Compressor device

Abstract

A compressor assembly includes: a first compressor including a first compressor impeller; a bearing rotatably supporting a rotating shaft of the first compressor impeller; piping connected to an outlet of the first compressor; an annular heat exchanger mounted on the outer wall of the piping; and a bearing cooling line having a through hole formed in the outer wall of the piping. The heat exchanger includes: an air inlet configured to draw in a portion of air flowing inside the piping through the through hole in the outer wall; a heat exchange core configured to cool the air drawn in from the air inlet by exchanging heat with a coolant; and an air outlet discharging the air cooled by the heat exchange core. The bearing cooling line is configured to cool the bearing using the air discharged from the air outlet of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a compressor device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-025064, filed with the Japan Patent Office on February 22, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing of a motor connected to a centrifugal compressor. The centrifugal compressor mechanism is configured to cool air drawn from a diffuser via the heat exchanger and supply the cooled air to the bearings.

[0004] Previous technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6911937 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the compressor described in Patent Document 1, air is drawn out from an opening formed in the flow path wall of the diffuser and supplied to the heat exchanger. Therefore, the aerodynamic performance may be reduced due to the opening, and the efficiency of the compressor may be reduced.

[0009] In view of the above, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a compressor device that can suppress the reduction of compressor efficiency and promote bearing cooling by cooling the air supplied to the bearing through a heat exchanger.

[0010] means for solving technical problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, at least one embodiment of the compressor device according to the present invention includes:

[0012] The first compressor, including the first compressor impeller;

[0013] A bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft of the first compressor impeller;

[0014] Piping, connected to the outlet of the first compressor;

[0015] An annular heat exchanger is installed on the outer wall of the piping; and

[0016] Bearing cooling pipes are used to cool the bearing.

[0017] A through hole is formed on the outer wall of the pipe.

[0018] The heat exchanger includes:

[0019] An air inlet is configured to draw in a portion of the air flowing inside the piping through the through-hole in the outer wall;

[0020] A heat exchange core is configured to cool the air drawn in from the air inlet by exchanging heat with a coolant; and

[0021] The air outlet section discharges the air cooled by the heat exchange core.

[0022] The bearing cooling conduit is configured to supply air discharged from the air outlet of the heat exchanger to the bearing to cool it.

[0023] Invention Effects

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a compressor device is provided that can suppress the reduction of compressor efficiency and can promote bearing cooling by cooling the air supplied to the bearing through a heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the compressor device 2 according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a section including the rotation axis CA in the compressor unit 2 shown.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an axial section in intermediate piping 10.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion (generally the upper half) of a section orthogonal to the axial direction in the heat exchange core 38.

[0029] Figure 5 It is an enlarged representation Figure 4 A rough cross-sectional view of the X section.

[0030] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a modified example of the structure shown.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion (upper half) of the section orthogonal to the axial direction in the air distributor 50 described above.

[0032] Figure 8It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion (upper half) of the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction in the coolant distributor 52 described above. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described or illustrated as embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0034] For example, expressions such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric" or "coaxial" that indicate relative or absolute configuration not only strictly indicate such configuration, but also indicate the state of relative displacement by angle or distance with tolerance or degree of attainment of the same function.

[0035] For example, expressions such as "same," "equal," and "homogeneous" that indicate things are in the same state not only mean that they are the same in a strict sense, but also that there are differences in the degree to which they can achieve the same function.

[0036] For example, the description of shapes such as quadrilaterals and cylinders not only refers to shapes such as quadrilaterals and cylinders in a strict geometric sense, but also includes shapes such as concave and convex parts and chamfered parts within the range where the same effect can be obtained.

