Two-phase hybrid bearing with shutdown buffer tank

Abstract

Disclosed is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVACamp; r) system, the HVACamp; the R system includes a compressor (32), a motor (50) configured to drive a rotor of the compressor, and a bearing configured to support a rotor load of the rotor. The HVACamp; the R system further includes: a normal operation tank configured to supply a fluid in liquid or biphasic form under normal operation conditions to lubricate the bearing or a portion thereof; and a shutdown buffer tank configured to supply a fluid in the form of a vapor to lubricate the plurality of bearings or a portion thereof under abnormal operating conditions.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 469,752, filed May 30, 2023, entitled “DIPHASIC HYBRID BEARINGS WITHTRIP BUFFER TANK,” 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] Cooler systems or vapor compression systems may 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 cooler system. A cooler system may place the working fluid in a heat-exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid (e.g., water) and may deliver the conditioning fluid to regulated equipment and / or regulated environments served by the cooler system. For example, a cooler system may include a heat exchanger configured to receive both the working fluid and the conditioning fluid, placing them in a heat-exchange relationship. The conditioning fluid may be directed from the heat exchanger to other equipment, such as an air processor, to regulate other fluids, such as air in a building. The working fluid may be directed from the heat exchanger through other components of the cooler 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.

[0004] Various bearings (e.g., thrust bearings, radial bearings) can be used in compressors to provide axial and / or radial support for rotor loads, such as those corresponding to the compressor's rotor. In certain conventional embodiments, one or more bearings may be oil-lubricated, which increases the cost and / or complexity of the system. Furthermore, in certain conventional embodiments, including those that do not use oil-lubricated bearings, the compressor may experience reduced stiffness, decreased damping, reduced cross stiffness capacity (leading to reduced transient load margin, load abrupt changes (e.g., increases or decreases)), vibration, increased likelihood of surge conditions (and / or reduced ability to cope with surge conditions), bearing stress, or any combination thereof, and other potential negative effects. Therefore, the need for improved systems and methods is currently recognized. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following provides an overview of some embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain 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.

[0006] In one embodiment, the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a compressor, an electric motor configured to drive a rotor of the compressor, and bearings configured to support a rotor load. The HVAC&R system also includes: a normal operating tank configured to supply a fluid in liquid or two-phase form under normal operating conditions to lubricate the bearings or a portion thereof; and a shutdown buffer tank configured to supply a fluid in vapor form under abnormal operating conditions to lubricate multiple bearings or a portion thereof.

[0007] In another embodiment, the bearing assembly for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a bearing configured to support a rotor load of a compressor rotor. The bearing assembly also includes a normal operating tank configured to supply a fluid in liquid or two-phase form under normal operating conditions to lubricate the bearing or a portion thereof. The bearing assembly also includes a shutdown buffer tank configured to supply a fluid in vapor form (e.g., substantially pure vapor) to lubricate the bearing or a portion thereof under abnormal (e.g., emergency or shutdown) operating conditions.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method of operating a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes rotating a compressor rotor via an electric motor. The method also includes supporting a rotor load via bearings. The method further includes lubricating the bearings or a portion thereof during normal operating conditions using a fluid in liquid or two-phase form maintained by a normal operating tank. The method also includes lubricating the bearings or a portion thereof during abnormal (e.g., emergency or shutdown) operating conditions using a fluid in vapor form (e.g., substantially pure vapor form) maintained by a shutdown buffer tank. Attached Figure Description

[0009] 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:

[0010] 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;

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

[0012] Figure 3 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system;

[0013] Figure 4 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system employing a compressor with at least one two-phase mixing (e.g., aerodynamic / static) bearing, according to one aspect of this disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 6 This describes the operation according to one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for using a centrifugal compressor. Detailed Implementation

[0016] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary depending on the implementation. 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.

[0017] In describing the elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Furthermore, it should be noted that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to exclude the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0018] 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 would be understood by one of ordinary 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 other feature. Mathematical terms (such as “parallel” and “perpendicular”) should not be interpreted strictly in a rigorous mathematical sense, but rather should be interpreted as such terms would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, someone skilled in the art would understand that two lines that are generally parallel to each other are largely parallel, but may deviate slightly from being perfectly parallel.

