System and method for operating compressor of HVAC&r system

Abstract

A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and / or refrigeration (HVACamp; an R, R) system includes a compressor having an impeller configured to rotate to pressurize a working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor; and an adjustable blade assembly. The adjustable vane assembly includes vanes configured to extend into the diffuser channel and direct flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser channel, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust a position of the vanes within the diffuser channel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 476,491, filed on December 21, 2022, entitled “System and Method for Operating a Compressor for an 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 technical aspects that may be relevant to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Chiller systems or vapor compression systems utilize a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) that changes phase between vapor, liquid, and a combination thereof in response to different temperatures and pressures within the components exposed to the chiller system. The chiller system can bring the working fluid into a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid (e.g., water), and can deliver the conditioning fluid to a conditioning device and / or a conditioned environment served by the chiller system. For example, the chiller system may include a heat exchanger configured to receive a working fluid and a conditioning fluid so that the working fluid and the conditioning fluid are in a heat exchange relationship. The conditioning fluid can be directed from the heat exchanger to other equipment, such as an air handler to regulate other fluids, such as air in a building. The working fluid can be directed from the heat exchanger through other components of the chiller system, such as a compressor and / or a condenser, which are configured to process (e.g., pressurize, cool) the working fluid so that the working fluid can provide further regulation of the conditioning fluid. Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] In one embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system includes a compressor having an impeller configured to rotate to pressurize a working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor, and an adjustable vane assembly. The adjustable vane assembly includes vanes configured to extend into the diffuser passage and direct the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust the position of the vanes within the diffuser passage.

[0007] In another embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system includes an adjustable vane assembly for a compressor, wherein the adjustable vane assembly includes a plurality of vanes configured to extend into a diffuser passage of the compressor, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust the positions of the plurality of vanes within the diffuser passage. The HVAC&R system also includes a control system configured to determine parameters associated with the flow of a working fluid through the compressor and adjust the positions of the plurality of vanes based on the parameters.

[0008] In another embodiment, a compressor for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system includes an impeller configured to rotate to pressurize a working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor, a base plate at least partially defining the diffuser passage, and an adjustable vane assembly. The adjustable vane assembly includes a plurality of vanes configured to extend through the base plate and into the diffuser passage, wherein the plurality of vanes are configured to direct the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes relative to the diffuser passage. 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 accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a building having an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system in a commercial environment according to aspects of the present disclosure;

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

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor with adjustable blades according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor with adjustable blades according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blade assembly of a compressor according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blade assembly of a compressor according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blade assembly for a compressor according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 10 A flow chart of an embodiment of a method for operating a compressor with adjustable vanes according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous 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 between implementations. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but can nevertheless be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0021] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the recited 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 noted 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 also incorporate the recited features.

[0022] As used herein, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill, the terms "substantially," "generally," 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. For example, when a property value is described as being "substantially" equal to (or, for example, "substantially similar to") a given value, this is intended to mean that the property value may be within + / - 5%, + / - 4%, + / - 3%, + / - 2%, + / - 1%, or even closer to 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 is within + / - 5%, + / - 4%, + / - 3%, + / - 2%, + / - 1%, or even closer to having the described property (e.g., parallel to another feature, perpendicular to another feature, etc.). Furthermore, it should be understood that mathematical terms such as "flat," "sloped," "perpendicular," "parallel," and the like are intended to encompass features of a surface or element as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and should not be rigidly construed as being understood mathematically. For example, a "flat" surface is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be generally 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., tilted) relative to a reference point using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system that includes a vapor compression system (e.g., a vapor compression circuit) having a compressor. In operation, the compressor can pressurize a working fluid within the vapor compression system and direct the working fluid to a heat exchanger of the vapor compression system, such as a condenser configured to cool and condense the working fluid. The condensed working fluid can be directed to an expansion device, which can reduce the pressure of the working fluid, thereby further cooling the working fluid. From the expansion device, the cooled working fluid can be directed to an evaporator, where the working fluid can be in heat exchange relationship with a cooling fluid to cool the cooling fluid. The working fluid can then be directed from the evaporator back to the compressor.

[0024] A compressor may include an impeller configured to pressurize a working fluid and circulate it through components of an HVAC&R system. For example, during operation of the compressor, the impeller may be driven (e.g., by an electric motor) to rotate and draw the working fluid from the evaporator into the compressor. The impeller may direct the working fluid into a diffuser, where the working fluid's kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy to increase the working fluid's pressure. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser may be smaller than the compressor's intake cross-sectional area. As a result, the working fluid is forced into a smaller volume at the diffuser to pressurize the working fluid. Some types of diffusers may include vanes to facilitate compressor operation. For example, the vanes may further reduce the cross-sectional area through which the working fluid flows into the diffuser. Consequently, the vanes increase the pressurization of the working fluid. As another example, the vanes may guide the working fluid through the diffuser in a more efficient manner. For example, the vanes may direct or redirect the working fluid along a channel in the diffuser. As a result, the working fluid may flow more directly or easily through the diffuser, rather than, for example, impacting or being deflected off the diffuser's surrounding walls. In this way, the vanes may enable more efficient operation of the compressor compared to a diffuser without vanes.

[0025] Unfortunately, during some flow conditions, the vanes can inhibit the flow of working fluid through the compressor and reduce the efficiency of the compressor. For example, at higher flows of the working fluid (e.g., a volumetric flow rate or velocity of the working fluid through the diffuser above a threshold, such as a value associated with an acoustic boundary condition), the vanes can block or impede the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser and / or cause a blockage condition that reduces the flow of working fluid discharged by the compressor. As a result, the compressor may operate less efficiently to discharge the working fluid at higher flows.

