Oil piping system for HVACR system

Abstract

Disclosed is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVACamp; r) system (10) comprising a compressor (32) and an oil piping system (100). The compressor (32) includes an inlet (162) configured to receive refrigerant directed along a refrigerant flow path (118) and through the compressor (32), a displacement member (110), and an actuator (108) configured to drive operation of the displacement member (110) to pressurize the refrigerant in a chamber (144) of the compressor (32). The oil piping system (100) includes a channel (117) configured to direct oil into the refrigerant flow path (118), and the channel (117) is configured to place the oil in a heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant, the refrigerant is directed along the refrigerant flow path (118) and flows at least partially in a direction extending from the inlet (162) to the chamber (144).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 448,944, filed February 28, 2023, entitled “OIL CONDUIT SYSTEM FOR HVAC&RSYSTEM,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Technology

[0002] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the various aspects of this disclosure described below and / or claimed. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this light, rather than as an endorsement of prior art.

[0003] Refrigeration systems or vapor compression systems utilize a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) that changes the phase between vapor, liquid, and combinations thereof in response to varying temperatures and pressures exposed within components of the refrigeration system. The refrigeration system can place the working fluid in a heat-exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid (e.g., water) and can deliver the conditioning fluid to regulated equipment and / or regulated environments served by the refrigeration system. For example, a refrigeration system may include a heat exchanger configured to receive both the working fluid and the conditioning fluid, allowing them to exchange heat. 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 refrigeration system, such as compressors and / or condensers, configured to process (e.g., pressurize, cool) the working fluid to enable it to provide further regulation of the conditioning fluid. The refrigeration system may also utilize oil to facilitate the operation of certain components of the refrigeration system, such as compressors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following provides an overview 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 particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover various aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC&R) system includes a compressor and an oil piping system. The compressor includes: an inlet configured to receive refrigerant guided along a refrigerant flow path and through the compressor; a displacement member; and an actuator configured to actuate the displacement member to pressurize the refrigerant in the compressor chamber. The oil piping system includes a passage configured to guide oil into the refrigerant flow path, and the passage is configured to allow heat exchange between the oil and the refrigerant, which is guided along the refrigerant flow path and flows at least partially in a direction extending from the inlet to the chamber.

[0006] In another embodiment, an oil piping system for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes: an oil filter configured to remove impurities from an oil flow; and a channel positioned adjacent to a refrigerant flow path through a compressor, wherein the channel is configured to receive the oil flow from the oil filter and guide the oil flow to exchange heat with the refrigerant guided along the refrigerant flow path.

[0007] In another embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC&R) system includes a compressor and an oil piping system. The compressor includes a support having a plurality of ribs extending inwardly to support an actuator of the compressor, and the plurality of ribs defining a plurality of passages configured to receive and guide refrigerant through the plurality of passages. The oil piping system includes a channel configured to guide oil through the channel, the channel being formed by at least one of the plurality of ribs, and the channel being configured to allow heat exchange between the oil and the refrigerant guided through the plurality of passages. Attached Figure Description

[0008] A better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure can be achieved by reading the following detailed description and referring to the figures, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a building according to an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system in a commercial environment, based on one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system; Figure 4 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system having an oil pipeline system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor of a vapor compression system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a compressor of a vapor compression system according to one aspect of this disclosure; and Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a compressor of a vapor compression system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0009] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementations are described in the specification. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as consistency with system-related and enterprise-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but is merely a routine task of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0010] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements. Furthermore, it should be noted that references to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to exclude the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0011] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “generally,” “largely,” etc., are intended to convey that the attribute value being described can be within a relatively small range of that attribute value, as understood by one of skill in the art. For example, when an attribute value is described as “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “generally similar” to) a given value, this is intended to convey that the attribute value can be within + / - 5%, + / - 4%, + / - 3%, + / - 2%, + / - 1%, or even closer to the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as “generally parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, etc., this is intended to convey that the given feature has the described property, such as being parallel to another feature, perpendicular to another feature, etc., within + / - 5%, + / - 4%, + / - 3%, + / - 2%, + / - 1%, or even closer to the given feature. Mathematical terms (such as "parallel" and "perpendicular") should not be interpreted strictly in their rigorous mathematical sense, but rather in a way that would be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the field. For example, someone of ordinary skill in the field would understand that two lines that are generally parallel to each other are largely parallel, but may deviate slightly from being perfectly parallel.

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system, such as a cooler system, having a vapor compression system. The vapor compression system may include a compressor configured to pressurize a working fluid and discharge the pressurized working fluid to a condenser configured to cool the working fluid. The condenser may discharge the cooled working fluid to an expansion valve configured to reduce the pressure of the working fluid, thereby further cooling the working fluid. The expansion valve may direct the cooled working fluid to an evaporator, which may be configured to place the cooled working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid to cool the conditioning fluid and heat the working fluid. The evaporator may then discharge the working fluid to the compressor, and the compressor may recompress the working fluid received from the evaporator.

[0013] In some embodiments, oil can be used to facilitate the operation of certain components of a vapor compression system, such as improving component operating efficiency and / or extending component lifespan. For example, oil can be circulated through the compressor to facilitate the operation of various compressor components, such as bearings, connecting rods, displacement components, actuators, etc. Unfortunately, in some cases, the characteristics of the oil flow may be undesirable, and therefore, the oil may not facilitate the operation of the components of the vapor compression system. For example, the viscosity, dilution, pressure, and / or temperature of the oil may be outside the desired range. As a result, the operation of the vapor compression system may be undesirable.