[0019] 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 with at least one two-phase mixing (e.g., aerodynamic / static) bearing supporting the rotor load of a compressor rotor of the HVAC&R system. The vapor compression system may include a compressor configured to pressurize a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) and discharge the pressurized working fluid to a condenser configured to condense or cool the working fluid. The condenser may discharge the working fluid to an expansion valve configured to reduce the pressure of the working fluid, thereby further cooling the working fluid. The working fluid may be directed from the expansion valve to an evaporator configured to place the working fluid (e.g., 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. The conditioning fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) may be used to regulate a load (e.g., cooling a residential or commercial space).

[0020] According to this disclosure, a compressor may include at least one dual-phase mixing (e.g., aerodynamic / air-static) bearing, such as multiple dual-phase mixing bearings, supporting a rotor load corresponding to the compressor rotor of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system. Unlike certain conventional embodiments employing oil-lubricated bearings, embodiments of this disclosure may lubricate the dual-phase mixing bearing via a first receiver (e.g., a main or normal receiver or tank, accumulator, etc.) pressurized by a liquid pump or via a second receiver (e.g., an emergency or buffer receiver or shutdown tank, accumulator, etc.). For example, the first receiver may be used under normal operating conditions, and the second receiver may be used under abnormal (e.g., emergency or shutdown) operating conditions. The first receiver may provide a liquid or vapor-liquid mixture to lubricate the dual-phase mixing bearing, while the second receiver may be configured to provide vapor (e.g., substantially pure vapor) to lubricate the dual-phase mixing bearing. The vapor may include, for example, substantially pure vapor (e.g., 95% vapor, 99% vapor, or more). In certain embodiments, the second receiver may be maintained at a pressure higher than that of the first receiver.

[0021] According to this embodiment, various features (e.g., subcoolers, liquid pumps, evaporators, filters, check valves, safety relief valves, quick-acting solenoid valves, and electric heaters) and other possible components can be incorporated into the bearing assembly (referred to as the lubrication assembly and / or bearing lubrication assembly in this particular disclosure). Compared to conventional embodiments, embodiments of this disclosure can achieve increased stiffness, improved damping, enhanced cross stiffness capability (thereby increasing transient load margin and reducing load abrupt changes (e.g., increases or decreases)), reduced vibration, reduced surge probability (and / or enhanced ability to cope with surge), reduced bearing stress, or any combination thereof, as well as other technical advantages.

[0022] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1This 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 a conduit 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.

[0023] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This 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. This loop may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and a liquid cooler or evaporator 38. The vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 having an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, non-volatile memory 46, and / or an interface board 48.

[0024] Some examples of fluids that can be used as refrigerants in vapor compression system 14 include hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R-410A, R-407, R-134a, R-1234ze, R1233zd, R513A, hydrofluoroolefins (HFO), “natural” refrigerants such as ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable refrigerant. In some embodiments, 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.

[0025] 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 include 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.

[0026] 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 3 In 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.

[0027] 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 comprise 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.

[0028] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of a vapor compression system 14, in which an intermediate loop 64 is coupled 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 coupled 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.

[0029] 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 in by compressor 32 through suction line 74 of compressor 32. In other embodiments, vapor in intermediate container 70 can be drawn into 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] This disclosure relates to an HVAC&R system that utilizes a two-phase hybrid (e.g., aerodynamic / air-static) bearing to support a compressor (e.g., a centrifugal compressor) (as referenced above). Figures 1 to 4The rotor load of the compressor 32 described. Unlike certain conventional embodiments employing oil-lubricated bearings, embodiments of this disclosure can lubricate the dual-phase hybrid bearing of the compressor 32 via a first reservoir (e.g., a main or normal reservoir, accumulator, etc.) pressurized by a liquid pump under certain operating conditions (e.g., normal operating conditions) and via a second reservoir (e.g., an emergency or shutdown buffer tank, accumulator, etc.) under certain other operating conditions (e.g., abnormal operating conditions, such as emergency or shutdown conditions).