[0026] Therefore, it is currently recognized that achieving efficient compressor operation at higher working fluid flows while providing increased efficiency at other working fluid flow conditions (e.g., lower flow rates) can improve the overall operation of the compressor. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a compressor comprising vanes that can be adjustably positioned within a diffuser passage of the compressor. For example, the vanes can be coupled to a vane plate, and the vane plate can be moved relative to the diffuser, for example, based on the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser (e.g., flow rate), to adjust the extension of the vanes within the diffuser. In some embodiments, the compressor can include or be communicatively coupled to a control system configured to cause movement of the vane plate. The control system can adjust the position of the vane plate to adjust the position of the vanes within the diffuser, for example, based on received sensor data indicating a flow rate (e.g., volumetric flow rate), flow velocity (e.g., flow speed), or other flow conditions of the working fluid through the diffuser. For example, in response to a determination that the sensor data indicates a low flow of the working fluid (e.g., a low flow rate), the control system can adjust the vane plate to move the vanes further into the diffuser, thereby increasing the pressurization of the working fluid to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor at low working fluid flows. The control system may also adjust the vane plate to retract the vanes from the diffuser in response to a determination that the sensor data indicates a higher flow of the working fluid (e.g., a high flow rate), thereby increasing the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor under higher flow conditions of the working fluid (e.g., a flow rate above a threshold). Thus, the movement of the vanes implemented by the control system may improve the efficient operation of the compressor under different flow conditions of the working fluid.

[0027] Now turning to the diagram, Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of an environment for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 of a typical commercial environment. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller) that supplies a cooling liquid, which may be used to cool the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 that supplies 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 air return ducting 18, air supply ducting 20, and / or air handlers 22. In some embodiments, the air handlers 22 may include a heat exchanger connected to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14 via conduits 24. Depending on the operating mode of the HVAC&R system 10, the heat exchanger in the air handlers 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 a separate air handler 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 or among 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 working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) through a circuit beginning with 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, non-volatile memory 46, and / or an interface board 48.

[0029] Some examples of the fluid that can be used as the working fluid (for example, refrigerant) in vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) class refrigerant, for example R-410A, R-407, R-134a, R-1234ze, R1233zd, R-32, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), as " natural " refrigerant of ammonia (NH ), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), R-744 or hydrocarbon refrigerant, water vapor or any other suitable working fluid.In certain embodiments, vapor compression system 14 can be configured to effectively utilize the working fluid with the normal boiling point of approximately 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at an atmospheric pressure, which is also referred to as low-pressure working fluid relative to medium-pressure working fluid (for example, R-134a).As used herein, " normal boiling point " can refer to the boiling point temperature measured at an atmospheric pressure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may utilize one or more of a variable speed drive (VSD) 52, a motor 50, the compressor 32, the condenser 34, the expansion valve or device 36, and / or the 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 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 from an AC or DC power source. The motor 50 may include any type of motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or other suitable motor.

[0031] The compressor 32 compresses the working fluid vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser 34 through an exhaust passage. In some embodiments, the compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The working fluid 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. Due to the heat transfer with the cooling fluid, the working fluid vapor may condense into a working fluid liquid in the condenser 34. The liquid working fluid from the condenser 34 may flow through the expansion device 36 to the evaporator 38. 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 working fluid delivered to the evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another cooling fluid (e.g., conditioning fluid), which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in the condenser 34. The liquid working fluid in the evaporator 38 may undergo a phase change from liquid working fluid to working fluid vapor. Figure 3 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG, 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 exits the evaporator 38 via the supply line 60S. The evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the cooling fluid in the tube bundle 58 through heat transfer with the working fluid. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 may include multiple tubes and / or multiple tube bundles. In any case, the vapor working fluid exits the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 through the suction line to complete the cycle.

[0033] Figure 4 FIG is a schematic diagram of vapor compression system 14 in which an intermediate loop 64 is incorporated between condenser 34 and expansion device 36. Intermediate loop 64 may have an inlet line 68 that is directly fluidly connected to condenser 34. In other embodiments, inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly coupled to condenser 34. Figure 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG, 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 evaporation tank (e.g., a flash evaporative intercooler, economizer, etc.). In other embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or a "surface economizer." Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment of FIG, the intermediate vessel 70 serves as a transient evaporation tank, and the first expansion device 66 is configured to reduce the pressure of (e.g., expand) the liquid working fluid received from the condenser 34. During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may evaporate, and thus the intermediate vessel 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 working fluid due to the pressure drop experienced by the liquid working fluid upon entering the intermediate container 70 (e.g., due to the rapid increase in volume experienced upon entering the intermediate container 70). The vapor in the intermediate container 70 can be drawn by the compressor 32 via the suction line 74 of the compressor 32. In other embodiments, the vapor in the intermediate container can be drawn into an intermediate section of the compressor 32 (e.g., rather than the suction section). The liquid collected in the intermediate container 70 can have a lower enthalpy than the liquid working fluid exiting the condenser 34 due to the expansion in the expansion device 66 and / or the intermediate container 70. The liquid from the intermediate container 70 can then flow in line 72, through the second expansion device 36, and to the evaporator 38.

[0035] It should be understood that any of the features described herein may be incorporated with embodiments of the vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. For example, the present technology may be incorporated with any HVAC&R system having a compressor (e.g., compressor 32). It should be noted that the systems and methods described herein may be incorporated with any suitable embodiment of the compressor 32 and / or HVAC&R system 10.