[0037] On the other hand, the expression "possessing," "having," "including," "containing," or "having" one constituent element is not an exclusive expression that excludes the existence of other constituent elements.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the compressor device 2 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a section including the rotation axis CA in the compressor unit 2 shown.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The compressor unit 2 shown is a two-stage compressor comprising a motor 4, a low-pressure compressor 6 driven by the motor 4, a high-pressure compressor 8 driven by the motor 4, and an intermediate piping 10 connecting the outlet 6e of the low-pressure compressor 6 and the inlet 8a of the high-pressure compressor 8. In the compressor unit 2, air compressed by the low-pressure compressor 6 is discharged from the outlet 6e of the low-pressure compressor 6 to the intermediate piping 10, and then supplied to the inlet 8a of the high-pressure compressor 8 via the intermediate piping 10, where it is further compressed by the high-pressure compressor 8. Figure 2 As shown, the air compressed by the high-pressure compressor 8 is discharged into the piping 11 connected to the outlet 8e of the high-pressure compressor 8.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the motor 4 includes a rotor 12, a stator 14 disposed around the rotor 12, and a motor housing 15 that houses the rotor 12 and the stator 14. The low-pressure compressor 6 includes a compressor impeller 16 and a compressor housing 18 that houses the compressor impeller 16. The high-pressure compressor 8 includes a compressor impeller 20 and a compressor housing 22 that houses the compressor impeller 20. The rotor 12 and the rotating shaft 16A of the compressor impeller 16 are connected on the back side 16a of the compressor impeller 16, and the rotating shaft 20A of the rotor 12 and the compressor impeller 20 are connected on the back side 20a of the compressor impeller 20. The rotor 12, the compressor impeller 16, and the compressor impeller 20 are configured to rotate integrally. Figure 1 The rotation axis CA is a common rotation axis for each of the rotor 12, compressor impeller 16 and compressor impeller 20.

[0041] The low-pressure compressor 6 includes an impeller housing space 6b with a compressor impeller 16, a vortex flow path 6d formed on the outer periphery of the compressor impeller 16, and an annular diffuser flow path 6c connecting the impeller housing space 6b and the vortex flow path 6d. The outlet 6e of the low-pressure compressor 6 is formed on the downstream side of the vortex flow path 6d. The high-pressure compressor 8 includes an impeller housing space 8b with a compressor impeller 20, a vortex flow path 8d formed on the outer periphery of the compressor impeller 20, and an annular diffuser flow path 8c connecting the impeller housing space 8b and the vortex flow path 8d. The outlet 8e of the high-pressure compressor 8 is formed on the downstream side of the vortex flow path 8d.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the compressor unit 2 includes: a journal bearing 24 that rotatably supports a rotating shaft 16A between a rotor 12 and a compressor impeller 16; a journal bearing 26 that rotatably supports a rotating shaft 20A between a rotor 12 and a compressor impeller 20; and a thrust bearing 28 disposed between the journal bearing 24 and the compressor impeller 16 and bearing the thrust load from the rotating shaft 16A. Each of the journal bearing 24, the journal bearing 26, and the thrust bearing 28 can be, for example, an air bearing. Furthermore, the compressor unit 2 includes a low-pressure bearing housing 90 that houses the journal bearing 24 and the thrust bearing 28, and a high-pressure bearing housing 91 that houses the journal bearing 26.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the compressor unit 2 includes a first bearing cooling pipe 92 for cooling the journal bearing 26, a motor cooling pipe 93 for cooling the motor 4, and a second bearing cooling pipe 94 for cooling the thrust bearing 28.

[0044] The first bearing cooling conduit 92 is configured to include an internal flow path 92a formed inside the high-pressure bearing housing 91, and cools the journal bearing 26 by supplying cooling air to it via the internal flow path 92a. The motor cooling conduit 93 is configured to include a gap 93a between the rotor 12 and the stator 14, and cools the rotor 12 and the stator 14 by allowing cooling air to flow through the gap 93a. The second bearing cooling conduit 94 is configured to include an internal flow path 94a formed inside the low-pressure bearing housing 90, and cools the thrust bearing 28 by supplying cooling air to it via the internal flow path 94a. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a portion of the cooling air passing through the gap 93a between the rotor 12 and the stator 14 is supplied to the journal bearing 24 for cooling, thus the motor cooling conduit 93 also functions as a bearing cooling conduit for cooling the journal bearing 24. Furthermore, the cooling air flowing through the motor cooling pipe 93 cools the journal bearing 26 via the high-pressure bearing housing 91, so the motor cooling pipe 93 also functions as a bearing cooling pipe for cooling the journal bearing 26.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an axial section of the aforementioned intermediate piping 10. Figure 3 The exemplified intermediate piping 10 is along the axis of rotation CA (reference). Figure 2 Extending in a parallel direction, the central axis CB of the intermediate pipe 10 is parallel to the rotation axis CA.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the compressor unit 2 includes an annular heat exchanger 30 mounted on the outer wall 10A of the intermediate piping 10. The intermediate piping 10 and the heat exchanger 30 are arranged on a concentric circle centered on the central axis CB, with the inner circumferential surface 30a of the heat exchanger 30 facing the outer wall 10A of the intermediate piping 10. A plurality of through holes 32 are formed circumferentially spaced on the outer wall 10A of the intermediate piping 10. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of each of the two ends 10a, 10b of the intermediate piping 10 is larger than the outer diameter of the central portion 10c of the intermediate piping 10, and the heat exchanger 30 is mounted on the outer wall 10A of the central portion 10c of the intermediate piping 10.

