., mounting) the compressors 104, 106, 108. That is, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be secured within the HVAC&R system 100 via direct coupling to the evaporator 38 (e.g., to a top section or portion of the second housing 124 of the evaporator 38).

[0046] In some embodiments, the first dimension 116 (e.g., length, maximum or longest dimension, longitudinal dimension or axis, dimension along the axis of rotation) of each compressor 104, 106, 108 can be oriented transversely to the second dimension 118 (e.g., length, maximum or longest dimension, longitudinal dimension or axis) of the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second housing 124) to position each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 within the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38. In other words, the compressors 104, 106, 108 can be arranged and / or oriented so that each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 can be mounted to the second housing 124. For example, the angle 120 between the first dimensions 116 can be approximately 90 degrees. In additional or alternative embodiments, the angle 120 can be an oblique angle, such as 80 degrees, 70 degrees, 60 degrees, etc. Furthermore, the size of each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be selected to enable mounting of the compressor 104, 106, 108 to the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second housing 124) within the second dimension 118. The size of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may additionally or alternatively be selected based on structural compatibility with the evaporator 38 (e.g., the weight of the compressors 104, 106, 108 that can be supported by the second housing 124 of the evaporator 38). For example, each compressor 104, 106, 108 may be smaller than an embodiment of a compressor that is capable of providing the total amount or sum of cumulative pressurization provided by multiple (e.g., in series) compressors 104, 106, 108.

[0047] Similarly, the VSD 113 used to control the operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may also be smaller than a VSD that would otherwise be used to operate a compressor configured to provide the total amount of pressurization cumulatively provided by multiple (e.g., in series) compressors 104, 106, 108. For example, the operation, manufacture, and / or implementation of a VSD 113 (e.g., a low voltage VSD) may be more cost effective than the operation and / or manufacture of a larger or higher voltage VSD used to control a single compressor configured to provide pressurization similar to that provided by the multiple compressors 104, 106, 108. Furthermore, the operation of the multiple compressors 104, 106, 108 via respective VSDs 113 may provide enhanced control to achieve different or variable stages (e.g., compression stages), pressurization amounts, capacities, etc., which may not be achievable by operating a single compressor via a corresponding VSD (e.g., a larger VSD). For example, the operation of each VSD 113 can be adjusted to adjust the respective pressurization provided by each compressor 104, 106, 108 and cause the compressor system 102 to provide a particular overall pressurization of the working fluid. The particular overall pressurization provided by the compressor system 102 can be a discrete intermediate pressurization amount that is lower than a maximum allowable or rated pressurization amount (e.g., an upper threshold or limit), such as during part-load operation of the compressor system 102. Indeed, because the respective operating parameters of each compressor 104, 106, 108 can be independently adjusted via the respective VSD 113, the particular overall pressurization provided by the compressors 104, 106, 108 can be more precisely controlled. In this manner, the amount of part-load operation provided by the operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 can be greater than the amount of part-load operation provided by the operation of a single compressor. Furthermore, operation of each compressor 104 , 106 , 108 via a respective VSD 113 may enable improved (eg, more efficient) operation of the compressors 104 , 106 , 108 in response to changes during operation of the HVAC&R system 100 , such as changes in lift, load, etc.

[0048] In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to other vapor compression system components 101 of the HVAC&R system 100, such as another housing. For example, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the first housing 122 of the condenser 34 and / or the housing 115 of the economizer system 110. Similarly, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to other heat exchange devices (e.g., accumulators) of the HVAC&R system 100. Each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to the same vapor compression system component 101 (e.g., a single common housing), or the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to different vapor compression system components 101 (one of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to a first vapor compression system component 101 and another of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to a second vapor compression system component 101). In some embodiments, one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to multiple vapor compression system components 101. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment includes two economizers 112, 114 and three compressors 104, 106, 108, additional or alternative embodiments of the HVAC&R system 100 incorporating the present technology may include any suitable number of economizers and compressors, such as one economizer and two compressors, three economizers and four compressors, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 of the compressor system 102 may be arranged in a parallel flow arrangement rather than a serial flow arrangement with respect to the flow of the working fluid through the compressor system 102. That is, the working fluid discharged by the evaporator 38 may be divided into multiple flows directed to different respective compressors of the compressor system 102.