[0036] As mentioned above, the present disclosure relates to a compressor having a diffuser and an adjustable vane assembly configured to adjust the position of a vane within the diffuser. A control system can be configured to actuate the adjustable vane assembly to move the vane and adjust the amount by which the vane extends within the diffuser (e.g., within the diffuser passage). For example, the control system can be configured to move the vane further into the diffuser in response to a determination that the flow of working fluid through the diffuser is low (e.g., below a threshold flow velocity, below a threshold flow rate). Thus, the vane can reduce the cross-sectional area within the diffuser and achieve increased pressurization of the working fluid during periods of low working fluid flow. The control system can also be configured to retract the vane from the diffuser in response to a determination that the flow of working fluid through the diffuser is high (e.g., above a threshold flow velocity, above a threshold flow rate), thereby reducing the amount by which the vane extends within the diffuser. Thus, the vane can achieve increased flow of the working fluid through the diffuser during periods of high working fluid flow (e.g., above a threshold flow velocity, above a threshold flow rate), for example, to avoid a blockage condition in the diffuser. In this manner, the control system may operate in a more appropriate manner (eg, based on the flow of the working fluid) to position the vanes relative to the diffuser to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor.

[0037] Taking the foregoing into account, Figure 5 FIG2 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor 150 (e.g., compressor 32) that may be used with an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 10 (e.g., vapor compression system 14). The compressor 150 includes an impeller 152 coupled to a shaft 154. The shaft 154 may be rotated about an axis of rotation 156, for example, via operation of a motor 158, thereby rotating the impeller 152 about the axis of rotation 156. The rotation of the impeller 152 may draw a working fluid from an evaporator (e.g., evaporator 38) into the compressor 150 through an inlet 157 of the compressor 150 and through the impeller 152 in a first flow direction 160 (e.g., along the axis of rotation 156). The rotation of the impeller 152 may exert a force on the working fluid to direct the working fluid in a second flow direction 162 (e.g., transverse to the axis of rotation 156) through a diffuser 164 (e.g., a diffuser passage) of the compressor 150 to achieve pressurization of the working fluid. Diffuser 164 may have a reduced cross-sectional area (e.g., relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​inlet 157) to convert kinetic energy of the working fluid into pressure energy, thereby increasing the pressure of the working fluid. Diffuser 164 may direct the pressurized working fluid to a spiral chamber 166 of compressor 150 and from the spiral chamber 166 to a condenser (e.g., condenser 34) for heat exchange with a fluid (e.g., a cooling fluid).

[0038] In some embodiments, compressor 150 may include one or more pre-rotation vanes (PRVs) 168 that can adjust the amount (e.g., volumetric flow rate) of the working fluid directed through compressor 150, such as into impeller 152. As an example, PRV 168 can be adjusted between an open position that increases the flow of the working fluid directed to impeller 152 and a closed position that reduces the flow of the working fluid directed to impeller 152. In fact, in some embodiments, PRV 168 can be actuated to any of a plurality of positions between the open and closed positions. Additionally, compressor 150 may include a variable geometry diffuser (VGD) 170 (e.g., a VGD ring) configured to adjust the flow rate (e.g., volumetric flow rate), flow velocity (e.g., flow speed), discharge pressure, volume ratio, and / or other parameters of the working fluid directed through diffuser 164. For example, the VGD ring 170 can be disposed in a recess 172 positioned adjacent to the diffuser 164, and the VGD ring 170 can be adjusted to extend from the recess 172 and into the diffuser 164 to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser 164 (e.g., the cross-sectional area in the direction of the rotation axis 156), thereby reducing the flow rate, increasing the flow velocity, and / or increasing the discharge pressure of the working fluid. The VGD ring 170 can also be retracted from the diffuser 164 to be positioned within the recess 172 (e.g., completely within the recess). In this way, the VGD 170 can be removed from the diffuser 164 to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser 164, thereby increasing the flow rate, reducing the flow velocity, and / or reducing the discharge pressure of the working fluid.

[0039] The compressor 150 may further include a first base plate 174 (e.g., an inlet-side base plate, a nozzle base plate, a first ring plate) and a second base plate 176 (e.g., a hub-side base plate, a second ring plate) that cooperatively form a diffuser 164 (e.g., a diffuser passage). That is, the working fluid may flow through the diffuser 164 via a gap or space formed between the first base plate 174 and the second base plate 176. Each of the base plates 174, 176 may define an opening, and the impeller 152 and / or the shaft 154 may be positioned within and extend through the opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 172 is formed in the first base plate 174, and the VGD ring 170 is thus disposed within (e.g., engaged with) the first base plate 174. Therefore, the VGD ring 170 can be adjusted to extend toward the second base plate 176 to position the VGD ring 170 within the diffuser 164. In additional or alternative embodiments, the recess 172 can be formed in the second base plate 176, and the VGD ring 170 can be disposed in and / or engaged with the second base plate 176. In these embodiments, the VGD ring 170 can be adjusted to extend toward the first base plate 174 to position the VGD ring 170 within the diffuser 164.

[0040] The compressor 150 may also include an adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., a vane assembly) that can further facilitate the operation of the compressor 150 to pressurize the working fluid. Indeed, according to the present technology, the adjustable vane assembly 178 can enable the compressor 150 to operate more efficiently over a wider range of loads, operating capacities, and / or flow rates of the working fluid. For example, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may include vanes 180 configured to extend into the diffuser 164. The vanes 180 positioned within the diffuser 164 can reduce the cross-sectional area through which the working fluid flows within the diffuser 164, thereby further increasing the pressurization of the working fluid. Additionally or alternatively, the vanes 180, when positioned within the diffuser 164, can direct (e.g., guide, redirect) the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. For example, the vanes 180 can guide the flow of the working fluid along the diffuser 164 and prevent the working fluid from impinging on the first base plate 174 and / or the second base plate 176. In some embodiments, the vanes 180 can induce and / or promote the flow of the working fluid in a swirling motion or pattern (e.g., about the axis of rotation 156). As a result, the working fluid can flow more easily, directly, and / or efficiently through the diffuser 164. The first base plate 174 can include slots or openings that allow the vanes 180 to extend through the first base plate 174 and into the diffuser 164. In other words, the position of the vanes 180 can be adjusted relative to the first base plate 174 and relative to the diffuser 164 to adjust the amount by which the vanes 180 extend into the diffuser 164.

