Motor cooling in screw compressor

By configuring fluid injection devices at both ends of the screw compressor shaft, the problems of uneven motor cooling and overheating are solved, a more efficient cooling effect is achieved, and the overall performance and reliability of the compressor are improved.

CN120667376APending Publication Date: 2025-09-19CARRIER CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510302595.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-18
Filing Date
2025-03-14
Publication Date
2025-09-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Uneven motor cooling and overheating issues in screw compressors lead to reduced efficiency and potential failures, which cannot be effectively optimized by traditional cooling methods.

Method used

A fluid injection device is configured at both ends of the screw compressor shaft, including inlet and outlet ports, which are connected to the cover and shell of the motor through fluid channels to achieve uniform distribution and cooling of the refrigerant.

Benefits of technology

Improves the uniformity and efficiency of motor cooling, reduces viscosity loss, and extends the service life of the motor.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to motor cooling in a screw compressor. A motor for a compressor is described herein. The motor includes: a rotor disposed on a shaft; a stator disposed around the rotor within a cover associated with the motor; and at least one fluid injection device, where the at least one injection device has a predetermined shape and includes an inlet port and one or more outlet ports configured at predetermined positions on the corresponding injection device, the one or more outlet ports are fluidly connected to the inlet port via a plurality of fluid passages extending within a corresponding injection device, where the inlet of each of the at least one injection device is fluidly connected to a fluid injection passage extending through the cap.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of screw compressors or semi-hermetic screw compressors, and more particularly to a cooling system for a motor associated with a screw compressor or semi-hermetic screw compressor. Summary of the Invention

[0002] A motor for a compressor is described herein. The motor includes a rotor disposed on a shaft; a stator disposed around the rotor within a cover associated with the motor; and at least one fluid injection device, wherein the at least one injection device has a predetermined shape and includes an inlet port and one or more outlet ports, the one or more outlet ports being disposed at predetermined locations on the corresponding injection device, the one or more outlet ports being fluidly connected to the inlet port via a plurality of fluid channels extending within the corresponding injection device; wherein an inlet of each of the at least one injection device is fluidly connected to the fluid injection channel extending through the cover.

[0003] In one or more embodiments, the compressor is a screw compressor, wherein at least one fluid injection device is disposed at one or both ends of the shaft.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the compressor is a semi-hermetic screw compressor associated with a vapor compression system, wherein a shaft is rotatably configured within a housing associated with the compressor such that a first section of the shaft extends out of the housing and remains enclosed by a cover, and a second section of the shaft remains enclosed within the housing, wherein the cover is attached to the housing, and an inlet of each of the at least one injection device is fluidly connected to a fluid injection passage extending through the cover and / or housing of the motor.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the motor is configured to enable refrigerant associated with the compressor to flow into at least one injection device through an inlet port via a fluid injection channel provided in a cover and / or housing of the motor, wherein the at least one injection device further enables the refrigerant to flow or be injected toward the stator and / or rotor at one or both ends of the shaft or first section through an outlet port via a corresponding fluid channel.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a first injection device among the at least one injection device is an annular component including an inlet port and one or more outlet ports, wherein the first injection device is configured together with the cover at the first end of the shaft so that the first injection device remains fluidly connected to a first fluid injection channel provided in the cover.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the second injection device of the at least one injection device is an annular component including an inlet port and one or more outlet ports, wherein the second injection device is configured together with the housing at the second end of the first section of the shaft or the second end of the shaft so that the second injection device remains fluidly connected to a second fluid injection channel provided in the housing, wherein the shaft extends coaxially through the second injection device.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the inlet port is axially arranged on a planar side of the annular member, and the one or more outlet ports are radially arranged at predetermined locations along the outer curved surface of the corresponding annular member.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the inlet port and the one or more outlet ports are radially arranged at predetermined positions along the outer curved surface of the corresponding annular member.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the inlet port is radially arranged on the outer curved surface of the annular member, and the one or more outlet ports are axially arranged at predetermined positions along the planar surface of the corresponding annular member.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first injection device of at least one injection device is a disc-shaped component, wherein the first injection device is configured together with the cover at the first end of the shaft so that the first injection device remains fluidly connected to a first fluid injection channel provided in the cover, wherein the inlet port and one or more outlet ports are respectively radially and / or axially configured at predetermined positions along the outer curved surface and / or planar surface of the disc-shaped component.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, at least one fluid injection device includes one or more mounting holes configured to facilitate attaching the corresponding fluid injection device to the cover and / or housing at the corresponding fluid injection channel using one or more fasteners, so that the inlet of the attached injection device is fluidly connected to the corresponding fluid injection channel.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the size of one or more outlet ports is smaller than the size of the inlet port.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the one or more outlet ports are configured at predetermined locations on at least one injection device such that when the corresponding injection device is configured relative to the shaft, the one or more outlet ports remain above a plane passing through the center of the shaft.