[0049] Figure 61 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system 100, showing a mounting arrangement of a compressor system 102 with a vapor compression system component 101 of the HVAC&R system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 is mounted to both the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second housing 124) and the condenser 34 (e.g., the first housing 122). As an example, the first dimension 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may span between the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 (e.g., from the condenser 34 to the evaporator 38). In certain embodiments, the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 may be positioned to form a space 130 between the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38, and the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend across the space 130. To this end, the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 may be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. In other words, the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 may be positioned adjacent to each other and may each extend along a longitudinal axis 132 (e.g., a horizontal axis), and may overlap each other relative to a transverse axis 134. The housing 115 of the economizer system 110 may similarly be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement with the condenser 34 and / or the evaporator 38, may extend along the longitudinal axis 132, and may overlap the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 relative to the transverse axis 134. In some embodiments, a portion of one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108 extending along the first dimension 116 (e.g., the transverse axis 134) may not be in contact with the condenser 34 or the evaporator 38.

[0050] Figure 71 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system 100, showing a mounting arrangement of a compressor system 102 with a vapor compression system component 101 of the HVAC&R system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 is mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to both the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second housing 124) and the economizer system 110 (e.g., the housing 115). For example, a first dimension 116 of each compressor 104, 106, 108 may span or extend between the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110 (e.g., from the evaporator 38 or the second housing 124 to the economizer system 110 or the housing 115). In some embodiments, the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110 may be positioned to form a space 136 between the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110, and the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend across the space 136. To this end, the economizer system 110 and the evaporator 38 may be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. In other words, the economizer system 110 (e.g., housing 115) and the evaporator 38 (e.g., second housing 124) may be positioned adjacent to one another and may each extend along a longitudinal axis 132 (e.g., a horizontal axis), and may overlap one another relative to a transverse axis 134. The first housing 122 of the condenser 34 may similarly be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement with the economizer system 110 and / or the evaporator 38, may extend along the longitudinal axis 132, and may overlap the economizer system 110 and the evaporator 38 relative to the transverse axis 134. In some embodiments, a portion of one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108 extending along the first dimension 116 (e.g., the transverse axis 134) may not be in contact with one of the evaporator 38 or the economizer system 110.

[0051] As described above, the economizer system 110 may include a housing 115 (e.g., a single housing or shell), and each economizer 112, 114 may be a corresponding chamber within the housing 115. For example, the housing 115 may be a horizontal housing extending along a direction 126 (e.g., a longitudinal direction 126, along a longitudinal axis 132) to provide a plurality of mounting positions on the housing 115 along the direction 126. Each compressor 104, 106, 108 may be oriented so that the compressor 104, 106, 108 can be mounted to the housing 115 of the economizer system 110 (e.g., side by side along the longitudinal axis 132). For example, the first dimension 116 may extend transversely (e.g., vertically) relative to the longitudinal axis 132 along which the housing 115 extends. In some embodiments, the first dimension 116 (e.g., longitudinal dimension, rotational axis, radial dimension) of each compressor 104, 106, 108 may extend along the transverse axis 134.

[0052] In further embodiments, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the condenser 34 (e.g., the second housing 124) and the economizer system 110 (e.g., the shell 115). For example, the condenser 34 and the economizer system 110 may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with each other, and may each extend along the longitudinal axis 132, as shown. The first dimension 116 of each compressor 104, 106, 108 may extend from the condenser 34 to the economizer system 110. Still further, in some embodiments, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend between the condenser 34 (e.g., the first housing 122), the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second housing 124), and the economizer system 110 (e.g., the shell 115), and be mounted to each of the condenser, the evaporator, and the economizer system. In additional or alternative embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend between and be mounted to different combinations of other vapor compression system components 101 of the HVAC&R system 100. For example, one of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend between and be mounted to the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38, and another of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend between and be mounted to the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110.