[0032] A first reservoir can provide a liquid (or vapor-liquid mixture) to lubricate a duplex bearing, while a second reservoir can be configured to provide vapor (e.g., essentially pure vapor) to lubricate the duplex bearing. In a particular embodiment, the second reservoir can be maintained at a pressure higher than that of the first reservoir. According to this disclosure, various features can be incorporated into the lubrication assembly (e.g., subcoolers, liquid pumps, evaporators, filters, check valves, safety relief valves, quick-acting solenoid valves, and electric heater features, as well as other possible components). Compared to conventional embodiments, embodiments of this disclosure can achieve increased stiffness, improved damping, enhanced cross stiffness capability (thus increasing transient load margin and reducing load abrupt changes), reduced vibration, reduced surge probability, and / or reduced bearing stress, among other technical advantages. References are made below. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Describe these and other features in detail.

[0033] In view of the above, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or cooling (HVAC&R) system 100 employing a compressor 102 (e.g., a centrifugal compressor) with a dual-phase mixing (e.g., aerodynamic / air-static) bearing 104 (e.g., two or more dual-phase mixing bearings). The compressor 102 can be compared to the above with... Figures 1 to 4 The compressor 32 described in the specific embodiments shown is the same as or similar to that described above. System 100 typically includes a vapor compression circuit 105 employing a compressor 102, an evaporator 106, an expansion valve 108, and a condenser 110. This can be done in accordance with the above description. Figures 1 to 4 The compressor 102, evaporator 106, expansion valve 108, and condenser 110 are used for the same or similar reasons (and / or in the same or similar manner) as described in the specific embodiments shown in the examples.

[0034] Typically, the motor 112 corresponding to compressor 102 can drive the rotor 114 (e.g., including the shaft) of compressor 102 to rotate, thereby compressing the refrigerant 116 in the vapor compression circuit 105, and then delivering the refrigerant 116 to the condenser 110 via a fluid transfer line 117 (e.g., a discharge line, conduit, etc.). It should be understood that various instances or embodiments of the fluid transfer line 117 can be configured to guide the refrigerant 116 through various parts of system 100 (e.g., through the vapor compression circuit 105, through the lubrication assembly 118, etc.). The dual-phase mixing bearing 104 can be configured to support the rotor load corresponding to compressor 102. The lubrication assembly 118 of HVAC&R system 100 (referred to as a bearing assembly and / or bearing lubrication assembly in this particular disclosure) can be used to provide fluid (e.g., a portion of refrigerant 116) configured to lubricate the dual-phase mixing bearing 104. As shown in the figure, the lubrication assembly 112 may include a subcooler 120, a liquid pump 122, a preheater 124, a partial evaporator 126, a first check valve 128, a filter 130, a first reservoir 132 (e.g., a main reservoir, a first pressure accumulator, a main pressure accumulator, a main tank, etc.), and a second check valve 133, as well as other features described in detail below. The dual-phase hybrid bearing 104 may also be part of the lubrication assembly 118 (e.g., a bearing assembly, a bearing lubrication assembly, etc.).

[0035] Typically, a subcooler 120 (which may be optional and is disposed separately from another subcooler included in the vapor compression circuit 105 in the lubrication assembly 118) may be configured to subcool a portion of the refrigerant 116; a liquid pump 122 may be configured to move the portion of the refrigerant 116 through the lubrication assembly 118; a preheater 124 may be configured to preheat the portion of the refrigerant 116; an evaporator 126 (e.g., a partial / flash evaporator) may be configured to evaporate or flash the portion of the refrigerant 116 (e.g., generate vapor); and a check valve 128 may be configured to prevent refrigerant 116 in the lubrication assembly 118 from flowing back to the evaporator 126 (e.g., the partial / flash evaporator).