[0014] Therefore, it is now recognized that processing oil to adjust the characteristics of the oil flow towards a desired range can improve the operation of a vapor compression system. Accordingly, embodiments of this disclosure relate to an oil piping system configured to place oil in a heat exchange relationship with a refrigerant flow guided through a compressor of the vapor compression system. For example, the refrigerant flow may be guided from the compressor inlet into a chamber where it is pressurized by a displacement component of the compressor. The oil piping system can place the oil in a heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant flow before the refrigerant flow is pressurized by the displacement component. In this way, the refrigerant flow, which is in a heat exchange relationship with the oil, can be at a relatively low temperature to achieve greater heat transfer from the oil to the refrigerant flow, thereby reducing the oil temperature. The oil cooled by the refrigerant flow can then be guided into the refrigerant flow to flow across the compressor components. Cooling the oil via the refrigerant flow can place the oil under more desired conditions (e.g., at a more desired temperature, with a more desired dilution, with a more desired viscosity) to facilitate compressor operation.

[0015] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an environmental embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 for a typical commercial environment. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a cooler) that supplies a cooling liquid for cooling the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 for supplying warm liquid to heat the building 12 and an air distribution system for circulating air through the building 12. The air distribution system may also include an air return duct 18, an air supply duct 20, and / or an air handler 22. In some embodiments, the air handler 22 may include a heat exchanger connected to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14 via duct 24. Depending on the operating mode of the HVAC&R system 10, the heat exchanger in the air handler 22 may receive heated liquid from the boiler 16 or cooled liquid from the vapor compression system 14. HVAC&R system 10 is shown as having a separate air processor on each floor of building 12, but in other embodiments, HVAC&R system 10 may include air processor 22 and / or other components that may be shared between floors.

[0016] Figure 2 and Figure 3This is an embodiment of a vapor compression system 14 that can be used in an HVAC&R system 10. The vapor compression system 14 allows refrigerant to circulate through a loop beginning with a compressor 32. The loop may also include a condenser 34, one or more expansion valves or devices 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.

[0017] Some examples of fluids that can be used as refrigerants in vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerants, such as R-410A, R-407, R-134a, R-1234ze, R1233zd, R513A, R515B, R516A, hydrofluoroolefins (HFO), “natural” refrigerants such as ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, R290, or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable refrigerant. In some embodiments, vapor compression system 14 may be configured to effectively utilize refrigerants with a standard boiling point of about 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at one atmosphere, which are also referred to as low-pressure refrigerants relative to medium-pressure refrigerants such as R-134a. As used herein, “standard boiling point” can refer to the boiling point temperature measured at one atmosphere.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSD) 52, a motor 50, a compressor 32, a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and / or an evaporator 38. The motor 50 may drive the compressor 32 and may be powered by the VSD 52. The VSD 52 receives AC power with a specific fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an alternating current (AC) power source and supplies power with a variable voltage and frequency to the motor 50. In other embodiments, the motor 50 may be directly powered by an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motor 50 may comprise any type of motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly by an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically rectified permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

[0019] Compressor 32 compresses refrigerant vapor and delivers it to condenser 34 through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by compressor 32 to condenser 34 can transfer heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., water or air) in condenser 34. Due to heat exchange with the cooling fluid, the refrigerant vapor can condense into liquid refrigerant in condenser 34. The liquid refrigerant from condenser 34 can flow to evaporator 38 through expansion device 36. Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, 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.

[0020] The liquid refrigerant delivered to evaporator 38 can absorb heat from another cooling fluid, which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in condenser 34. The liquid refrigerant in evaporator 38 can undergo a phase change from liquid refrigerant to refrigerant vapor. For example... Figure 3 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 having a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to the cooling load 62. Cooling fluid (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 can reduce the temperature of the cooling fluid in the tube bundle 58 through heat transfer with the refrigerant. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 may include multiple tubes and / or multiple tube bundles. In any case, vaporized refrigerant exits the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 via the suction line to complete the cycle.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a vapor compression system 14, in which an intermediate loop 64 is connected between the condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate loop 64 may have an inlet line 68 directly fluidly connected to the condenser 34. In other embodiments, the inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly connected to the condenser 34. Figure 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 positioned upstream of the intermediate container 70. In some embodiments, the intermediate container 70 may be a flash tank (e.g., a flash intercooler, an energy saver, etc.). In other embodiments, the intermediate container 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or a "surface energy saver." Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, intermediate container 70 serves as a flash tank, and first expansion device 66 is configured to reduce (e.g., expand) the pressure of the liquid refrigerant received from condenser 34. During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may evaporate, and thus intermediate container 70 can be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from first expansion device 66.

[0022] Additionally, due to the pressure drop experienced by the liquid refrigerant upon entering intermediate container 70 (e.g., due to the rapid increase in volume experienced upon entering intermediate container 70), intermediate container 70 can provide further expansion of the liquid refrigerant. Vapor in intermediate container 70 can be drawn by compressor 32 through suction line 74 of compressor 32. In other embodiments, vapor in intermediate container 70 can be drawn to an intermediate stage (e.g., a non-suction stage) of compressor 32. Due to expansion in expansion device 66 and / or intermediate container 70, the enthalpy of the liquid collected in intermediate container 70 can be lower than the enthalpy of the liquid refrigerant leaving condenser 34. The liquid from intermediate container 70 can then flow in line 72 through second expansion device 36 to evaporator 38.

[0023] It should be understood that any features described herein can be combined with vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. For example, this technology can be combined with any HVAC&R system having an economizer (such as intermediate container 70) and a compressor (such as compressor 32). The following discussion describes the technology in combination with an embodiment of compressor 32 configured as a single-stage compressor. However, it should be noted that the systems and methods described herein can be combined with other embodiments of compressor 32 and HVAC&R system 10.