[0041] The blades 180 may be coupled to a blade plate 182 (e.g., a third ring plate, a blade support ring, a blade support plate) of the adjustable blade assembly 178. For example, the blades 180 may be machined from the blade plate 182 (e.g., broached, laser cut, cut via electrical discharge machining), cast with the blade plate 182, mechanically fastened to the blade plate 182 (e.g., welded, adhesive), or otherwise attached to the blade plate 182 to secure (e.g., attach) the blades 180 and the blade plate 182 to one another. In other words, the blades 180 and the blade plate 182 may be integrally formed as a single component. The blade plate 182 may be movable to adjust the position of the blades 180 relative to the diffuser 164 and relative to the first base plate 174. For example, the vane plate 182 can be moved in a first direction 184 (e.g., a first linear direction along the rotational axis 156, toward the second base plate 176) to position the vane 180 within and / or further within the diffuser 164. Additionally, the vane plate 182 can be moved in a second direction 186 (e.g., a second linear direction along the rotational axis 156, away from the second base plate 176) that is opposite the first direction 184 to retract the vane 180 from the diffuser 164. As will be appreciated, movement of the vane plate 182 can cause the vane 180 to move within and / or through the slots of the first base plate 174 to adjust the position of the vane 180 relative to the diffuser 164.

[0042] As an example, at lower flows of the working fluid (e.g., a flow rate of the working fluid below a threshold and / or a flow velocity of the working fluid below a threshold), the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated to extend the vanes 180 into the diffuser 164 and / or further into the diffuser to increase pressurization of the working fluid, thereby increasing the efficiency of the compressor 150. However, at higher flows of the working fluid (e.g., a flow rate of the working fluid above a threshold and / or a flow velocity of the working fluid above a threshold), the vanes 180 positioned within the diffuser 164 and / or further within the diffuser 164 may block the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. In some cases, at higher flows of the working fluid, the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 may reduce the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164 relative to the flow of the working fluid through the inlet 157, and thereby reduce the discharge of the working fluid from the compressor 150. Consequently, when the vanes 180 are positioned within the diffuser 164 at higher flows of the working fluid, the efficiency of the compressor 150 may be reduced. For this reason, at higher flows of the working fluid, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164 .

[0043] In some embodiments, a control system 188 (e.g., an automated controller, an electronic controller, a programmable controller, a cloud computing system, control circuitry), which may be a component of compressor 150 and / or communicatively coupled to the compressor, may operate compressor 150 to adjust the position of vanes 180 relative to diffuser 164. In some embodiments, control system 188 may be a component of adjustable vane assembly 178. Control system 188 may include memory 190 and processing circuitry 192. Memory 190 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions (e.g., processor-executable instructions) that, when executed, control (e.g., adjust) the operation of compressor 150 and / or adjustable vane assembly 178. Processing circuitry 192 may be configured to execute the instructions stored on memory 190. As examples, processing circuitry 192 may include one or more microprocessors, one or more “general purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more reduced instruction set processors (RISC), or any combination thereof.

[0044] The control system 188 can be communicatively coupled to an actuator 194 (e.g., one or more actuators, linear actuators, rotary actuators) and can instruct the actuator 194 to move the vane plate 182 relative to the diffuser 164, thereby driving movement of the vane 180 relative to the diffuser 164. For example, the control system 188 can instruct the actuator 194 to cause movement of the vane plate 182 in a first direction 184 and / or in a second direction 184. In some embodiments, the control system 188 can be communicatively coupled to a sensor 196 (e.g., one or more sensors). The sensor 196 can monitor a parameter associated with the flow of the working fluid (e.g., through the diffuser 164) and transmit sensor data indicative of the parameter to the control system 188. For example, the parameters may include a detected flow rate, a detected flow rate, an operating mode (e.g., an operating mode of compressor 150, an HVAC&R system incorporating compressor 150), a rotational speed of impeller 152, energy consumption of compressor 150 (e.g., energy consumption of motor 158), operating time of compressor 150, other suitable parameters, a position of blades 180 relative to first base plate 174, a position of blades 180 relative to second base plate 176, or any combination thereof. Control system 188 may receive the sensor data and, in response, determine whether to allow (e.g., cause) adjustment of adjustable vane assembly 178 based on the sensor data.

[0045] As an example, the control system 188 may compare the value of the parameter (e.g., the detected value) with a reference value (e.g., a range of values, a threshold value), which may indicate a lower flow of the working fluid. In response to a determination that the value of the parameter indicates a lower flow of the working fluid (e.g., the value of the parameter is within the range of values, the value of the parameter is below the threshold value), the control system 188 may actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178 via the actuator 194 to move (e.g., deploy, extend) the vane 180 into the diffuser 164 and / or further into the diffuser (e.g., in a first direction 184). However, in response to a determination that the value of the parameter indicates a higher flow of the working fluid (e.g., the value of the parameter is outside the range of values, the value of the parameter is above the threshold value), the control system 188 may actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178 via the actuator 194 to retract the vane 180 from the diffuser 164 (e.g., move the vane 180 in a second direction 186). Additionally or alternatively, control system 188 may compare the value of the parameter (e.g., the detected value) to a reference value indicating a higher flow of the working fluid and may actuate adjustable vane assembly 178 via actuator 194 and thereby adjust the position of vane 180 based on the comparison. In some embodiments, control system 188 may determine a target position for adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., a target amount or distance that vane 180 extends into diffuser 164, a target position for vane 180) and actuate adjustable vane assembly 178 via actuator 194 to move vane 180 toward the target position.