[0015] Also described herein is a motor for a semi-hermetic screw compressor associated with a vapor compression system. The motor includes a shaft rotatably configured within a housing associated with the compressor such that a first section of the shaft extends out of the housing and a second section of the shaft remains enclosed within the housing. The motor further includes a stator and a rotor arranged around the first section of the shaft, wherein the stator, rotor, and first section of the shaft are enclosed by a cover attached to the housing, and at least one fluid injection device is configured at one or both ends of the first section of the shaft, wherein the at least one injection device has a predetermined shape and includes an inlet port and one or more outlet ports configured at predetermined positions on the corresponding injection device, the one or more outlet ports being fluidly connected to the inlet port via a plurality of fluid channels extending within the corresponding injection device, wherein the inlet of each of the at least one injection device is fluidly connected to a fluid injection channel extending through the cover and / or housing of the motor.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the motor is configured to enable refrigerant associated with the compressor to flow into at least one injection device through an inlet port via a fluid injection channel provided in a cover and / or housing of the motor, wherein the at least one injection device further enables the refrigerant to flow or be injected toward the stator and / or rotor at one or both ends of the shaft or first section through an outlet port via a corresponding fluid channel.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a first injection device among the at least one injection device is an annular component including an inlet port and one or more outlet ports, wherein the first injection device is configured together with the cover at the first end of the first section of the shaft so that the first injection device remains fluidly connected to a first fluid injection channel provided in the cover.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the second injection device of the at least one injection device is an annular component including an inlet port and one or more outlet ports, wherein the second injection device is configured together with the housing at the second end of the first section of the shaft so that the second injection device remains fluidly connected to a second fluid injection channel provided in the housing and the shaft extends coaxially through the second injection device.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the inlet port is axially arranged on a planar side of the annular member, and the one or more outlet ports are radially arranged at predetermined locations along the outer curved surface of the corresponding annular member.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the size of one or more outlet ports is larger than the size of the inlet port.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, one or more outlet ports are configured at predetermined positions on at least one injection device so that when the corresponding injection device is coaxially configured at one or both ends of the first section of the shaft, the one or more outlet ports remain above a plane passing through the center of the shaft.

[0022] The above summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the subject disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the subject disclosure.

[0024] In the drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Furthermore, components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar component having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary side cross-sectional view of a motor associated with a semi-hermetic screw compressor is shown, wherein the motor is equipped with a cooling system including a fluid injection device, according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 Shown is a diagram of one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Figure 1 An exemplary representation of the refrigerant lines associated with a compressor.

[0027] Figures 3A to 3D Shown Figure 1 illustrative views of one or more embodiments of an annular fluid injection device for use in a motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, as depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are described in great detail in order to clearly convey the present disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0029] Various terms are used herein. If a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0030] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between various components and the spatial orientation of various aspects of the components when the device is depicted in the accompanying drawings. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of this subject disclosure, the components of the present invention described herein can be positioned in any desired orientation. Therefore, the use of terms such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "first," "second," or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe the relative relationship between components or the spatial orientation of aspects of such components accordingly, and the components described herein can be oriented in any desired direction.

[0031] Screw compressors, or semi-hermetic refrigerant screw compressors, are widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems for their efficiency and reliability. These compressors rely on a motor enclosed within the same housing as the compressor mechanism, making the unit compact and less prone to leaks. However, the operation of these compressors generates significant heat, which needs to be managed to maintain efficiency and prevent damage. Specifically, the motor within the compressor may require cooling to prevent overheating, which could lead to failure.