[0024] This disclosure relates to an HVAC&R system that utilizes oil to regulate certain components. For example, the oil can cool and / or lubricate components. The HVAC&R system may include an oil piping system configured to allow heat exchange between the oil and a refrigerant flow guided through the compressor of the HVAC&R system. For example, the oil piping system may allow heat exchange between the oil and the refrigerant flow upstream of where the refrigerant flow is pressurized by the compressor, relative to the direction in which the refrigerant flow is guided through the compressor. Therefore, the oil piping system achieves greater heat transfer from the oil to the refrigerant flow, placing the oil under desired conditions for cooling and / or lubricating compressor components. This can thus improve compressor operation.

[0025] Considering the above, Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system 14 having a compressor 32 and a condenser 34. The vapor compression system 14 also includes an oil piping system 100 configured to circulate oil through the compressor 32 to facilitate its operation. For example, the oil piping system 100 may include an oil separator 102 configured to discharge oil to an oil filter 104 of the oil piping system 100, and the oil filter 104 may be configured to purify the oil. For example, the oil filter 104 may remove impurities from the oil. The oil filter 104 may discharge the purified oil into the compressor 32, where the oil may mix with the refrigerant in the compressor 32. The compressor 32 may then discharge the oil / refrigerant mixture back to the oil separator 102 of the oil piping system 100. The oil separator 102 may be configured to separate the oil and refrigerant from each other, directing the oil to the oil filter 104 and the refrigerant to the condenser 34. In some embodiments, the pressure difference between the oil separator 102 and the internal volume of the compressor 32 (e.g., the location within the compressor 32 where the oil filter 104 is disposed) can drive oil through the oil piping system 100 from the oil separator 102 to the oil filter 104 and then through the compressor 32. For example, the oil separator 102 may be at a higher pressure relative to the internal volume of the compressor 32 where the oil filter 104 is disposed. Therefore, the pressure difference can drive oil from the high-pressure oil separator 102 to the oil filter 104 (which may also be at a higher pressure relative to the internal volume of the compressor 32), and the oil filter 104 can discharge oil into a low-pressure region within the internal volume of the compressor 32 (e.g., a bearing cavity). In other embodiments, the oil separator 102 may include an oil pump 106 configured to facilitate the discharge of oil toward the oil filter 104 and toward the compressor 32. It should be noted that the oil piping system 100 may include any suitable components, such as valves, pipes (e.g., tubes, lines), couplings, etc., to facilitate the guidance of oil between the oil separator 102, the oil filter 104, the compressor 32, and / or the oil condenser 34.

[0026] Oil can regulate various components of compressor 32. For example, compressor 32 may include actuator 108 (e.g., motor, linear actuator, rotary actuator) configured to drive movement of displacement member or device 110. Displacement member 110 may be configured to move to pressurize refrigerant, such as by driving refrigerant from a larger volume to a smaller volume. For example, displacement member 110 may include screw, piston, reel, impeller, diaphragm, etc. Compressor 32 may also include connecting rod 112 that connects actuator 108 and displacement member 110 to each other so that actuator 108 can drive movement of displacement member 110. Compressor 32 may further include one or more bearings 114 (e.g., axial bearings, radial bearings) that can provide support and / or desired positioning for components of compressor 32. For example, bearing 114 may restrict movement of displacement member 110 in some directions (e.g., rotational direction) and / or facilitate movement of displacement member 110 in other directions (e.g., linear direction).

[0027] Before the oil piping system 100 directs the oil into the compressor 32 to mix with the refrigerant, the oil piping system 100 can place the oil in one or more heat exchange relationships with aspects and / or components of the compressor 32 to achieve heat transfer between the aspects and / or components of the compressor 32 and the oil. For example, the oil piping system 100 can be configured to switch between a first operating mode (e.g., normal operating mode) and a second operating mode (e.g., oil cooling mode) to bring the oil to desired conditions (e.g., at a more desired temperature, with a more desired dilution, with a more desired viscosity) before directing the oil into the compressor 32.

[0028] In a first operating mode (e.g., normal operating mode), the oil piping system 100 can direct oil toward the compressor 32 without subjecting the oil to heat exchange with aspects and / or components of the compressor 32. For example, in some embodiments, oil discharged from the oil separator 102 and directed toward the oil filter 104 may already be under desired conditions. Therefore, the oil piping system 100 can direct oil through passage 116 (e.g., pipe, neutral passage, neutral conduit) so that the oil can pass through the compressor 32 without undergoing heat exchange. For example, passage 116 can be formed (e.g., machined) through the housing of the compressor 32 and can be positioned at a threshold distance from the various components and / or aspects of the compressor 32 such that minimal heat exchange occurs between the components and / or aspects of the compressor 32 and the oil flow directed through passage 116.

[0029] In the second operating mode, the oil piping system 100 can place the oil and refrigerant flow in a heat exchange relationship to achieve heat transfer between the refrigerant flow and the oil. For example, the oil piping system 100 can guide oil through channel 117 (e.g., an oil cooling channel), which can place the oil and refrigerant flow 118 in a heat exchange relationship at the suction port of compressor 32. The refrigerant flow 118 can typically be colder than the oil in channel 117. Therefore, heat can be transferred from the oil to the refrigerant flow 118, thereby cooling the oil. Cooling the oil via the refrigerant flow 118 can adjust certain properties of the oil (such as temperature, pressure, dilution, and / or viscosity) toward a desired range, such as 1 and 2.5 kPa or 1 or greater, for a viscosity ratio at the operating temperature to a specified viscosity for bearing 114. Therefore, the oil can be in more desirable conditions for use when suctioned at compressor 32 to flow across the various components of compressor 32. For example, under desired conditions, oil can better reduce friction between components (e.g., between connecting rod 112 and displacement member 110), promote movement of components (e.g., displacement member 110), reduce the temperature of components (e.g., bearing 114), and so on. Therefore, the pressurization of the refrigerant (e.g., refrigerant flow 118) by compressor 32 and / or the lifespan of compressor 32 can be increased.