[0053] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system 100. The HVAC&R system 100 includes a compressor system 102 and an economizer system 110. The compressor system 102 may include a first compressor 104, a second compressor 106, and a third compressor 108 arranged in a serial flow arrangement with respect to a flow of a working fluid through the compressor system 102 to sequentially pressurize the working fluid discharged by the evaporator 38 and discharge the pressurized working fluid to the condenser 34. For example, the first compressor 104 may pressurize the working fluid by a first amount, the second compressor 106 may receive the working fluid from the first compressor 104 and further pressurize the working fluid by a second amount, and the third compressor 108 may receive the working fluid from the second compressor 106 and further pressurize the working fluid by a third amount.

[0054] The economizer system 110 may include a first economizer 112, a second economizer 114, a third economizer 140, a fourth economizer 142, and a fifth economizer 144. The economizers 112, 114, 140, 142, 144 may be arranged in a serial flow arrangement (e.g., arranged substantially horizontally) relative to a working fluid flowing through the economizer system 110 (e.g., flowing through a corresponding plate 117 positioned between the economizers 112, 114, 140, 142, 144). The economizers 112, 114, 140, 142, 144 may sequentially reduce the pressure of the working fluid received from the condenser 34 so that the working fluid can be separated into a liquid working fluid and a vapor working fluid (e.g., in multiple stages). As discussed similarly above, the economizer system 110 may discharge the liquid working fluid directed toward the evaporator 38. For example, the first economizer 112 may reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a first reduced pressure level, the second economizer 114 may receive the liquid working fluid from the first economizer 112 and further reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a second reduced pressure level less than the first reduced pressure level, the third economizer 140 may receive the liquid working fluid from the second economizer 114 and further reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a third reduced pressure level less than the first reduced pressure level, the fourth economizer 142 may receive the liquid working fluid from the third economizer 140 and further reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a fourth reduced pressure level less than the third reduced pressure level, and the fifth economizer 144 may receive the liquid working fluid from the fourth economizer 142 and further reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a fifth reduced pressure level less than the fourth reduced pressure level. Each successive reduction in the pressure of the liquid working fluid may further reduce the temperature of the liquid working fluid and, thus, increase the amount of cooling available at the evaporator 38 via the liquid working fluid received from the economizer system 110.

[0055] Each of the economizers 112, 114, 140, 142, 144 may also be configured to discharge a vapor working fluid to the compressor system 102. In some embodiments, the fourth economizer 142 may be configured to discharge a working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) toward the inlet of the second compressor 106 (e.g., downstream of the first compressor 104). Thus, the working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142 may then be pressurized by the second compressor 106 of the compressor system 102, and subsequently by the third compressor 108. The vapor working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142 may be mixed with the working fluid pressurized and discharged by the first compressor 104. In some embodiments, the vapor working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142 may be at a pressure similar to that of the working fluid discharged by the first compressor 104, which may improve mixing of the working fluid flow upstream of the second compressor 106. In addition, the second economizer 114 can be configured to discharge the working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) toward the inlet of the third compressor 108 (e.g., downstream of the second compressor 106). Therefore, the vapor working fluid discharged by the second economizer 114 can be pressurized by the third compressor 108. For example, the vapor working fluid discharged by the second economizer 114 can be mixed with the working fluid pressurized and discharged by the second compressor 106. In some embodiments, the vapor working fluid discharged by the second economizer 114 can have approximately the same pressure as the working fluid discharged by the second compressor 106, which can improve the mixing of the working fluid flow upstream of the third compressor 108.