[0036] Under normal operating conditions of the compressor 102, a fluid (e.g., a portion of refrigerant 116) in liquid or dual-phase form 134a can be supplied to the dual-phase mixing bearing 104 via the lubrication assembly 118 and corresponding to the first reservoir 132 (e.g., main tank). The first reservoir 132 (e.g., main tank, normal operating tank, main reservoir, first pressure accumulator, etc.) may include a diaphragm and / or a hydraulic accumulator employing a pressurized fluid (such as nitrogen (N2)) to pressurize the fluid (e.g., a portion of refrigerant 116) supplied to the bearing 104 in liquid or dual-phase form 134a. For example, the first reservoir 132 may include a first volume and a second volume separated by a diaphragm (e.g., bellows or diaphragm), wherein N2 (or other gaseous pressurized fluid, such as air) is disposed in the first volume and maintained at a substantially constant pressure or a relatively small pressure range, while the fluid (e.g., a portion of refrigerant 116) configured to be supplied to the bearing 104 is disposed in the second volume. In this way, lubrication will not be affected by changes in lubricating fluid pressure. A filter 130 can be used upstream of bearing 104 to filter out any particles before the fluid (e.g., a portion of refrigerant 116) in liquid or two-phase form 134a is delivered to bearing 104.

[0037] Under abnormal operating conditions (e.g., under abnormal conditions such as emergency and / or shutdown operating conditions), other components of the lubrication assembly 118 may be employed to supply a fluid (e.g., a portion of refrigerant 116) in vapor form 134b (e.g., substantially pure vapor form, such as 95% vapor form or 99% vapor form) to the duplex bearing 104. For example, as shown, the lubrication assembly 118 may include a second reservoir 136 (e.g., auxiliary tank, shutdown buffer tank, auxiliary reservoir, second pressure accumulator, etc.), an electric heater 138 corresponding to the second reservoir 136, a safety relief valve 140, a quick-acting solenoid valve 142, a third check valve 144, and a fourth check valve 146. Typically, some or all of these features may be employed to supply fluid in pure vapor form 134b (e.g., substantially pure vapor form) to the duplex bearing 104 during abnormal operating conditions (e.g., emergency or shutdown conditions). For example, the second reservoir 136 may include a diaphragm and / or a hydraulic accumulator employing a pressurized fluid (such as nitrogen (N2)) to pressurize the fluid (e.g., a portion of refrigerant 116) supplied to the bearing 104 in pure vapor form 134b (e.g., substantially pure vapor form) during abnormal (e.g., emergency or shutdown) conditions.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first reservoir 136 may include a first volume and a second volume separated by a diaphragm (e.g., a bellows or a membrane), wherein N2 (or other gas-phase pressurized fluid, such as air) is disposed in the first volume and maintained at a substantially constant pressure or within a relatively small pressure range, while the fluid configured to be supplied to the bearing 104 (e.g., a portion of refrigerant 116) is disposed in the second volume. This way, lubrication is not affected by changes in the lubricating fluid pressure. In some embodiments, the second reservoir 136 is maintained at a pressure higher than that of the first reservoir 132. An electric heater 138 may be used to transfer heat to the second reservoir 136 and / or pressurize the second reservoir 136.

[0039] Furthermore, the quick-acting solenoid valve 142 can be configured to allow or prevent the flow of fluid in vapor form 134b (e.g., essentially pure vapor form) to the bearing 104 of the compressor 102, depending on the operating mode. For example, in the normal operating mode under normal operating conditions of the compressor 102, the quick-acting solenoid valve 142 can be controlled to prevent the flow of fluid in vapor form 134b (e.g., essentially pure vapor form) to the bearing 104 (e.g., while simultaneously supplying fluid in liquid or two-phase form 134a to the bearing 104 via the first reservoir 132). Under abnormal (e.g., emergency or shutdown) operating conditions, the quick-acting solenoid valve 142 can be controlled to allow the flow of fluid in vapor form 134b (e.g., essentially pure vapor form) to the bearing 104.