[0030] In some embodiments, the oil piping system 100 may include a valve 120 (e.g., a solenoid valve) positioned between the oil filter 104 and the compressor 32. The valve 120 may be configured to switch between a first position (e.g., a solenoid valve closed position) and a second position (e.g., a solenoid valve open position), in which oil from the oil filter 104 is directed through passage 116, and in the second position, oil from the oil filter 104 is directed through passage 117. In this way, the valve 120 may indicate the operating mode under which the oil piping system 100 is operating. For example, when the valve 120 is switched to the first position (e.g., when the solenoid valve is closed), oil may be directed through passage 116 such that the oil does not undergo heat exchange with aspects and / or components of the compressor 32, thereby enabling the oil piping system 100 to operate in a first operating mode (e.g., a normal operating mode). Conversely, when valve 120 is switched to the second position (e.g., when the solenoid valve is open), oil can be directed through passage 117, allowing the oil to be cooled by refrigerant flow 118 before being introduced into compressor 32, thereby enabling oil piping system 100 to operate in a second operating mode (e.g., oil-cooled mode). It should be understood that in some embodiments, oil piping system 100 can be operated such that when valve 120 is in the first position (e.g., when valve 120 is closed), oil is directed into passage 117, and when valve 120 is in the second position (e.g., when valve 120 is open), oil is directed into passage 116.

[0031] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may include one or more sensors 122 configured to detect the conditions of oil directed toward the compressor 32. For example, one or more sensors 122 may be located throughout the vapor compression system 14 and / or the compressor 32, and may be configured to detect data indicating the temperature, pressure, viscosity, and / or dilution of the oil. One or more sensors 122 may transmit such data to a controller 130 (e.g., a control system, automation controller), enabling the controller 130 to switch the oil piping system 100 between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on said data (e.g., via a control valve 120 between a first position and a second position). In some embodiments, certain components of the vapor compression system 14 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 130 (e.g., a control panel 40), enabling the controller 130 to receive data from these components and control the operation of the vapor compression system 14 and / or the operation of the oil piping system 100, as described in more detail below.

[0032] In some embodiments, controller 130 may include processing circuitry 132 (e.g., one or more microprocessors) and memory 134. For example, controller 130 may include non-transitory code or instructions stored in a machine-readable medium (e.g., memory 134) used by processing circuitry 132 to implement the techniques disclosed herein. Memory 134 may include volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical disc drive, hard disk drive, solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 132, control the operation of vapor compression system 14 and / or oil piping system 100. Controller 130 may monitor and control the operation of oil piping system 100, for example, by adjusting the position of valve 120 based on feedback received from one or more sensors 122. For example, upon receiving sensor data indicating that the current characteristics of the oil deviate from desired characteristics, controller 130 may control valve 120 to switch oil piping system 100 between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In this way, the oil can be cooled as needed. It should be understood that certain features discussed herein may be omitted from certain embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of channel 116, valve 120, sensor 122 and / or controller 130 may be omitted, and the oil piping system 100 may operate in a single mode (e.g., oil cooling mode) to guide oil through channel 117 (e.g., to cool the oil).

[0033] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of compressor 32. In the illustrated embodiment, compressor 32 includes a support 140 (e.g., a housing). Support 140 may define or include a first chamber 142 (e.g., a first section, first volume, first space, suction section), a second chamber 144 (e.g., a second section, second volume, second space, pressurization section), and a third chamber 146 (e.g., a third section, third volume, third space, discharge section). During operation of compressor 32, refrigerant (e.g., refrigerant flow 118) may flow sequentially through the first chamber 142, the second chamber 144, and the third chamber 146 along a refrigerant flow path 150.

[0034] For example, compressor 32 may include a motor 148 (e.g., motor 50, actuator 108) positioned within a first chamber 142 and a screw 152 (e.g., rotor, displacement member 110) extending through the first chamber 142, the second chamber 144, and the third chamber 146. Motor 148 may be coupled to a first shaft 154 of screw 152 in the first chamber 142. Screw 152 may include blades 156 (e.g., threads) extending through the second chamber 144 and a second shaft 158 ​​extending through the third chamber 146. Refrigerant may flow into the first chamber 142 of compressor 32 (e.g., from evaporator 38) via inlet 160 (e.g., suction inlet) of compressor 32. Refrigerant may flow along refrigerant flow path 150 toward the second chamber 144 into a passage 162 formed between motor 148 and support 140. Refrigerant can then flow from the first chamber 142 into the second chamber 144 via a first opening 164.

[0035] During operation of compressor 32, motor 148 can drive first shaft 154 to rotate about axis 166. Rotation of shaft 154 drives screw 152 to rotate about axis 154, thereby enabling screw 152 to compress refrigerant and drive it into third chamber 146 via second opening 168. The cross-sectional area of ​​third chamber 146 can be smaller than that of first chamber 142. Therefore, the refrigerant can be at a higher pressure in third chamber 146 compared to first chamber 142. The refrigerant can then flow through third chamber 146, along refrigerant flow path 150, and exit compressor 32 via outlet 170 (e.g., discharge outlet).

[0036] As noted above, the oil piping system 100 can be configured to switch between a first operating mode (e.g., normal operating mode) and a second operating mode (e.g., oil cooling mode) to bring the oil to more desired conditions before introducing it into the chamber of the compressor 32. For example, when the oil piping system 100 is operating in the first operating mode (e.g., normal operating mode, where solenoid valve 120 is closed), the oil piping system 100 can guide oil along the oil flow path 171 via channel 116, such that heat exchange of less than a threshold amount occurs between the oil and various components and / or aspects of the compressor 32. For this purpose, channel 116 can be positioned and / or machined by bracket 140 such that channel 116 is at least a threshold distance from the refrigerant flow path 118 through which the refrigerant flows, and / or at least a threshold distance from other components and / or aspects of the compressor 32 that can cause oil flow into heat exchange relationships (e.g., moving parts of the compressor 32 (e.g., motor 148)). In this way, minimal heat exchange can occur between the oil guided through channel 116 and various components and / or aspects of compressor 32 before the oil is introduced into compressor 32.