[0056] In addition, the compressor system 102 may include one or more auxiliary compressors 143 (e.g., compressors arranged in parallel with the compressors 104, 106, 108 with respect to the flow of working fluid through the compressor system 102) that are configured to receive a respective flow of working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) from the economizer system 110 and pressurize the received flow of working fluid. Each auxiliary compressor 143 may also be controlled via a respective VSD 145. The VSD 145 may adjust a respective stage, pressurization amount (e.g., lift), capacity, etc. associated with the auxiliary compressor 143 to provide a desired overall pressurization of the working fluid. Similar to the VSD 113 discussed above, the VSD 145 may be a low voltage VSD that enables a reduction in costs associated with the manufacture and / or operation of the HVAC&R system 100 and provides desired control of the auxiliary compressors 143.

[0057] In some embodiments, the auxiliary compressors 143 may be arranged in a parallel flow arrangement relative to each other. In other words, the auxiliary compressors 143 may pressurize different working fluid flows within the compressor system 102. For example, the first auxiliary compressor 146 may be configured to receive a working fluid (e.g., a steam working fluid) from the fifth economizer 144, pressurize the working fluid and discharge the pressurized working fluid toward the inlet of the second compressor 106 (e.g., downstream of the first compressor 104). In this way, the working fluid pressurized and discharged by the first auxiliary compressor 146 may be subsequently pressurized by the second compressor 106 and the third compressor 108 of the compressor system 102. Therefore, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the working fluid discharged by the first auxiliary compressor 146 may be mixed with the working fluid discharged by the first compressor 104 and / or the working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142. In certain embodiments, the first auxiliary compressor 146 and the first compressor 104 may discharge the working fluid at a similar pressure, which may also be similar to the pressure of the working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142. In this way, mixing of the working fluid streams from the first auxiliary compressor 146, the first compressor 104, and / or the fourth economizer 142 upstream of the second compressor 106 can be improved. In some embodiments, the operation of the first auxiliary compressor 146, the first compressor 104, and / or the fourth economizer 142 can be adjusted to enable the working fluids to be discharged at similar pressures.

[0058] The second auxiliary compressor 148 of the compressor system 102 can be configured to receive a working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) from the third economizer 140, pressurize the working fluid, and discharge the pressurized working fluid toward the inlet of the third compressor 108. In this way, the working fluid pressurized and discharged by the second auxiliary compressor 148 can be subsequently pressurized by the third compressor 108. The working fluid discharged by the second auxiliary compressor 148 can be mixed with the working fluid discharged by the second compressor 106 and / or the working fluid discharged by the second economizer 114. Therefore, the operation of the second auxiliary compressor 148, the second compressor 106, and / or the second economizer 114 can be adjusted so that the working fluids can be discharged at similar pressures, thereby enabling the working fluids to flow through the compressor system 102 more efficiently.

[0059] The third auxiliary compressor 150 of the compressor system 102 may be configured to receive a working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) from the first economizer 112, pressurize the working fluid, and discharge the pressurized working fluid toward the condenser 34. That is, the working fluid pressurized and discharged by the third auxiliary compressor 150 may be mixed with the working fluid discharged by the third compressor 108. In some embodiments, the operation of the third auxiliary compressor 150 and the third compressor 108 may be adjusted so that the working fluids can be discharged at similar pressures, thereby enabling the working fluids to flow through the compressor system 102 more efficiently.

[0060] Embodiments of the auxiliary compressors 143 (e.g., the first auxiliary compressor 146, the second auxiliary compressor 148, and the third auxiliary compressor 150) may be selected for use in conjunction with the compressor system 102 based on desired operation, such as to enable discharge of working fluid at similar pressures relative to the compressors 104, 106, 108 and / or the economizers 112, 114, 142. For example, in some embodiments, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may have substantially the same size and / or capacity. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may have different sizes and / or capacities relative to each other.

[0061] Although the compressor system 102 of the illustrated HVAC&R system 100 includes three compressors 104, 106, 108 and three auxiliary compressors 143, additional or alternative compressor systems 102 may include any suitable number of compressors and / or auxiliary compressors. For example, additional or alternative embodiments of the HVAC&R system 100 may include an economizer system 110 having a different number of economizers, and the number of compressors and / or auxiliary compressors may correspond to the number of economizers (e.g., two compressors and two auxiliary compressors, where the economizer system 110 includes three economizers, four compressors and four auxiliary compressors, where the economizer system 110 includes seven economizers).