[0032] Traditionally, motor cooling in screw compressors can be achieved by injecting liquid refrigerant into the compressor housing. This liquid is typically injected through ports located in the motor housing and motor cover, allowing the refrigerant to come into direct contact with the motor, absorbing heat and cooling the motor. However, due to space constraints within the compressor housing, the number of ports through which refrigerant can be injected is limited, typically one port in the motor housing and one port in the motor cover. This limitation can lead to uneven motor cooling, as the refrigerant may not be evenly distributed across all parts of the motor.

[0033] Areas of the motor that receive less cooling may be prone to localized overheating, which can degrade motor performance over time and ultimately lead to motor failure. Furthermore, conventional motor cooling methods in screw compressors may not be optimized for efficiency. Injecting too much refrigerant can result in additional viscous losses, further reducing the overall efficiency of the compressor. Therefore, there is a need for an improved and space-saving motor cooling system for screw compressors or semi-hermetic refrigerant screw compressors that addresses the issues of uneven motor cooling and overheating while also improving the efficiency of the motor cooling process.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, discloses an electric motor 100 (also referred to herein as motor 100) associated with a screw compressor 200 (hereinafter referred to as a compressor). In one or more embodiments, the compressor 200 may be a semi-hermetic screw compressor or a bottom suction semi-hermetic screw compressor, but is not limited thereto. However, in other embodiments, the compressor 200 may also be any other type of screw compressor without any limitation. In one or more embodiments, the motor 100 may be integrated within the housing of the compressor 200. However, in other embodiments, the motor 100 may have a separate housing that may be fluidly connected to the housing of the compressor 200.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, in the semi-hermetic screw compressor 200, the shaft 102 associated with the male rotor can be rotatably configured within the casing 108 (housing) of the compressor 200, such that a first section 102-A of the shaft 102 extends out of the casing 108 and a second section 102-B of the shaft 102 remains enclosed within the casing 108. In one or more embodiments, the first section 102-A can be attached to the end of the second section 102-B, however, the second section 102-B and the first section 102-A can also be integral to form the shaft 102.

[0036] In addition, the second section 102-B of the shaft 102 may include a helical lobe (HL) forming a helical profile that may engage with another helical lobe (not shown) formed on a female rotor (not shown) associated with the semi-hermetic screw compressor 200. Furthermore, in the compressor 200, the second sections 102-B of the female rotor and the male rotor may be enclosed within the same housing 108. In one or more embodiments, the shaft 102 may be driven by the motor 100 to rotate about its axis. The drive of the male rotor may result in engagement between the lobes, which in turn may enable the female rotor to rotate about its axis. In one or more embodiments, the female rotor and the second section 102-B of the male rotor may be rotatably supported within the housing 108 using one or more bearings (not shown) to allow the male rotor and the female rotor to rotate about their respective axes.

[0037] The motor may further include a rotor 104 including a plurality of rotor elements arranged around a first section 102-A of the shaft 102, wherein the rotor elements may be configured to rotate with the shaft 102. The motor 100 may further include a stator 106 including a stator stack having a plurality of stator windings arranged around the first section 102-A of the rotor 104, such that the stator windings and the first section 102-A of the rotor 104 are enclosed within a cover 110. The cover 110 may be further attached to the housing 108 using one or more fasteners. However, in some embodiments, the cover 110 and the housing 108 of the motor 100 may also be integral.