[0037] When the oil piping system 100 is operating in a second operating mode (e.g., oil-cooled mode, where the solenoid valve is open), the oil piping system 100 can guide oil through passage 117 and allow the oil to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant flow path 150. In the illustrated embodiment, oil can flow through the compressor 32 via passage 117 along oil flow path 172. For example, when the oil piping system 100 is operating in the second operating mode, oil filter 104 can discharge oil toward valve 120, and valve 120 can guide the oil into passage 117 extending through support 140. Passage 117 can extend along passage 162, thereby allowing the oil to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through passage 162 within the first chamber 142. For example, passage 162 can extend at least partially along a direction from inlet 160 to the second chamber 144 (e.g., at least partially along axis 166). Therefore, the oil can be in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant flow path 150 at least in part in the direction from the inlet 160 to the second chamber 144.

[0038] The refrigerant flowing through the first chamber 142 (e.g., upstream of the second chamber 144, where the screw 152 (such as blade 156) initiates pressurization of the refrigerant) can be at a lower temperature than the oil that causes it to exchange heat with such refrigerant (e.g., oil discharged by the oil filter 104). Therefore, heat can be transferred from the oil to the refrigerant to cool the oil. This heat transfer can adjust the properties of the oil to conditions that improve the operation of the compressor 32. For example, the oil temperature may decrease due to heat transfer, and / or the oil viscosity may increase, and the oil may be able to provide desired cooling of the compressor 32 components, achieve desired movement of the compressor 32 components, improve the service life of the compressor 32 components, and so on.

[0039] Such benefits can also improve the efficiency of compressor 32 in pressurizing the refrigerant. For example, motor 148 can more easily and / or more efficiently drive the movement of screw 152, enabling screw 152 to pressurize the refrigerant more effectively. In practice, the desired operation of compressor 32 can be maintained and / or achieved at different ambient temperatures. For instance, the benefits provided by oil cooled via refrigerant can enable compressor 32 to achieve desired operation at higher ambient temperatures, which would otherwise increase the temperature of the oil, increase the temperature of the refrigerant, and / or affect the operation (e.g., movement) of the compressor 32's components.

[0040] Furthermore, these benefits can be achieved without implementing dedicated equipment for cooling the oil (e.g., external oil coolers, additional cooling systems), thereby reducing the costs associated with the installation and / or operation of such equipment. Additionally, oil cooling does not significantly affect the conditions of the refrigerant flowing through compressor 32 (e.g., temperature, flow rate). Therefore, oil piping system 100 can be easily integrated into existing HVAC&R systems without requiring adjustments to the operation of compressor 32.

[0041] As noted above, in some embodiments, controller 130 may be configured to control the position of valve 120 based on data from one or more sensors 122 disposed around compressor 32 to switch oil piping system 100 between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. For example, one or more sensors 122 may be located within a first chamber 142 (e.g., within oil filter 104), a second chamber 144, and / or a third chamber 146 (e.g., near bearing 114). Sensors 122 may collect data indicating operating parameters of the oil (e.g., temperature, pressure, viscosity, dilution), and controller 130 may use such data to control the position of valve 120. For example, upon receiving data from one or more sensors 122 indicating that the oil temperature exceeds a desired threshold temperature, controller 130 may switch valve 120 to an open position, allowing oil to be directed through channel 117 for cooling. Conversely, upon receiving data from one or more sensors 122 indicating that the oil temperature is within the desired temperature range, the controller 130 may switch the valve 120 to the closed position, causing the oil to be directed through the channel 116, thereby minimizing heat exchange between the oil flowing through the channel 116 and other components and / or aspects of the compressor 32.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, channels 116 and 117 discharge their respective oil flows into an oil discharge assembly 174 extending along the second chamber 144. The oil discharge assembly 174 may include a first conduit 175, a first port 176, a second conduit 177, a second port 178, and a valve 179 (e.g., an orifice) fluidly connected to channels 116 and 117. For example, channels 116 and 117 may discharge oil into the first conduit 175, and the first conduit 175 may discharge oil into a refrigerant flow path 150 adjacent to the second chamber 144. In some embodiments, the oil discharge assembly 175 may discharge oil into the refrigerant flow path via the first port 176 and / or the second port 178. As an example, the first port 176 may be located upstream of the second chamber 144, such as within a first opening 164. The second port 178 may be located downstream of the second chamber 144, such as within a third chamber 146. Therefore, ports 176 and 178 can discharge the oil received from channels 116 and 117 into the refrigerant flow path 150 at a location near the second chamber 144 and outside the second chamber.

[0043] In some embodiments, valve 179 may be configured to control the distribution of oil flow between a first port 176 and a second port 178. For example, in some embodiments, valve 179 may be a regulating valve that directs a portion of the oil through a first conduit 175 toward the first port 176, while directing the remaining portion of the oil through a second conduit 177 toward the second port 178. In some embodiments, valve 179 may be communicatively coupled to controller 130, thereby enabling controller 130 to control the position of valve 179 and thus control the distribution of oil between the first port 176 and the second port 178. Furthermore, in other embodiments, valve 179 may correspond to a static orifice with a specified diameter, such that at least a portion of the oil flow directed through oil discharge assembly 174 can flow through the first port 176, while the remaining portion of the oil flow is directed through the second conduit 177 and via the second port 178 into compressor 32. In other words, in some embodiments, the size, configuration, and / or diameter of the static orifice 179 can be selected based on certain design conditions, thereby enabling the oil discharge assembly 174 to distribute oil flow between the first port 176 and the second port 178.