[0062] The compressors 104, 106, 108 and / or the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to the condenser 34, the evaporator 38, and / or the economizer system 110 (e.g., the first housing 122, the second housing 124, and / or the housing 115). In the illustrated embodiment, the compressors 104, 106, 108 are mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the evaporator 38 (e.g., such that the first dimension 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108 extends transversely to the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38). However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to the condenser 34, the economizer system 110, or any combination of the condenser 34, the evaporator 38, and / or the economizer system 110, similarly as described above. Further, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to different combinations of the vapor compression system components 101 relative to each other.

[0063] In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 are mounted to the economizer system 110 (e.g., the housing 115). In certain embodiments, the respective third dimensions 152 (e.g., length, maximum or longest dimension, longitudinal dimension or axis, rotational axis) of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may extend along (e.g., substantially parallel to) a fourth dimension 154 (e.g., length, maximum or longest dimension, longitudinal dimension or axis) of the economizer system 110 (e.g., the housing 115). For example, the respective third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be offset from one another relative to a first axis 156 (e.g., a transverse axis). Each third dimension 152 may extend along a common second axis 158 (e.g., a longitudinal axis). In other words, the respective third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be aligned with one another along the second axis 158. In some embodiments, the third dimension 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be smaller than the first dimension 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108 to enable mounting of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 to the economizer system 110 within a fourth dimension 154 of the economizer system 110, such as where the third dimension 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 extends along the fourth dimension 154. In additional or alternative embodiments, the third dimension 152 of any of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be positioned transverse to the fourth dimension 154 of the economizer system 110. In any of such embodiments, the fourth dimension 154 of the economizer system 110 may provide a sufficient number of mounting locations such that each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 can be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the economizer system 110.

[0064] Still further, in additional or alternative embodiments, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to different vapor compression system components 101 of the HVAC&R system 100, such as the condenser 34 (e.g., the first housing 122) and / or the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second housing 124). In such embodiments, the respective third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may extend along or laterally relative to the dimensions or lengths (e.g., the second dimensions 118) of the condenser 34 and / or the evaporator 38. In fact, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to a combination of the condenser 34, the evaporator 38, and / or the economizer system 110, as similarly discussed above. Furthermore, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to different combinations of the vapor compression system components 101 from one another. According to the present technology, the compressors 104, 106, 108 and auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 of the compressor system 102 are mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to one or more vapor compression system components (e.g., the first housing 122, the second housing 124 and / or the shell 115) in the vapor compression system component 101, which enables the physical footprint of the HVAC&R system 100 to be reduced and also enables the operation (e.g., coefficient of performance) of the HVAC&R system 100 to be improved.

[0065] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system 100 that includes a compressor system 102 having compressors 104, 106, 108 configured to pressurize a working fluid discharged by an evaporator 38, and auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 configured to pressurize a working fluid discharged by an economizer system 110. The compressor system 102 may direct the working fluid from the evaporator 38, from the economizer system 110, and through the compressor system 102 to the condenser 34 in a manner similar to that described above. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 is mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to both the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 (e.g., mounted to a first housing 122 and a second housing 124). Thus, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend from the condenser 34 to the evaporator 38.

[0066] In addition, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be positioned between the compressors 104, 106, 108 relative to the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38 (e.g., along the second axis 158). As shown, the first auxiliary compressor 146 may be positioned between the first compressor 104 and the second compressor 106, the second auxiliary compressor 148 may be positioned between the second compressor 106 and the third compressor 108, and the third compressor 108 may be positioned between the second auxiliary compressor 148 and the third auxiliary compressor 150. Thus, the compressors 104, 106, 108 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be positioned in an alternating arrangement along the second axis 158 (e.g., along the second dimension 118). Each of the first auxiliary compressor 146, the second auxiliary compressor 148, and the third auxiliary compressor 150 may be mounted to the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second housing 124). Additionally or alternatively, each of the first auxiliary compressor 146 , the second auxiliary compressor 148 , and the third auxiliary compressor 150 may be mounted to the condenser 34 (eg, the first housing 122 ) and positioned between the compressors 104 , 106 , 108 (eg, along the second axis 158 ).