[0047] In the following description, unless otherwise stated, "axial" refers to the axial direction of the intermediate piping 10, i.e., the axial direction of the annular heat exchanger 30 (the direction parallel to the aforementioned central axis CB), unless otherwise stated, "radial" refers to the radial direction of the intermediate piping 10, i.e., the radial direction of the annular heat exchanger 30 (the radial direction centered on the aforementioned central axis CB), unless otherwise stated, "circumferential" refers to the circumferential direction of the intermediate piping 10, i.e., the circumferential direction of the annular heat exchanger 30 (the circumferential direction centered on the aforementioned central axis CB).

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchanger 30 includes an air inlet 34, a coolant inlet manifold 36 (coolant inlet), a heat exchange core 38, an air outlet manifold 40 (air outlet), and a coolant outlet manifold 42 (coolant outlet).

[0049] The air inlet 34 is configured to be located on the inner periphery of the annular heat exchanger 30, and draws a portion of the air flowing inside the intermediate pipe 10 into the heat exchanger 30 through a plurality of through holes 32 in the outer wall 10A.

[0050] The coolant inlet manifold 36 is configured to be located on the outer periphery of the annular heat exchanger 30, and draws coolant supplied from a coolant supply source (not shown) into the heat exchanger 30. Furthermore, the coolant used in the heat exchanger 30 can be, for example, water, or LLC (Long Life Coolant) with additives such as antifreeze.

[0051] The heat exchange core 38 is configured to cool by exchanging heat between the air drawn into the heat exchanger 30 from the air inlet 34 and the coolant drawn into the heat exchanger 30 from the coolant inlet manifold 36.

[0052] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the heat exchange core 38 includes a plurality of airflow paths 44 for airflow and a plurality of coolant flow paths 46 for coolant flow, which are arranged alternately in the radial direction. Each of the plurality of airflow paths 44 and each of the plurality of coolant flow paths 46 extends axially. Furthermore, the direction of airflow in each of the plurality of airflow paths 44 is opposite to the direction of coolant flow in each of the plurality of coolant flow paths 46 in the axial direction. The innermost radially located flow path among the plurality of airflow paths 44 and the plurality of coolant flow paths 46 in the heat exchanger 30 is the coolant flow path 46. In the heat exchange core 38, air flowing through each airflow path 44 is cooled by exchanging heat with coolant flowing through the coolant flow path 46 adjacent to that airflow path 44.

[0053] Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 30 includes an annular air distributor 50 that distributes air drawn in from the air inlet 34 to a plurality of air flow paths 44, and an annular coolant distributor 52 that distributes coolant drawn in from the coolant inlet manifold 36 to a plurality of coolant flow paths 46. The heat exchange core 38 is located axially between the air distributor 50 and the coolant distributor 52.

[0054] The air outlet manifold 40 is configured to connect to multiple air flow paths 44 and discharge air cooled by the heat exchange core 38 (air that has passed through the multiple air flow paths 44) from the heat exchanger 30. An air pipe 41 is connected to the air outlet manifold 40 for the air discharged from the air outlet manifold 40 to flow through. The air pipe 41 branches via a branch 41a into a first bearing cooling pipe 92, a motor cooling pipe 93, and a second bearing cooling pipe 94. The first bearing cooling pipe 92 uses the air discharged from the air outlet manifold 40 (cooling air) to cool the journal bearing 26 as described above. The motor cooling pipe 93 uses the air discharged from the air outlet manifold 40 to cool the rotor 12 and stator 14 of the motor as described above. The second bearing cooling pipe 94 uses the air discharged from the air outlet manifold 40 to cool the thrust bearing 28 as described above.