[0044] Oil discharged into the refrigerant flow path 150 can flow through the second chamber 144 and / or the third chamber 146 of the compressor 32. For example, oil discharged into the refrigerant flow path 150 via the second port 178 can flow through the third chamber 146, exit the compressor 32 via the outlet 170, and proceed toward the oil separator 106 to separate from the refrigerant and be guided back toward the oil filter 104. Oil discharged into the refrigerant flow path 150 via the first port 176 can flow through the second chamber 144, through the third chamber 146, exit the compressor 32 via the outlet 170, and proceed toward the oil separator 106. In additional or alternative embodiments, the oil piping system 100 may include ports configured to discharge oil into different locations within the refrigerant flow path 150. For example, another port can discharge oil into the second chamber 144 (e.g., to the blade 156), into the first chamber 142 (e.g., to the motor 148), or at any suitable location to mix the oil with the refrigerant.

[0045] The compressor 32 may also include bearings 114 positioned adjacent to ports 176, 178 such that oil discharged into the refrigerant flow path 150 can flow across the bearings 114. For example, the compressor 32 may include one or more first bearings 180 positioned downstream of the first port 176 (e.g., upstream of the second chamber 144) relative to the refrigerant flow through the compressor 32, such as within the first opening 164. The compressor 32 may additionally or alternatively include one or more second bearings 182 positioned downstream of the second port 178 relative to the refrigerant flow through the compressor 32. Thus, oil discharged into the refrigerant flow path 150 (e.g., and cooled by refrigerant flowing in the first chamber 142) can be guided across the first bearings 180 and the second bearings 182 via the first port 176 and the second port 178, respectively. The bearings 180, 182 may support the screw 152, such as positioning and / or orienting the screw 152 in a desired manner, preventing undesired movement of the screw 152, etc. Positioning bearings 180 and 182 adjacent to ports 176 and 178 respectively allows oil to flow more desirablely when discharged into the refrigerant flow path 150 (e.g., more rapidly or more smoothly across bearings 180 and 182).

[0046] In some embodiments, the oil filter 104 may be coupled to the bracket 140 to facilitate positioning of the oil filter 104 to discharge oil into channel 116 or channel 117. In additional or alternative embodiments, the oil filter 104 may be detached from the bracket 140 or positioned in any other suitable manner to discharge oil into channels 116, 117. As an example, the oil filter 104 may be arranged at a location where oil is discharged into channel 117 to allow the oil to exchange heat with the refrigerant flow at any suitable location within the refrigerant flow path 150 in the first chamber 142. As another example, the oil filter 104 may be oriented to discharge oil in any suitable direction, such as along (e.g., substantially parallel to) the direction extending from inlet 160 to the second chamber 144, or laterally (e.g., perpendicular to) the direction extending from inlet 160 to the second chamber 144.

[0047] Figure 7This is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of compressor 32. For visual purposes, certain features such as the bracket 140 are not shown. In the illustrated embodiment, compressor 32 includes a first screw 152A and a second screw 152B. For example, the first screw 152A (e.g., an outer screw) may be coupled to and directly driven by a motor 148 to rotate. The second screw 152B (e.g., an inner screw) may mesh with the first screw 152A, and movement of the first screw 152A may drive corresponding movement of the second screw 152B. Each of the first screw 152A and the second screw 152B can pressurize the refrigerant during rotation, and the rate or amount of refrigerant pressurization can be increased compared to a compressor with a single screw.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the first port 176 discharges oil into a refrigerant flow path 150 adjacent to the first screw 152A (e.g., upstream of the blades 156 of the first screw 152A relative to the refrigerant flow through the compressor 32), and the second port 178 discharges oil into a refrigerant flow path 150 adjacent to the second screw 152B (e.g., downstream of the blades 156 of the first screw 152A relative to the refrigerant flow through the compressor 32). An oil filter 104 (shown in dashed lines) can purify impurities in the oil and guides the oil through valve 120 and through passages 116 or 117 before it is directed toward the oil discharge assembly 174. The oil discharge assembly 174 can then direct the oil flow to the first port 176 and / or the second port 178 to dispense the oil for discharge into the refrigerant flow path 150, such as flowing across the first bearing 180 and the second bearing 182 supporting the first screw 152A. In additional or alternative embodiments, the first port 176 may discharge oil into a refrigerant flow path 150 adjacent to the second screw 152B (e.g., upstream of the blades 208 (e.g., threads) of the second screw 152B relative to the refrigerant flow through the compressor 32), and / or the second port 178 may discharge oil into a refrigerant flow path 150 adjacent to the second screw 152B (e.g., downstream of the threads 208 of the second screw 152B relative to the refrigerant flow through the compressor 32).

[0049] In some embodiments, oil can flow from the first screw 152A to the second screw 152B. For example, the pressure at the first screw 152A may be greater than the pressure at the second screw 152B. This pressure difference can drive oil to flow from the first screw 152A to the second screw 152B. Therefore, the pressure difference can facilitate the distribution of oil (e.g., oil discharged into the refrigerant flow path 150 via the first port 176) across the screws 152. In additional or alternative embodiments, the oil discharge assembly 174 of the oil piping system 100 may include a third port 210 and / or a fourth port 212. The second port 210 can discharge oil into the refrigerant flow path 150 adjacent to the second screw 152B (e.g., upstream of the thread 208 of the second screw 152B relative to the refrigerant flow through the compressor 32), and the third port 212 can discharge oil into the refrigerant flow path 150 adjacent to the second screw 152B (e.g., downstream of the thread 208 of the second screw 152B relative to the refrigerant flow through the compressor 32). For example, the third port 210 and the fourth port 212 can direct oil flow across one or more third bearings 214 and one or more fourth bearings 216, respectively, which can support the second screw 152B. Oil discharged by the oil filter 104 can cross each of the ports 176, 178, 210, and 212, thereby allowing oil to be discharged into the refrigerant flow path 150 at different locations (e.g., adjacent to each of the screws 152).