[0067] In either embodiment, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be selected (e.g., having a respective third size 152 that is smaller than the respective first size 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108) to enable the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 to be mounted directly to the evaporator 38 and / or the condenser 34. In further embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the economizer system 110 (e.g., the housing 115 of the economizer system 110), and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be positioned between the compressors 104, 106, 108 (e.g., the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to the evaporator 38 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to the economizer system 110).

[0068] In some embodiments, the respective first dimensions 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108 and the respective third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be oriented transversely relative to one another so that the compressors 104, 106, 108 and / or the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 can be arranged within the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38 or within corresponding dimensions of a housing (e.g., the shell 115, the first housing 122, the second housing 124) to which the compressors 104, 106, 108 and / or the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) In additional or alternative embodiments, the respective first dimensions 116 and the respective third dimensions 152 may be aligned with one another along a common axis (e.g., a second axis 158 along the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38). In other embodiments, the respective first dimension 116 and the respective third dimension 152 may extend parallel to each other (e.g., each of the respective first dimension 116 and the respective third dimension 152 may extend along the first axis 156 and generally perpendicular to the length of the condenser 34, the evaporator 38 and / or the economizer system 110).

[0069] Fig.101 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system 100 that includes a compressor system 102 having compressors 104, 106, 108 configured to pressurize a working fluid discharged by an evaporator 38, and auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 configured to pressurize a working fluid discharged by an economizer system 110. In the illustrated embodiment, a first economizer 112 is configured to discharge a working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) toward a third auxiliary compressor 150, a second economizer 114 is configured to discharge a working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) toward an inlet of the third compressor 108, a third economizer 140 is configured to discharge a working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) toward a second auxiliary compressor 148, a fourth economizer 142 is configured to discharge a working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) toward an inlet of the second compressor 106, and a fifth economizer 144 is configured to discharge a working fluid (e.g., a vapor working fluid) toward the first auxiliary compressor 146. In addition, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 can be configured to pressurize the working fluid and discharge the working fluid to the condenser 34 in parallel with the compressors 104, 106, 108. For example, the working fluids pressurized and discharged by the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 can be combined with each other and with the working fluid pressurized and discharged by the third compressor 108. The combined working fluid can then be directed to the condenser 34. Therefore, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 can discharge the working fluid at a pressure similar to the pressure of the working fluid discharged by the third compressor 108. As a result, the mixing of the working fluid streams discharged by the third compressor 108 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 upstream of the condenser 34 can be improved.

[0070] In additional or alternative embodiments, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be configured to pressurize and discharge the working fluid to the inlet of a common or shared compressor (e.g., the third compressor 108). That is, the working fluid discharged from the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mixed with each other, with the working fluid discharged by one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108, and / or with the working fluid discharged by one or more of the economizers 114, 142. Thereafter, the combined working fluid may be directed to the common compressor.

[0071] In further embodiments, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be arranged in a serial flow arrangement with respect to each other with respect to the working fluid flowing through the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150. That is, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may sequentially pressurize the working fluid, and the pressurized working fluid may then be directed to one of the compressors 104, 106, 108 and / or the condenser 34. For example, the first auxiliary compressor 146 may pressurize the working fluid received from the fifth economizer 144, and may discharge the pressurized working fluid toward the second auxiliary compressor 148. The second auxiliary compressor 148 may pressurize the working fluid received from the third economizer 140, further pressurize the working fluid received from the first auxiliary compressor 146, and discharge the working fluid toward the third auxiliary compressor 150. The third auxiliary compressor 150 may pressurize the working fluid received from the first economizer 112, further pressurize the working fluid received from the second auxiliary compressor 148, and discharge the working fluid toward the condenser 34. In such embodiments, as an example, the working fluid discharged by the first auxiliary compressor 146 may be mixed with the working fluid discharged by the third economizer 140, and the working fluid discharged by the second auxiliary compressor 148 may be mixed with the working fluid discharged by the first economizer 112. Thus, the operation of the first auxiliary compressor 146 and the third economizer 140 may be adjusted so that the working fluids are discharged at similar pressures, and / or the operation of the second auxiliary compressor 148 and the first economizer 112 may be adjusted so that the working fluids are discharged at similar pressures.