[0046] The control system 188 may cause the adjustable vane assembly 178 to move the vanes 180 to a fully extended position (e.g., the vanes 180 are fully extended into the diffuser 164, an upper limit of extension), a fully retracted position (e.g., the vanes 180 are not extended into the diffuser 164, a lower limit of extension), and / or any intermediate position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions (e.g., a partially extended position, a partially retracted position). As an example, the fully extended position may include a position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vanes 180) in which the vanes 180 extend from the first base plate 174 to within a threshold distance (e.g., an offset value) away from the second base plate 176 (e.g., to form a threshold amount of gap between the vanes 180 and the second base plate 176, so as to abut against the second base plate 176). In other words, in the fully extended position, the vanes 180 may extend from the first base plate 174 by the threshold amount and into the diffuser 164. The fully retracted position may include a position of the vane assembly 178 (e.g., vane 180) where the vane 180 (e.g., the tip or distal end of the vane 180) is flush with the first base plate 174. In some embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may include a mechanical stop to prevent the adjustable vane assembly 178 from moving beyond the fully extended position and / or beyond the fully retracted position. By way of example, in the fully extended position, the vane plate 182 may abut a portion (e.g., a face, a surface) of the first base plate 174. Thus, the first base plate 174 may block further movement of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., in the first direction 184) toward the diffuser 164 to prevent the adjustable vane assembly 178 from moving through or beyond the fully extended position (e.g., in the first direction 184).

[0047] The sensor 196 (e.g., a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, a position sensor) may also detect parameters indicative of the position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vanes 180), such as the amount that the vanes 180 extend into the diffuser 164 (e.g., from the first base plate 174). For example, the parameters may include the distance between the vanes 180 (e.g., the tip or distal end of one or more of the vanes 180) and the second base plate 176 (e.g., along the rotation axis 156), the length of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 (e.g., in the first direction 184), the position of the vane plate 182 (e.g., relative to the first base plate 174), other suitable parameters, or any combination thereof. The sensor 196 may transmit sensor data based on and / or indicative of the parameters to the control system 188. In response to receiving the sensor data, the control system 188 may operate the adjustable vane assembly 178 based on the sensor data. As an example, the control system 188 can move the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., operate the actuator 194) to adjust the position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vane 180) as determined based on the sensor data toward a target position (e.g., determined based on the flow of the working fluid and / or the desired flow of the working fluid). For example, to adjust the vane 180 to be flush with the first base plate 174 (e.g., in a fully retracted position), the control system 188 can adjust the adjustable vane assembly 178 until the distance between the vane 180 and the second base plate 176 (e.g., along the rotational axis 156, intersecting the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164) is substantially equal to the distance between the first base plate 174 and the second base plate 176 (e.g., along the rotational axis 156). Sensor data (e.g., updated sensor data, additional sensor data) may be received by control system 188 from sensors 196 to determine, confirm, and / or verify that blades 180 are fully retracted and / or that the tips of blades 180 are flush with first base plate 174 and are therefore completely removed from diffuser 164.

[0048] In some embodiments, the control system 188 may also operate other components of the compressor 150. For example, the control system 188 may be configured to adjust the position of the VGD ring 170 relative to the diffuser 164. In some embodiments, the control system 188 may coordinate the positioning of the vanes 180 (e.g., within the diffuser 164) and the positioning of the VGD ring 170 (e.g., within the diffuser 164). For example, the control system 188 may adjust the position of the vanes 180 based on the position of the VGD ring 170 (e.g., additionally adjusting the position of the vanes 180 based on the flow of the working fluid), and / or the control system 188 may adjust the position of the VGD ring 170 based on the position of the vanes 180. In some embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the VGD ring 170 may be coupled to a common mechanism (e.g., a common linkage assembly, a common plate, a common adjustment mechanism) to achieve movement of the VGD ring 170 and vanes 180 in conjunction with one another. That is, operation of the control system 188 to move the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180) via a mechanism may also drive corresponding movement of the VGD ring 170. As an example, the actuator 194 may be operated to cause simultaneous movement of the VGD ring 170 and the vanes 180 (e.g., relative to the diffuser 164). Additionally or alternatively, the VGD ring 170 and the vanes 180 may be coupled to separate components, such as separate plates (e.g., ring plates) and / or separate actuators 194, and the control system 188 may adjust each of the components to coordinate the movement of the VGD ring 170 and the vanes 180 with each other. The control system 188 may be further configured to adjust the rotation of the impeller 152 via the motor 158 to adjust the position of the PRV 168, etc.

[0049] Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable vane assembly 178 is disposed within (e.g., engaged with) the second base plate 176, and the vanes 180 are configured to extend through the second base plate 176, for example, via slots or openings formed in the second base plate 176, and into the diffuser 164. Additionally, the VGD ring 170 is disposed within (e.g., engaged with) the first base plate 174. Thus, the VGD ring 170 and the adjustable vane assembly 178 are positioned on opposite sides of the diffuser 164. In additional or alternative embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be coupled to (e.g., engaged with) the first base plate 174, and the VGD ring 170 may be coupled to (e.g., engaged with) the second base plate 176.

[0050] As shown, the vanes 180 can extend from the second base plate 176 and into the diffuser 164. Accordingly, the control system 188 can be operated to move the vane plate 182 in the second direction 186 to extend the vanes 180 into the diffuser 164 and / or further into the diffuser, and the control system 188 can be operated to move the vane plate 182 in the first direction 184 to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164. This movement of the vane plate 182 can cause the vanes 180 to move through the slots of the second base plate 176 to adjust the position of the vanes 180 within and / or relative to the diffuser 164. For example, the control system 188 can be operated to move the vane plate 182 in the second direction 186 in response to a lower flow of the working fluid (e.g., as indicated by received sensor data) to achieve more efficient pressurization of the working fluid at the lower flow of the working fluid. In addition, the control system 188 can be operated to move the vane plate 182 in the first direction 184 at a higher flow of the working fluid (e.g., as indicated by the received sensor data) to increase the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164 at the higher flow of the working fluid. Such movement of the vane plate 182 can include positioning the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vane 180) in a fully extended position (e.g., the distal end or tip of the vane 180 is positioned at or within a threshold distance of the first base plate 174), a fully retracted position (e.g., the distal end or tip of the vane 180 is flush with the second base plate 176), and / or any intermediate position between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position (e.g., a partially extended position, a partially retracted position).