[0050] although Figure 7 The compressor 32 includes two screws 152, but additional or alternative embodiments of the compressor 32 may include more than two screws 152 and any suitable number of ports to discharge oil into the refrigerant flow path 150 to flow across each of the screws 152. Additionally, Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of the compressors 32 includes a single oil filter 104 (e.g., a centralized oil filter), which reduces the number of components in the oil piping system 100 to facilitate implementation and / or maintenance (e.g., replacement, repair, or inspection of the oil piping system 100). However, in additional or alternative embodiments, multiple oil filters 104 (e.g., oil filters 104 coupled to and / or separate from the bracket 140) may be utilized to facilitate oil purification and / or oil guidance.

[0051] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of compressor 32. Support 140 may include a body 238 and a plurality of ribs 240 extending inwardly from the body 238 to support motor 148. For example, the ribs 240 may abut motor 148 (e.g., stator 242 of motor 148) and cooperatively capture motor 148 to maintain its position. The ribs 240 may be circumferentially offset from each other around motor 148 to form a plurality of passages 162 that allow refrigerant to flow along refrigerant flow path 150 through first chamber 142.

[0052] Each of the channels 116 and 117 in the oil piping system 100 may be formed by one of the ribs in the body 238 and / or the ribs 240. For example, channel 116 may extend through the body 238, and channel 117 may extend through one of the ribs 240. As noted above, channel 116 may be formed (e.g., machined) by a support 140 (e.g., through the body 238 of the support 140) and may be positioned at least a threshold distance from the passage 162 through which refrigerant can flow, and / or at least a threshold distance from the motor 148 (e.g., the stator 242 of the motor 148). In this way, minimal heat exchange may occur between the oil flowing through channel 116 and various components and / or aspects of the compressor 32 (e.g., the refrigerant flow through passage 162, the stator 242 of the motor 148).

[0053] Channel 117 can be formed (e.g., machined) by one of the ribs 240 (e.g., rib 240A) and can be positioned within a threshold distance from the passage 162 through which the refrigerant can flow, thereby enabling heat exchange between the refrigerant flow and the oil (e.g., thereby enabling cooling of the oil flow through channel 117). In some embodiments, the rib (e.g., rib 240A) can be formed of a conductive material (e.g., metal) to facilitate heat transfer between the refrigerant flowing through the passage 162 adjacent to rib 240A and the oil flowing through the channel 117 formed in rib 240A. In the illustrated embodiment, rib 240A terminates before abutting motor 148, thereby forming a gap 244 between rib 240A and motor 148. Refrigerant can flow along refrigerant flow path 150 and through gap 244. Therefore, rib 240A can have a larger surface area exposed to the refrigerant flow along the refrigerant flow path 150, thereby increasing the heat transfer between the oil flowing through channel 117 and the refrigerant flowing through the first chamber 142 compared to a channel formed by ribs extending adjacent to motor 242. Thus, rib 240A can achieve desired oil regulation. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, at least a portion of rib 240A may extend adjacent to motor 242 such that rib 240A can support motor 242. In some embodiments, rib 240A may also include fins to increase surface area to facilitate heat transfer between refrigerant and oil.

[0054] Each rib 240 of the support 140 may have a size or dimension (e.g., width, thickness) to provide sufficient support for the motor 148 and / or form a passage 162 of a desired size. For example, the rib 240 may define a passage 162 of sufficient size to allow refrigerant to flow through the passage at a desired flow rate and / or velocity, such as reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant flowing through the passage 162. For example, for a larger size support 140, the size of the rib 240 may be increased. Furthermore, the sizes of the ribs 240 may differ from each other. As an example, the rib 240A formed by the channel 117 may have a different size than the ribs 240 excluding the channel 117. Additionally, the size of the channel 117 may be designed to allow sufficient oil flow through the channel (e.g., guiding oil at a target flow rate, which achieves the desired heat transfer between the oil and the refrigerant) while allowing the structure of the rib 240A to support the motor 148. Furthermore, although in the illustrated embodiment, channels 116 and 117 are formed through a single portion of the body 238 and / or through a single rib in rib 240A, in additional or alternative embodiments, channels 116 and 117 may be formed through multiple portions of the body 238 and / or through multiple ribs 240. In such embodiments, oil may flow through channels 116 and 117 that are parallel to each other (e.g., to increase the total flow rate of oil through channels 116 and 117) and / or connected in series with each other (e.g., to be in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant along multiple flow paths and increase the total heat exchanged between the oil and the refrigerant).

[0055] As described above, this disclosure can provide one or more technical effects that facilitate the operation of HVAC&R systems. Embodiments of this disclosure may include an oil piping system configured to switch between a first operating mode (e.g., a normal operating mode) and a second operating mode (e.g., an oil-cooled mode) to subject the oil to more desired conditions (e.g., more desired temperature, more desired dilution, more desired viscosity) before it is introduced into the compressor of the HVAC&R system. For example, the oil piping system discussed herein may include a first passage and a second passage, and a valve configured to switch between a first position in which oil is directed through the first passage, and a second position in which oil is directed through the second passage. The first passage may be located (e.g., may extend through) within a compressor support and may be configured to minimize heat exchange between the oil flow directed through the first passage and various aspects and / or components of the compressor. The second passage may also be located within a compressor support. However, the second channel can be positioned proximal to the refrigerant flow path guided through the compressor, allowing the oil guided through the second channel to undergo heat exchange with the refrigerant being guided along the refrigerant flow path. In this way, the oil can be conditioned (e.g., cooled) in a desired manner to achieve efficient compressor operation. The oil piping system may also include: one or more sensors configured to detect one or more characteristics of the oil guided toward the oil piping system; and a controller configured to control the position of a valve based on sensor data to switch the oil piping system between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. By including each of the above components, the oil guided toward the compressor can undergo one or more heat exchange relationships before being introduced into the compressor to bring the oil to more desired conditions, thereby improving compressor efficiency and / or reducing costs associated with compressor repair and maintenance.