[0072] Fig.11 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system 100 that includes a compressor system 102 having compressors 104, 106, 108 configured to pressurize the working fluid discharged by the evaporator 38, and auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 configured to pressurize the working fluid discharged by the economizer system 110. The compressor system 102 may be configured as described above with reference to Fig. 9Receive the working fluid and direct the working fluid therethrough in a manner similar to that described. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 is mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to both the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110 (e.g., each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 extends from the evaporator 38 to the economizer system 110), as similarly discussed above. In addition, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to both the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 (e.g., each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may extend from the condenser 34 to the evaporator 38). For example, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be aligned with a corresponding one of the compressors 104, 106, 108 at a common position along the direction 126 and / or along the second axis 158. For example, the first auxiliary compressor 146 may be aligned with the first compressor 104 at a first position along the second axis 158, the second auxiliary compressor 148 may be aligned with the second compressor 106 at a second position along the second axis 158, and the third auxiliary compressor 150 may be aligned with the third compressor 108 at a third position along the second axis 158. In this manner, the first dimension 116 of the first compressor 104 and the third dimension 152 of the first auxiliary compressor 146, the first dimension 116 of the second compressor 106 and the third dimension 152 of the second auxiliary compressor 148, and / or the first dimension 116 of the third compressor 108 and the third dimension 152 of the third auxiliary compressor 150 may extend along a respective common axis (e.g., an axis extending along and / or parallel to the first axis 156). In additional or alternative embodiments, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be offset from the compressors 104, 106, 108, such as in an alternating arrangement at different positions along the second axis 158.

[0073] In further embodiments, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to both the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110 (e.g., each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may extend from the evaporator 38 to the economizer system 110). In addition, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to both the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 (e.g., each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend from the condenser 34 to the evaporator 38). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, certain of the compressors 104, 106, 108 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to the same vapor compression system component 101. In fact, the compressors 104, 106, 108 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to any combination of the vapor compression system components 101, rather than to separate dedicated mounting structures.

[0074] As described in detail above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to HVAC&R system configurations and arrangements that enable more efficient use of space, particularly for HVAC&R systems having multiple compressors. For example, the present embodiments include system configurations and / or arrangements that include mounting, securing and / or attaching multiple compressors to other components of the HVAC&R system, such as a heat exchanger and / or an economizer. One or more compressors may be mounted to (e.g., directly to) a condenser and / or evaporator of the HVAC&R system. As another example, one or more compressors may be mounted to (e.g., directly to) an economizer system of the HVAC&R system, such as an intermediate vessel or a flash tank. In this manner, one or more compressors can be implemented without a separate support structure (e.g., separate from other vapor compression components of the HVAC&R system), such as a mounting structure dedicated to supporting the compressors. Thus, mounting the compressor to other equipment in the HVAC&R system (such as vapor compression system components) can reduce costs associated with the manufacture and / or installation of the HVAC&R system (e.g., costs associated with the manufacture and / or installation of a dedicated support structure for the compressor) and / or can reduce the physical footprint occupied by the HVAC&R system.