[0038] The motor 100 can be configured to be electrically connected to a power supply that can provide current to the stator windings to induce an electromagnetic field within the stator windings, thereby causing the rotor 104 and the shaft 102 to rotate about their axis. In the compressor 200, two meshing rotors (a male rotor and a female rotor) comprising interlocking spiral lobes within the housing 108 of the compressor 200 can form a series of chambers of decreasing volume between them. As the rotors rotate, gas (refrigerant) can be drawn into the housing 108 through an intake port (not shown). The meshing motion of the rotors can then force the gas through the compressor 200, gradually reducing the volume of the chambers and thereby compressing the gas. This continuous valveless compression process can result in a steady stream of compressed gas being pushed toward the discharge port (not shown) of the compressor 200, where it flows out at a higher pressure for use in refrigeration, air conditioning, or industrial applications.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the motor 100 may include at least one fluid injection device 112-1, 112-2 (collectively referred to herein as a fluid injection device 112 or injection device 112), which is disposed at one or both ends E1, E2 of the first section 102-A of the shaft 102. Each injection device 112 may include an inlet port 302 and one or more outlet ports 304, and the one or more outlet ports 304 are disposed at a predetermined position on the corresponding injection device 112, such as Figures 3A to 3D , where the outlet port 304 can be fluidly connected to the inlet port 302 via a plurality of fluid channels (channel networks) 306-1 to 306-3 extending within the body 300 of the corresponding injection device 112. Figure 1 , the motor 100 may include one or more fluid injection passages 114, 116 extending through the cover 110 and / or the housing 108. These fluid injection passages 114, 116 may allow refrigerant associated with the compressor 200 to flow within the cover 110. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the fluid injection device 112 may be coaxially disposed with the shaft 102 at one or both ends E1, E2 of the first section 102-A of the shaft 102, such that the inlet 302 of each injection device 112 remains fluidly connected to the fluid injection passages 114, 116 extending through the cover 110 and / or the housing 108. However, in other embodiments, the fluid injection device 112 may not be coaxial with the shaft 102, but the inlet 302 of each injection device 112 may remain fluidly connected to the fluid injection passages 114, 116 extending through the cover 110 and / or the housing 108.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, a first injection device 112-1 of the at least one injection device can be configured with the cover 110 at a first end E1 (away from the housing 108) of the first segment 102-A of the shaft 102, such that the first injection device 112-1 remains fluidly connected to a first fluid injection passage 114 provided in the cover 110. Additionally, a second injection device 112-2 of the at least one injection device can be configured with the housing 108 or the cover 110 at a second end (opposite the first end) E2 of the first segment 102-A of the shaft 102, such that the second injection device 112-2 remains fluidly connected to a second fluid injection passage 116 provided in the housing 108 or the cover 110, with the shaft 102 coaxially extending through a central bore H of the second injection device 112-2. However, in some embodiments, the center of the second injection device 112-2 may not be aligned with the central axis of the shaft 102. As shown, the second fluid passage 116 can enter the housing 108 from the first end E1 (of the cover 110) and further connect to the inlet 302 of the second injection device 112-2 through a passage provided in the housing 108. However, the second fluid passage 116 can also directly enter and extend through the housing 108 without passing through the cover 110 of the motor 100.

[0041] The motor 100 or the compressor 200 may be configured to allow refrigerant associated with the compressor 200 to flow into the fluid injection device 112 through the inlet port 302 via the fluid injection passage 114 provided in the cover 110 and / or the housing 108 of the motor 100. Furthermore, the fluid injection device 112 may allow the received (entering) refrigerant to flow or be injected toward the stator 106 and / or the rotor 104 at one or both ends E1, E2 of the shaft 102 or the first section 102-A through the outlet port 304. Thus, the supplied / injected refrigerant may help to uniformly cool the stator 106 and the rotor 104 from both ends E1, E2 within the cover 110 of the motor 100.

[0042] Return Reference Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the cover 110 of the motor 100 may include a discharge area 120 configured at the bottom to receive and collect refrigerant discharged from the stator 106 and / or the rotor 104, as well as any refrigerant leaking within the motor 100. In addition, the motor 100 may be configured to enable the discharged refrigerant to be supplied to a liquid discharge line associated with the compressor 200 or a refrigerant line in which the compressor 200 is used. Figure 2, the liquid discharge line may be further connected to the evaporator 204, which is fluidly connected to the compressor 200 via a refrigerant line. In addition, the fluid injection device 112 or a fluid injection channel provided in the housing 108 or the cover 110 may be fluidly connected to the liquid injection line, which is connected to the condenser 202, which is fluidly connected to the compressor 200 via a refrigerant line. Thus, the motor 100 may receive cold liquid refrigerant from the condenser 202 via the liquid injection line, and further return the refrigerant collected within the housing 108 or the cover 110 of the motor together with the vapor phase of the refrigerant (formed within the evaporator 204) to the refrigerant line (via the discharge line).

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the first and second fluid injection devices 112 may be annular components including an inlet port 302 and an outlet port 304. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first fluid injection device 112-1 may also be a disc-shaped component including an inlet port 302 and an outlet port 304. However, the second fluid injection device 112-2 must be an annular component so that the shaft 102 can coaxially extend through the central hole H of the annular component to allow the shaft 102 to rotate uninterruptedly about its axis, wherein the first and second fluid injection devices 112-1, 112-2 are coaxially positioned at respective ends E1, E2 of the first section 102-A of the shaft 102.