[0056] Although only certain features and embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described, many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter set forth in the claims, such as variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of the various elements, parameter values ​​(including temperature and pressure), installation arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as per the true spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, for the purpose of providing a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual implementations may be described, such as those not relevant to the best mode of carrying out this disclosure as currently considered prudent, or those not relevant to achieving the disclosure required. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions may be made. Such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but these are routine tasks of design, manufacture, and production for those of ordinary skill who benefit from this disclosure, without requiring excessive experimentation.

[0057] The technical references presented and asserted herein are applied to tangible objects and specific examples of practical nature that arguably improve the technical field of the invention and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements expressed as "means for [performing] [function]..." or "steps for [performing] [function]...", such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements specified in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC&R) system, comprising: The compressor includes: It is configured to receive an inlet of refrigerant that is guided along the refrigerant flow path and passes through the compressor; Displacement components; and An actuator configured to drive the operation of the displacement component to pressurize the refrigerant in the chamber of the compressor; and An oil piping system comprising a channel configured to guide oil into a refrigerant flow path, wherein the channel is configured to allow the oil and the refrigerant to exchange heat, the refrigerant being guided along the refrigerant flow path and flowing at least partially in a direction extending from the inlet to the chamber.

2. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the passage is configured to allow the oil and the refrigerant to be in the heat exchange relationship, the refrigerant being guided along the refrigerant flow path between the inlet and the chamber relative to the flow of the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path.

3. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the compressor includes a support defining the chamber, and the passage is formed through the support.

4. The HVAC&R system of claim 3, wherein the displacement component includes a screw, and the screw includes threads positioned within the cavity.

5. The HVAC&R system of claim 3, wherein the chamber is a first chamber, the support defines a second chamber, and the compressor includes a motor coupled to and configured to drive movement of the displacement member to pressurize the refrigerant.

6. The HVAC&R system of claim 5, wherein the motor and the bracket cooperatively define a passage through which the refrigerant flows at least partially along the refrigerant flow path in the direction extending from the inlet to the chamber, and the passage is configured such that the oil and the refrigerant flowing through the passage are in the heat exchange relationship.

7. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, further comprising an oil filter configured to discharge the oil into the channel.

8. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the oil piping system comprises: A first port, configured to discharge the oil into the refrigerant flow path upstream of the chamber relative to the flow of the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path; A second port, configured to discharge the oil into a refrigerant flow path downstream of the chamber relative to the flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant flow path; or both.

9. The HVAC&R system according to claim 8, comprising: A first bearing configured to support the displacement component; A second bearing is configured to support the displacement component; Or both, wherein the first bearing is positioned upstream of the chamber relative to the flow of refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path, and the second bearing is positioned downstream of the chamber relative to the flow of refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path.

10. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the channel is configured to allow the oil and the refrigerant to be in the heat exchange relationship, the refrigerant being upstream of the location where the displacement member initiates pressurization of the refrigerant relative to the flow of the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path.

11. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the displacement component comprises a screw, a reel, a piston, an impeller, or a diaphragm.

12. An oil piping system for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, said oil piping system comprising: An oil filter configured to remove impurities from an oil flow; as well as A channel positioned adjacent to the refrigerant flow path through the compressor, wherein the channel is configured to receive the oil flow from the oil filter and guide the oil flow to exchange heat with the refrigerant guided along the refrigerant flow path.

13. The oil piping system of claim 12, wherein the channel is configured to discharge the oil flow into the refrigerant flow path via one or more ports.

14. The oil piping system of claim 13, wherein a first port of the one or more ports is positioned upstream of the compressor screw relative to the flow direction of the refrigerant through the refrigerant flow path, and wherein a second port of the one or more ports is positioned downstream of the compressor screw relative to the flow direction of the refrigerant through the refrigerant flow path.

15. The oil pipeline system of claim 14, further comprising a valve configured to control the distribution of the oil flow between the first port and the second port.

16. The oil pipeline system of claim 12, comprising: Oil separator, the oil separator being configured to: Receives a mixture of oil and refrigerant from the compressor; Separating the oil and refrigerant mixture into the oil stream and the refrigerant stream; and The oil flow is discharged toward the oil filter.

17. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC&R) system, comprising: A compressor, the compressor including a support having a plurality of ribs extending inward to support an actuator of the compressor, wherein the plurality of ribs define a plurality of passages configured to receive refrigerant and guide the refrigerant through the plurality of passages; as well as An oil piping system comprising a channel configured to guide oil through the channel, wherein the channel is formed by at least one of a plurality of ribs, and wherein the channel is configured to allow the oil to exchange heat with the refrigerant being guided through the plurality of passages.

18. The HVAC&R system of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is circumferentially offset from each other around the actuator of the compressor.

19. The HVAC&R system of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is made of a conductive material to facilitate the heat exchange relationship between the oil guided through the channels and the refrigerant guided through the plurality of passages.

20. The HVAC&R system of claim 17, wherein the channel is offset from the actuator by the at least one rib formed therein to form a gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive the refrigerant and guide the refrigerant through the gap to facilitate the heat exchange relationship between the oil guided through the channel and the refrigerant guided through the gap.

Images