[0075] Although only certain features and embodiments are shown and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims, such as changes in size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, parameter values ​​(such as temperature and pressure), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0076] Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described, such as those not relevant to the best mode currently contemplated or those not relevant to enablement. It should be appreciated that in the development of such actual implementations, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made. Such development work may be complex and time consuming, but these are routine tasks of design, fabrication, and production for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

[0077] The techniques presented and claimed herein refer to and apply to substantial objects and specific examples of a practical nature that improve the technical field of the invention in a demonstrable manner and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements expressed as "means for [performing] [the function] ..." or "steps for [performing] [the function] ...", it is expected that such elements will be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements specified in any other manner, it is intended that such elements will not be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system comprising: a heat exchanger configured to receive a working fluid directed through the HVAC&R system, wherein the heat exchanger includes a housing; and A compressor system includes a plurality of compressors, wherein each compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the housing of the heat exchanger.

2. The HVAC&R system of claim 1 , wherein a first compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to receive and pressurize the working fluid, and a second compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to receive the working fluid from the first compressor and further pressurize the working fluid received from the first compressor.

3. The HVAC&R system of claim 2, comprising an economizer configured to separate the working fluid into a liquid working fluid and a vapor working fluid, wherein the second compressor is configured to receive the vapor working fluid from the economizer.

4. The HVAC&R system of claim 3, wherein the economizer includes an additional housing, and each of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the additional housing.

5. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein a first length of each of the plurality of compressors is oriented transversely relative to a second length of the housing of the heat exchanger.

6. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, comprising an additional heat exchanger comprising an additional housing, wherein each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the additional housing.

7. The HVAC&R system of claim 1 , comprising an economizer system configured to separate the working fluid into a liquid working fluid and a vapor working fluid, wherein the compressor system comprises an auxiliary compressor configured to receive the vapor working fluid from the economizer system and to pressurize the vapor working fluid received from the economizer system.

8. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary compressor is mounted to an additional housing of the economizer system.

9. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary compressor is mounted to the housing of the heat exchanger.

10. The HVAC&R system of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary compressor is positioned along the length of the heat exchanger between adjacent compressors of the plurality of compressors of the compressor system.

11. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary compressor is configured to discharge the vapor working fluid toward a compressor among the plurality of compressors or toward an additional heat exchanger of the HVAC&R system.

12. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the compressor system includes a plurality of auxiliary compressors including the auxiliary compressor, and the plurality of auxiliary compressors are arranged in parallel with each other with respect to the flow of the working fluid through the plurality of auxiliary compressors.

13. The HVAC&R system of claim 12, wherein the economizer system includes a plurality of economizers, and each of the plurality of auxiliary compressors is configured to receive the working fluid from a corresponding economizer of the plurality of economizers.

14. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system comprising: a vapor compression circuit configured to direct a working fluid therethrough; a heat exchanger disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a shell; and A compressor system is disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the compressor system includes a plurality of compressors and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted directly to the housing.

15. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, comprising an economizer system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the economizer system comprises a plurality of economizer chambers, each of the plurality of economizer chambers being configured to separate a working fluid into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid, and each of the plurality of economizer chambers being configured to direct the vapor working fluid to a corresponding compressor of the plurality of compressors.

16. The HVAC&R system of claim 15, wherein the economizer system includes a housing, each of the plurality of economizer chambers being disposed within the housing, and the housing and the casing being disposed in a side-by-side arrangement and extending generally parallel to one another.

17. The HVAC&R system of claim 16, wherein each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted directly to the housing.

18. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of compressors are arranged in series with one another with respect to the flow of a working fluid through the compressor system.

19. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, comprising a plurality of variable speed drives, wherein each variable speed drive of the plurality of variable speed drives is configured to drive operation of a corresponding compressor of the plurality of compressors.

20. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system comprising: a vapor compression circuit configured to circulate a working fluid; an evaporator disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the evaporator comprises a first housing and the evaporator is configured to cool the working fluid; a condenser disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the condenser includes a second housing and the condenser is configured to heat the working fluid; an economizer system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the economizer system includes a third housing, and the economizer system is configured to separate the working fluid into a vapor working fluid and a liquid working fluid; and A plurality of compressors are disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the plurality of compressors are configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each of the plurality of compressors is directly mounted to the first housing, the second housing, the third housing, or any combination thereof.

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