[0040] In some embodiments, the fast-acting solenoid valve 142 is controlled by a control component 150 having a memory circuitry 152 (e.g., including one or more memories) storing instructions thereon and a processing circuitry 154 (e.g., including one or more processors) configured to execute the instructions to perform various functions, such as controlling the fast-acting solenoid valve 142. Such control may be based at least in part on sensor data received by the processing circuitry 154 from a sensor 156. The sensor 156 may be configured to detect operating conditions indicating normal and / or abnormal (e.g., emergency / shutdown) conditions. For example, the sensor 156 (representing one or more sensors) may be a proximity sensor (e.g., an axial or radial proximity sensor) with a threshold set to an alarm or shutdown level. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 156 may be configured to detect the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant 116. In some embodiments, multiple sensors are employed. Furthermore, in some embodiments, switching between the first reservoir 132 and the second reservoir 136 may be mechanically adjusted to one or more operating characteristics. Check valves 133, 144, and 146 may be used for a variety of reasons, such as one or more of the following: preventing backflow of fluid in the corresponding line; allowing emergency pressurization of bearing 104 (e.g., via second reservoir 136); and preventing lubrication using first reservoir 132 during abnormal (e.g., emergency / shutdown) conditions; preventing second reservoir 136 from being pressurized by first reservoir 132, etc.

[0041] Figure 6 This shows the operation. Figure 5 A flowchart of an embodiment of method 200 of HVAC&R system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, method 200 includes operating (block 202) the compressor by rotating the compressor rotor (e.g., shaft) via a motor. Bearings (e.g., dual-phase hybrid bearings) may be used to support the rotor load corresponding to the compressor.

[0042] Method 200 also includes supplying (box 204) a fluid (e.g., refrigerant) in liquid or dual-phase form to a bearing (e.g., a dual-phase mixed bearing) during normal operating conditions of the compressor to lubricate the bearing. For example, a first receiver (e.g., a first tank or accumulator, such as a first diaphragm pressurized with nitrogen [N2] or a hydraulic accumulator) may be used to supply a portion of the fluid (e.g., refrigerant) in liquid or dual-phase form to the bearing during normal operating conditions.

[0043] Method 200 also includes providing (box 206) a fluid (e.g., substantially pure vapor form) in vapor form (e.g., refrigerant) to a bearing (e.g., a dual-phase hybrid bearing) during abnormal (e.g., emergency or shutdown) conditions of the compressor to lubricate the bearing. For example, a second reservoir (e.g., a second or emergency / shutdown tank or accumulator, such as a second diaphragm pressurized with nitrogen [N2] or a hydraulic accumulator) may be used to provide a portion of the fluid (e.g., substantially pure vapor form) in vapor form (e.g., refrigerant) to the bearing during normal operating conditions. In some embodiments, a fast-acting solenoid valve may be controlled to allow the fluid (e.g., substantially pure vapor form) to flow to the bearing (e.g., during emergency / shutdown conditions) or to prevent the fluid (e.g., during normal operating conditions) from flowing to the bearing. In certain embodiments, such control may be performed by a control component (e.g., a controller or including a controller) that receives sensor feedback, based on which the control component may identify normal or emergency / shutdown conditions.

[0044] Although only certain features and embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated 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 for those of ordinary skill who benefit from this disclosure, these are merely routine tasks of design, manufacture, and production without excessive experimentation.

[0045] The technical references presented and asserted herein are applied to tangible objects and specific examples of practical nature that demonstrably 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]...", it is intended that such elements 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, said HVAC&R system comprising: compressor; An electric motor configured to drive the rotor of the compressor; Multiple bearings, the multiple bearings being configured to support the rotor load of the rotor; A normal operating tank, which is configured to supply a fluid in liquid or two-phase form under normal operating conditions to lubricate the plurality of bearings or a portion thereof; as well as A shutdown buffer tank, configured to supply a vapor-like fluid under abnormal operating conditions to lubricate the plurality of bearings or a portion thereof.

2. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of bearings comprises a biphase hybrid bearing.

3. The HVAC&R system according to claim 1, wherein the HVAC&R system comprises: Proximity sensor; as well as A controller configured to receive sensor feedback from the proximity sensor and control one or more components of the HVAC&R system to switch between the normal operating tank and the shutdown buffer tank in response to the sensor feedback.