[0051] Figure 7 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 of the compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable vane assembly 178 is in an extended position 220 (e.g., a partially extended position). The vane plate 182 may be positioned on a first side 222 of a base plate 224. For example, the base plate 224 may be the first base plate 174 or the second base plate 176 of the compressor 150 described above. The vanes 180 may extend through the base plate 224 to a second side 226 of the base plate 224 when in the extended position 220. The second side 226 of the base plate 224 may be exposed to the diffuser 164 in the mounted configuration of the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the compressor 150. Thus, the vanes 180 may extend into the diffuser 164 when in the extended position 220.

[0052] The base plate 224 may include slots or openings 228 formed therethrough, and the blades 180 may extend through the slots 228 to facilitate extension of the blades 180 through the base plate 224. The slots 228 may be formed by laser cutting, wire cutting, broaching, machining, or any other suitable technique. Each slot 228 may surround, enclose, and / or capture one of the blades 180 and block the flow of the working fluid through the slot 228 (e.g., between the base plate 224 and the blade 180). In this manner, the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164 is facilitated while enabling movement of the blades 180 along and / or within the slots 228 (e.g., to adjust the position of the blades 180 within the diffuser 164). For example, a low-friction coating (e.g., titanium nitride, a friction coating) may be applied to the blades 180 and / or base plate 224 to reduce friction between the blades 180 and the base plate 224 at the slots 228 to facilitate movement of the blades 180 within the slots 228. Additionally or alternatively, an abradable (e.g., aluminum) coating may be applied to the blades 180 and / or the base plate 224 to enable a sliding connection between the blades 180 and the base plate 224, thereby blocking the flow of the working fluid through the slots 228. The abradable coating may be susceptible to wear due to wear caused by contact between the blades 180 and the base plate 224 to facilitate relative movement between the blades 180 and the base plate 224. In this manner, relative movement between the blades 180 and the base plate 224 may be achieved (e.g., via the actuators 194 operated by the control system 188) while reducing the flow of the working fluid through the slots 228.

[0053] Each of the blade plate 182 and the base plate 224 may have a circular configuration with a central axis 230 (e.g., a common central axis) extending through the respective centers of the blade plate 182 and the base plate 224. The blade plate 182 and the base plate 224 may be positioned concentrically and / or coaxially with each other in the assembled configuration, as shown. That is, the central axes 230 may be aligned with each other in the assembled configuration. Each of the blade plate 182 and the base plate 224 may also define a corresponding opening 232, which may be aligned with each other in the assembled configuration. The aligned openings 232 may receive the impeller 152 and / or the shaft 154 to facilitate positioning of the impeller 152 and / or the shaft 154 within the compressor 150. In additional or alternative embodiments, the blade plate 182 and / or the base plate 224 may have any other suitable configuration, such as a different geometric shape (e.g., a rectangular configuration, a triangular configuration, an irregular configuration). In practice, the blade plate 182 and the base plate 224 may have different configurations or geometric shapes from each other.

[0054] The vanes 180 may extend obliquely relative to the opening 232 (e.g., relative to a tangential portion of the opening 232 adjacent to the corresponding vane 180) to facilitate the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. For example, the vanes 180 may have a geometry configured to direct the working fluid through the diffuser 164 in a particular direction so that the working fluid more easily flows along and / or through the diffuser 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the vanes 180 have a curved or arcuate profile (e.g., an airfoil profile). In additional or alternative embodiments, the vanes 180 may have any suitable profile, such as a linear profile and / or a profile having multiple discontinuous segments. In any case, the vanes 180 (e.g., a plurality of vanes 180) may be coupled to the vane plate 182 (e.g., integrally formed therewith) and may be arranged circumferentially around the vane plate 182 (e.g., around the central axis 230).

[0055] Figure 8 FIG2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 of the compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable vane assembly 178 is in a retracted position 250 (e.g., a fully retracted position). The vane plate 182 can be moved (e.g., translated) away from the base plate 224 to transition the adjustable vane assembly 178 from the extended position 220 to the retracted position 250. In the retracted position 250, the tip 252 (e.g., distal end) of each vane 180 can be substantially flush with a surface 254 (e.g., a diffuser-facing surface, a surface at the second side 226) of the base plate 224. In this manner, the surface 254 and the vanes 180 can cooperatively form a substantially continuous or flat plane (e.g., a surface) at the second side 226 of the base plate 224. This relative positioning of the surface 254 and the vanes 180 can reduce interruptions to the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164 (e.g., interruptions to the flow that would otherwise be caused by the working fluid flowing within the spaces or cavities defined by the slots 228 exposed to the diffuser 164, interruptions to the flow that would otherwise be caused by contact between the working fluid extending within the diffuser 164 and the vanes 180), thereby achieving more efficient flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. Additionally, the position of the vanes 180 within the slots 228 in the retracted position 250 can block the flow of the working fluid through and / or into the slots 228, thereby further improving the efficient flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164.