[0044] refer to Figure 3A In one or more embodiments, the annular component 300 of the fluid injection device 112 may include an inlet port 302 on a planar side 300-2 of the annular component 300. In addition, the outlet ports 304 may be radially arranged at predetermined positions along the outer curved surface 300-1 of the corresponding component 300. In one or more embodiments, the fluid channel within the annular component 300 may include a first path 306-1 that extends at least partially from the inlet port 302 in the axial direction within the component 300. The fluid channel may further include a second path 306-2 that connects to the first path 306-1 and extends circumferentially between each outlet port 304 within the annular component 300 along the plane of the annular component (perpendicular to the axial direction). In addition, the fluid channel may include one or more third paths 306-3 that each extend in a radial direction from the second path 306-2 toward one of the outlet ports 304, such that all outlet ports 304 remain fluidly connected to the inlet port 302 via the fluid channel.

[0045] refer to Figure 3BIn one or more embodiments, the annular member of the fluid injection device 112 may include an inlet port 302 on the outer curved surface 300-1 of the annular member 300. In addition, the outlet ports 304 may also be radially arranged at predetermined positions along the outer curved surface 300-1 of the corresponding member 300. In one or more embodiments, the fluid channel within the annular member 300 may include a first path 306-1 that extends at least partially from the inlet port 302 in a radial direction within the annular member 300. The fluid channel may further include a second path 306-2 that connects to the first path 306-1 and extends circumferentially along the plane of the annular member 300 (along the radial direction) between each outlet port 304 within the annular member 300. In addition, the fluid channel may include one or more third paths 306-3 that each extend radially from the second path 306-2 toward one of the outlet ports 304 or the outer curved surface 300-1, such that all outlet ports 304 remain fluidly connected to the inlet port 302 via the fluid channel.

[0046] refer to Figure 3C In one or more embodiments, the annular member 300 of the fluid injection device 112 may include an inlet port 302 on an outer curved surface 300-1 of the annular member 300. In addition, the outlet port 304 may also be configured at a predetermined position on the planar side 300-2 of the corresponding member 300. In one or more embodiments, the fluid channel within the annular member 300 may include a first path 306-1 that extends at least partially from the inlet port 302 in a radial direction within the member 300. The fluid channel may further include a second path 306-2 that connects to the first path 306-1 and extends circumferentially along the plane of the annular member 300 (along the radial direction) between each of the outlet ports 304 within the annular member 300. In addition, the fluid channel may include one or more third paths 306-3 that each extend in an axial direction from the second path 306-2 toward one of the outlet ports 304 or the planar side 300-2, such that all of the outlet ports 304 remain fluidly connected to the inlet port 302 via the fluid channel.

[0047] refer to Figure 3DIn one or more embodiments, the annular component 300 of the fluid injection device 112 may include an inlet port 302 on a planar side 300-2 of the annular component 300. In addition, the outlet port 304 may be arranged at a predetermined position on the other planar side 300-3 of the corresponding component 300, such that the inlet port 302 remains on the opposite side of the outlet port 304. In one or more embodiments, the fluid channel within the annular component 300 may include a first path 306-1 that extends at least partially in an axial direction from the inlet port 302 within the component 300. The fluid channel may further include a second path 306-2 that connects to the first path 306-1 and extends circumferentially along the plane of the annular component 300 (along the radial direction) between each outlet port 304 within the annular component 300. In addition, the fluid channel may include one or more third paths 306-3 that each extend from the second path 306-2 in the same axial direction toward one of the outlet ports 304, such that all outlet ports 304 remain fluidly connected to the inlet port 302 via the fluid channel.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the size of the outlet port 304 can be smaller than the size of the inlet port 302 in the fluid injection device 112 to regulate the outflow of the refrigerant through the outlet port 304. However, in other embodiments, the size of the outlet port 304 can be equal to or larger than the size of the inlet port 302 in the fluid injection device 112. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the size of the outlet port 304 can also be different.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the outlet ports 304 can be arranged at predetermined positions on the fluid injection device 112 so that when the corresponding injection device 112 is coaxially arranged relative to the shaft 102, the outlet ports 304 remain above a plane passing through the center of the shaft 102. Therefore, the outlet ports 304 above the center plane can supply / inject refrigerant to the upper portion of the stator 106 and the rotor 104. In addition, the supplied / injected refrigerant can be automatically discharged from the upper portion to the bottom of the stator 106 and the rotor 104 under the action of gravity. This arrangement of the outlet ports 304 can help keep the total number of outlet ports 304 low while effectively and evenly supplying refrigerant to the entire portion of the stator 106 and the rotor 104.