4. The HVAC&R system of claim 3, wherein one or more components include a fast-acting solenoid valve.

5. The HVAC&R system according to claim 1, wherein: The normal operating tank includes a first accumulator; and The shutdown buffer tank includes a second accumulator.

6. The HVAC&R system according to claim 5, wherein: The first accumulator includes a first volume and a second volume separated by a diaphragm, wherein the first volume is configured to receive a first gaseous fluid maintained within a first pressure range, and the second volume is configured to receive the fluid in the form of a liquid or a two-phase fluid; and The second accumulator includes an additional first volume and an additional second volume separated by an additional diaphragm, wherein the additional first volume is configured to receive a second gaseous fluid maintained within a second pressure range, and the second volume is configured to receive the fluid in the form of the vapor.

7. The HVAC&R system of claim 6, wherein the first gaseous fluid, the second gaseous fluid, or both comprise nitrogen (N2).

8. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the HVAC&R system includes a plurality of check valves, the plurality of check valves being configured to: During the abnormal operating conditions, the shutdown buffer tank is activated and the normal operating tank is disabled; and To prevent the shutdown buffer tank from being pressurized by the normal operation tank.

9. A bearing assembly for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, the bearing assembly comprising: Multiple bearings, the multiple bearings being configured to support the rotor load of the compressor rotor; A normal operating tank, which is configured to supply a fluid in liquid or two-phase form under normal operating conditions to lubricate the plurality of bearings or a portion thereof; as well as A shutdown buffer tank, configured to supply a vapor-like fluid under abnormal operating conditions to lubricate the plurality of bearings or a portion thereof.

10. The bearing assembly of claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of bearings comprises a biphase hybrid bearing.

11. The bearing assembly of claim 9, wherein the bearing assembly comprises: Proximity sensor; as well as A controller configured to receive sensor feedback from the proximity sensor and, in response to the sensor feedback, control the switching between the normal operation tank and the shutdown buffer tank.

12. The bearing assembly of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to control the switching between the normal operating tank and the shutdown buffer tank in response to the sensor feedback by controlling a fast-acting solenoid valve.

13. The bearing assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The normal operating tank includes a first accumulator having a first volume and a second volume separated by a diaphragm, the first volume being configured to receive a first gaseous fluid maintained within a first pressure range, and the second volume being configured to receive the fluid in the form of a liquid or a two-phase fluid. and The shutdown buffer tank includes a second accumulator having an additional first volume and an additional second volume separated by an additional diaphragm, wherein the additional first volume is configured to receive a second gaseous fluid maintained within a second pressure range, and the second volume is configured to receive the fluid in the form of the vapor.

14. The bearing assembly of claim 9, wherein the bearing assembly includes a plurality of check valves, the plurality of check valves being configured to: During the abnormal operating conditions, the shutdown buffer tank is activated and the normal operating tank is disabled; and To prevent the shutdown buffer tank from being pressurized by the normal operation tank.

15. A method of operating a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, wherein the method comprises: The compressor rotor rotates via an electric motor; The rotor load is supported by multiple bearings; During normal operating conditions, the plurality of bearings or a portion thereof are lubricated using a fluid in liquid or two-phase form maintained by a normal operating tank; and During abnormal operating conditions, the plurality of bearings or a portion thereof are lubricated using a vapor-form fluid maintained by a shutdown buffer tank.

16. The method of claim 15, the method comprising supporting the rotor load of the rotor via at least one of the plurality of bearings, a dual-phase hybrid bearing.

17. The method of claim 15, the method comprising switching between the normal operating tank and the shutdown buffer tank in response to sensor feedback indicating the normal operating conditions, the abnormal operating conditions, or both.

18. The method of claim 17, the method comprising switching between the normal operating tank and the buffer tank in response to the sensor feedback by controlling a fast-acting solenoid valve.

19. The method of claim 15, the method comprising, via one or more check valves, initiating the use of the shutdown buffer tank and disabling the use of the normal operation tank during the abnormal operating conditions.

20. The method of claim 15, the method comprising preventing the shutdown buffer tank from being pressurized by the normal operation tank via one or more check valves.

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