[0056] Figure 91 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of an adjustable vane assembly 178. The vane plates 182 of the adjustable vane assembly 178 can be coupled to an actuation assembly 270, such as a rotary actuation mechanism. In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 270 can be a subsystem or component of the adjustable vane assembly 178. For example, the actuation assembly 270 can include mounting members 272 (e.g., connectors, pins, bolts, nuts) to which the vane plates 182 are coupled. Each mounting member 272 is coupled to a corresponding connecting rod 274 (e.g., a piston, a gear assembly, a slider) configured to move the mounting member 272, thereby driving movement of the vane plates 182 and vanes 180. The connecting rods 274 each include a cam 276 disposed within a corresponding groove 278 of the drive ring 280. The groove 278 is formed in the outer circumference 282 of the drive ring 280 and extends along the outer circumference 282 at an incline or angle. To actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178, the drive ring 280 can be rotated, for example, via operation of the actuator 194. As the drive ring 280 rotates, the cam 276 can translate along the groove 278, which can force the link 274 to translate along the central axis 230 of the vane plate 182. In this manner, the vane plate 182, and therefore the vanes 180, can translate into and out of the diffuser 164, as described above. For example, rotation of the drive ring 280 in a first rotational direction 284 can cause the actuation assembly 270 to move the vanes 180 into and / or further into the diffuser 164, while rotation of the drive ring 280 in a second rotational direction 286, which is opposite to the first rotational direction 284, can cause the actuation assembly 270 to draw or retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164.

[0057] In some embodiments, the actuator 194 can be configured to cause actuation of the actuation assembly 270 in response to a control signal output by the control system 188. For example, the actuator 194 can be configured to cause the actuation assembly 270 to extend the vane plate 182 and vanes 180 (e.g., insert the vanes 180 further into the diffuser 164) and / or retract the vane plate 182 and vanes 180 (e.g., retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164), e.g., relative to the actuation assembly 270. In certain embodiments, the VGD ring 170 can also be coupled to the actuation assembly 270 (e.g., via a separate mount and / or linkage coupled to the drive ring 280), and the actuator 194 or an additional actuator can cause the VGD ring 170 to move via the actuation assembly 270. Thus, both the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the VGD ring 170 may be coupled to the actuation assembly 270 to facilitate coordinated (eg, synchronized) adjustment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the VGD ring 170 .

[0058] Furthermore, it should be understood that other embodiments of the adjustable vane assembly 178 may include other embodiments of the actuation assembly 270 and / or may be actuated via other embodiments of the actuation assembly. For example, the actuation assembly 270 may be or may include a linear actuation mechanism configured to drive actuation of the adjustable vane assembly 178 using linear motion. In some embodiments, the linear actuation mechanism may include a pushrod, a rocker arm, a connecting rod, a pin, a cam, a cam follower, other suitable components, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the actuation assembly 270 may include a hydraulic mechanism (e.g., a hydraulic transmission, a hydraulic piston), a magnetic mechanism (e.g., a magnetic actuator), a pneumatic actuator (e.g., a pneumatic actuator, a pneumatic piston), an electric motor, a spring, other suitable types of mechanisms or actuators, or any combination thereof.

[0059] Figure 10 FIG3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 300 for operating a compressor 150 according to the present technology. As will be appreciated, one or more steps of the method 300 may be performed by the control system 188. For example, executable instructions may be stored on the memory 190, and the processing circuit 192 may execute the instructions to perform the method 300. At block 302, parameters associated with the flow of the working fluid are determined. The parameters may include a flow rate of the working fluid (e.g., through the compressor 150), a flow rate of the working fluid, an operating mode of the compressor 150, a rotational speed of the impeller 152, energy consumption associated with the compressor 150, an operating time of the compressor 150, a pressure of the working fluid (e.g., within the compressor 150), a temperature of the working fluid, other suitable parameters, or any combination thereof. The parameters may be received as sensor data from the sensor 196.

[0060] At block 304, a target position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., of the vanes 180) is determined based on the parameters. The target position may be associated with an extension of the vanes 180 of the adjustable vane assembly 178 within the diffuser 164. For example, in response to a determination that the parameters indicate a higher flow of the working fluid, the target position may include a reduced extension of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 to achieve an increased flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. In response to a determination that the parameters indicate a lower flow of the working fluid, the target position may include an increased extension of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 to achieve an increased pressurization of the working fluid. The target position may include a first position in which the blade 180 is fully retracted from the diffuser 164 (e.g., to position the tip 252 of the blade 180 flush with the plate through which the blade 180 extends (e.g., the base plate 224, the first base plate 174, the second base plate 176)), a second position in which the blade 180 is fully extended within the diffuser 164 (e.g., to position the tip 252 at a threshold distance from a plate, such as the second base plate 176, opposite the plate, such as the first base plate 174, through which the blade 180 extends), and / or an intermediate position between the first and second positions.

[0061] At block 306, the position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be adjusted toward a target position. For example, a control signal may be output to instruct the actuator 194 to move (e.g., translate) the vane plate 182 of the adjustable vane assembly 178 relative to the diffuser 164, such as via actuation of the actuation assembly 270. To retract the vane 180 from the diffuser 164 (e.g., to move the vane assembly 178 toward a first position), the control signal may cause the actuator 194 to move the vane plate 182 away from the diffuser 164 (e.g., via actuation of the actuation assembly 270). To extend the vane 180 further into the diffuser 164 (e.g., to move the vane assembly 178 toward a second position), the control signal may cause the actuator 194 to move the vane plate 182 toward the diffuser 164 (e.g., via actuation of the actuation assembly 270). In some embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated based on sensor data (e.g., received from the sensor 196). The sensor data may indicate a detected position of the adjustable blade assembly 178 (e.g., blade 180). The adjustable blade assembly 178 may be actuated until the detected position of the adjustable blade assembly 178 (e.g., blade 180), as indicated by the sensor data, substantially matches a target position (e.g., is within a threshold of the target position).