[0050] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, each fluid injection device 112 may include one or more mounting holes 308 extending axially therethrough. The mounting holes 308 may be configured to facilitate attachment of the corresponding fluid injection device 112 to the cover and / or housing 108 (e.g., at the corresponding fluid injection passage 114, 116) using one or more fasteners 118. Figure 1), such that the inlet 302 of the attached injection device 112 is fluidly connected to the corresponding fluid injection channels 114 , 116 .

[0051] Although various embodiments and figures have been described herein for a semi-hermetic screw compressor, the teachings of the present disclosure are equally applicable to motors associated with other compressors or other screw compressors, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure. In such embodiments (not shown), the compressor may include a motor enclosed in the same cover or housing. The motor may include a rotor having a shaft and a stator arranged in the cover around the rotor. In addition, the fluid injection device may be coaxially configured with the shaft at one or both ends of the shaft in the cover so that each injection device remains fluidically connected to one of the fluid injection channels extending through the cover.

[0052] Furthermore, the teachings of the subject disclosure are equally applicable to motors associated with other types of compressors and motors associated with non-compressor based applications without limitation, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a fluid injection device helps enhance the refrigerant injection mechanism into the motor, allowing for more even refrigerant distribution without increasing the number of ports within the compressor housing and motor cover. This solution not only helps precisely optimize the injection direction, location, and flow rate to maximize cooling, but also significantly improves compressor efficiency. By calibrating the amount of liquid used for cooling, it ensures minimal waste and reduces viscous losses. Consequently, this optimized cooling process not only conserves resources but also contributes to an overall improvement in motor performance and lifespan.

[0054] Thus, the present invention also generally addresses the challenges associated with existing motor cooling systems associated with compressors by providing an improved and space-saving motor cooling system for a screw compressor or a semi-hermetic refrigerant screw compressor, which solves the problems of uneven motor cooling and overheating while also improving the efficiency of the motor cooling process.

[0055] Although the subject disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adapt particular circumstances or materials to the teachings of the subject disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the subject disclosure not be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but that the subject disclosure include all embodiments within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0056] In interpreting this specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprise" and "include" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, used, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not explicitly referenced. When the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C..., and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from that group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A motor for a compressor, comprising: a rotor disposed on the shaft; a stator disposed around the rotor within a cover associated with the motor; as well as at least one fluid injection device, wherein the at least one injection device has a predetermined shape and comprises an inlet port and one or more outlet ports, the one or more outlet ports being arranged at predetermined positions on the corresponding injection device, the one or more outlet ports being fluidly connected to the inlet port via a plurality of fluid channels extending within the corresponding injection device, wherein the inlet of each of the at least one injection device is fluidly connected to a fluid injection channel extending through the cover.

2. The motor according to claim 1, wherein The compressor is a screw compressor, wherein the at least one fluid injection device is arranged at one end or both ends of the shaft.

3. The motor according to claim 1, wherein The compressor is a semi-hermetic screw compressor associated with a vapor compression system, wherein the shaft is rotatably configured within a housing associated with the compressor such that a first section of the shaft extends out of the housing and remains enclosed by the cover, and a second section of the shaft remains enclosed within the housing, wherein the cover is attached to the housing and the inlet of each of the at least one injection device is fluidly connected to the fluid injection channel extending through the cover and / or the housing of the motor.

4. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The motor is configured to enable refrigerant associated with the compressor to flow into the at least one injection device through the inlet port via a fluid injection channel provided in the cover and / or the housing of the motor, wherein the at least one injection device further enables the refrigerant to flow or be injected toward the stator and / or the rotor at one or both ends of the shaft or the first section through the outlet port via a corresponding fluid channel.

5. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A first injection device among the at least one injection device is an annular component including the inlet port and the one or more outlet ports, wherein the first injection device is configured together with the cover at the first end of the shaft so that the first injection device remains fluidly connected to a first fluid injection channel provided in the cover.

6. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second injection device of the at least one injection device is an annular component including the inlet port and the one or more outlet ports, wherein the second injection device is configured together with the housing at the second end of the first section of the shaft or the second end of the shaft so that the second injection device remains fluidly connected to a second fluid injection channel provided in the housing, wherein the shaft extends coaxially through the second injection device.

7. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The inlet port is axially arranged on a planar side of the annular member, and the one or more outlet ports are radially arranged at the predetermined position along the outer curved surface of the corresponding annular member.

8. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The inlet port and the one or more outlet ports are radially arranged at the predetermined positions along the outer curved surface of the corresponding annular member.

9. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The inlet port is radially arranged on the outer curved surface of the annular member, and the one or more outlet ports are axially arranged at the predetermined position along the planar surface of the corresponding annular member.

10. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: a first injection device of the at least one injection device being a disk-shaped component, wherein the first injection device is arranged together with the cover at the first end of the shaft such that the first injection device remains fluidly connected to a first fluid injection channel provided in the cover, The inlet port and the one or more outlet ports are respectively arranged radially and / or axially at the predetermined positions along the outer curved surface and / or the planar surface of the disc-shaped component.

11. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The at least one fluid injection device includes one or more mounting holes configured to facilitate attaching the corresponding fluid injection device to the cover and / or the housing at the corresponding fluid injection channel using one or more fasteners, so that the inlet of the attached injection device is fluidly connected to the corresponding fluid injection channel.

12. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The one or more outlet ports are smaller in size than the inlet port.

13. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The one or more outlet ports are arranged at the predetermined position on the at least one injection device such that when the corresponding injection device is arranged coaxially with respect to the shaft, the one or more outlet ports remain above a plane passing through the center of the shaft.

14. A motor for a semi-hermetic screw compressor associated with a vapor compression system, the motor comprising: a shaft rotatably disposed within a housing associated with the compressor such that a first section of the shaft extends out of the housing and a second section of the shaft remains enclosed within the housing; a stator and a rotor arranged around the first section of the shaft, wherein the stator, the rotor, and the first section of the shaft are enclosed by a cover attached to the housing; as well as at least one fluid injection device disposed at one or both ends of the first section of the shaft, wherein the at least one injection device has a predetermined shape and comprises an inlet port and one or more outlet ports, the one or more outlet ports being arranged at predetermined positions on the corresponding injection device, the one or more outlet ports being fluidly connected to the inlet port via a plurality of fluid channels extending within the corresponding injection device, wherein the inlet of each of the at least one injection device is fluidly connected to a fluid injection channel extending through the cover and / or the housing of the motor.

15. The motor according to claim 14, wherein The motor is configured to enable refrigerant associated with the compressor to flow into the at least one injection device through the inlet port via a fluid injection channel provided in the cover and / or the housing of the motor, wherein the at least one injection device further enables the refrigerant to flow or be injected toward the stator and / or the rotor at one or both ends of the shaft or the first section through the outlet port via a corresponding fluid channel.

16. The motor according to any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein A first injection device among the at least one injection device is an annular component including the inlet port and the one or more outlet ports, wherein the first injection device is configured together with the cover at the first end of the first section of the shaft so that the first injection device remains fluidly connected to a first fluid injection channel provided in the cover.

17. The motor according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: A second injection device among the at least one injection device is an annular component including the inlet port and the one or more outlet ports, wherein the second injection device is configured together with the housing at the second end of the first section of the shaft so that the second injection device remains fluidly connected to a second fluid injection channel provided in the housing and the shaft extends coaxially through the second injection device.

18. The motor according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein The inlet port is axially arranged on a planar side of the annular member, and the one or more outlet ports are radially arranged at the predetermined position along the outer curved surface of the corresponding annular member.

19. The motor according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein The one or more outlet ports have a size greater than a size of the inlet port.

20. The motor according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein The one or more outlet ports are arranged at the predetermined position on the at least one injection device so that when the corresponding injection device is coaxially arranged at one or both ends of the first section of the shaft, the one or more outlet ports remain above a plane passing through the center of the shaft.