[0062] As described in detail above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an adjustable vane assembly including vanes that are adjustably positioned within a diffuser passage of a compressor. For example, the vanes may be coupled to a vane plate, and the vane plate may be moved relative to the diffuser passage to adjust the extension of the vanes within the diffuser, for example, based on the flow (e.g., flow rate) of a working fluid through the diffuser. The vanes may be adjusted to extend further into the diffuser passage in response to a determination that a low flow (e.g., a low flow rate) of the working fluid is being directed through the compressor, thereby increasing pressurization of the working fluid to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor under low flow conditions of the working fluid. The adjustable vane assembly may also be actuated to retract the vanes from the diffuser passage in response to a determination that a higher flow (e.g., a high flow rate) of the working fluid is being directed through the compressor, thereby increasing the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser passage to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor under higher flow conditions of the working fluid (e.g., a flow rate above a threshold). Thus, movement of the vanes of the adjustable vane assembly may achieve more efficient operation of the compressor under different flow conditions of the working fluid.

[0063] While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art, such as changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, values ​​of parameters (e.g., temperature and pressure), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, and the like, without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any procedural or method steps may be varied or resequenced according to alternative embodiments. It should be understood, therefore, that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0064] 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 presently contemplated or those not relevant to implementation. It should be understood that in developing any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but it will nevertheless be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0065] The technology presented and claimed herein is by reference and applicable to specific examples of a physical and practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [the function] ..." or "step for [performing] [the function] ...", it is intended that such elements be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is not intended that such elements be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system comprising: A compressor comprising: an impeller configured to rotate to pressurize a working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor; and An adjustable vane assembly includes vanes configured to extend into the diffuser passage and direct the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, wherein the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust a position of the vanes within the diffuser passage.

2. The HVAC&R system of claim 1 , comprising a control system configured to: determining parameters associated with the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage; and The position of the blade is adjusted based on the parameter.

3. The HVAC&R system of claim 2, wherein the control system is configured to: determining a target position of the vane relative to the diffuser passage based on the parameters associated with the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage; and The position of the blade is adjusted toward the target position. 4 . The HVAC&R system of claim 3 , wherein the control system is configured to adjust the position of the vane to extend the vane further into the diffuser passage in response to a determination that the parameter is below a threshold. 5 . The HVAC&R system of claim 3 , wherein the control system is configured to adjust the position of the vane to retract the vane from the diffuser passage in response to a determination that the parameter is above a threshold. 6 . The HVAC&R system of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable vane assembly includes a vane plate and a plurality of vanes including the vanes coupled to the vane plate and arranged circumferentially around the vane plate.

7. The HVAC&R system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of blades are integrally formed with the blade plate.

8. The HVAC&R system of claim 6, wherein the compressor includes a base plate extending around the impeller, the base plate partially defining the diffuser passage of the compressor, and the plurality of vanes are configured to extend through the base plate and into the diffuser passage.

9. The HVAC&R system of claim 8, wherein the base plate includes a plurality of slots formed therein, and each of the plurality of vanes is configured to extend into a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots.

10. The HVAC&R system of claim 9, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades includes a low-friction coating or an abradable coating.

11. The HVAC&R system of claim 8, wherein the adjustable vane assembly is adjustable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, wherein the plurality of vanes extend within the diffuser passage in the fully extended position and a respective tip end of each of the plurality of vanes is substantially flush with the base plate in the fully retracted position.

12. The HVAC&R system of claim 11, wherein the respective tip end of each of the plurality of blades is offset from an additional base plate opposite the base plate relative to the diffuser passage in the fully extended position.

13. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system comprising: An adjustable vane assembly for a compressor, wherein the adjustable vane assembly includes a plurality of vanes configured to extend into a diffuser passage of the compressor, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust a position of the plurality of vanes within the diffuser passage; as well as A control system configured to: determining parameters associated with the flow of a working fluid through the compressor; and The positions of the plurality of blades are adjusted based on the parameter.

14. The HVAC&R system of claim 13, wherein the adjustable vane assembly comprises a vane plate, and the plurality of vanes are integrally formed with the vane plate.

15. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, wherein the adjustable vane assembly comprises an actuation assembly configured to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes, and wherein the actuation assembly comprises: a plurality of connecting rods coupled to the blade plate; a drive ring comprising a plurality of grooves formed in an outer circumference of the drive ring; as well as a plurality of cams, wherein each cam is disposed within a respective groove of the plurality of grooves and coupled to a respective link of the plurality of links, Wherein the control system is configured to control the operation of an actuator to rotate the drive ring to adjust the positions of the plurality of blades.

16. The HVAC&R system of claim 13, wherein the parameter comprises a flow rate of the working fluid through the compressor, a pressure of the working fluid, a speed of an impeller of the compressor, a temperature of the working fluid, or a combination thereof.

17. The HVAC&R system of claim 13, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes between a fully extended position in which the plurality of vanes are positioned within the diffuser passage and a fully retracted position in which the plurality of vanes are removed from the diffuser passage.

18. A compressor for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: an impeller configured to rotate to pressurize a working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor; a bottom plate at least partially defining the diffuser passage; as well as an adjustable vane assembly comprising a plurality of vanes configured to extend through the base plate and into the diffuser passage, wherein the plurality of vanes are configured to direct the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust a position of the plurality of vanes relative to the diffuser passage.

19. The compressor of claim 18 , wherein the base plate is a first base plate, and the compressor includes a second base plate disposed opposite the first base plate relative to the first base plate, wherein the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes between a retracted position and an extended position, a respective tip end of each vane of the plurality of vanes being substantially flush with the first base plate in the retracted position, and a respective tip end of each vane of the plurality of vanes being offset from the second base plate in the extended position.

20. The compressor of claim 19, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades includes a low friction coating or an abradable coating.

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