[0055] According to the compressor unit 2 described above, an annular heat exchanger 30 is installed on the outer wall 10A of the intermediate piping 10 connected to the outlet 6e of the low-pressure compressor 6. Air is drawn in through the through hole 32 formed in the outer wall 10A. Therefore, compared with the structure described in Patent Document 1 (a structure that draws out air for cooling the bearings from the opening of the flow path wall formed in the diffuser flow path of the compressor), energy loss in the diffuser flow path 6c can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction in efficiency of the low-pressure compressor 6. Therefore, the reduction in efficiency of the low-pressure compressor 6 can be suppressed, and the cooling of the air supplied to the journal bearings 24, 26, thrust bearing 28, and motor 4 is promoted by cooling the air supplied to them through the heat exchanger 30. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 30 can be installed on the intermediate piping 10 during high output (high heat load) of the compressor unit 2, allowing for flexible use depending on the conditions.

[0056] Furthermore, the air flowing through the intermediate piping 10 is cooled by the annular heat exchanger 30, thus cooling not only the air supplied to the bearings 24, 26, 28 and the motor 4, but also the air supplied to the high-pressure compressor 8. This improves the efficiency of the high-pressure compressor 8.

[0057] Furthermore, by making the direction of airflow in each of the plurality of airflow paths 44 opposite to the direction of coolant flow in each of the plurality of coolant flow paths 46 in the axial direction, high temperature efficiency in the heat exchanger 30 can be achieved.

[0058] Furthermore, the air flow path 44 and the coolant flow path 46 are arranged alternately in the radial direction, so that multiple air flow paths 44 and multiple coolant flow paths 46 can be effectively arranged in a limited space in the annular heat exchanger 30, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the heat exchanger 30.

[0059] By designating the innermost radially located flow path of the multiple air flow paths 44 and multiple coolant flow paths 46 in the heat exchanger 30 as the coolant flow path 46, the cooling effect on the air flowing through the intermediate piping 10 on which the annular heat exchanger 30 is installed can be improved. Therefore, the efficiency of the high-pressure compressor 8 can be improved.

[0060] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion (generally the upper half) of a section orthogonal to the axial direction in the heat exchange core 38 described above. Figure 5 It is an enlarged representation Figure 4 A rough cross-sectional view of the X section.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchange core 38 includes a cylindrical outer wall 54, a cylindrical inner wall 56 located radially inward of the outer wall 54, and a plurality of cylindrical partition walls 58 disposed between the outer wall 54 and the inner wall 56. The outer wall 54, the inner wall 56, and the plurality of cylindrical partition walls 58 are arranged around a central axis CB (see reference). Figure 3 On a concentric circle centered on the airflow path 44, each of the multiple cylindrical partition walls 58 separates the adjacent airflow path 44 from the coolant flow path 46.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchange core 38 includes a plurality of partition walls 60 configured to divide each of the plurality of air flow paths 44 into a plurality of air flow path portions 44a spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the heat exchange core 38 includes a plurality of partition walls 62 configured to divide each of the plurality of coolant flow paths 46 into a plurality of coolant flow path portions 46a spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0063] exist Figure 5 In the structure shown, regarding the radially adjacent airflow path 44a and coolant flow path 46a, the air flowing through the airflow path 44a and the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path 46a exchange heat using the cylindrical partition wall 58 as the primary heat transfer surface, and the partition walls 60 and 62 as secondary heat transfer surfaces. This enables the heat exchanger 30 to achieve high heat exchange performance.

[0064] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a modified example of the structure shown. Figure 6 In the structure shown, unless otherwise stated, it is consistent with... Figure 5 The symbols shown represent the same structures as... Figure 5 The structures shown are identical, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0065] like Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the heat exchange core 38 may include a protrusion 65 formed on the flow path wall 64 of the air flow path portion 44a. The protrusion 65 may be a protrusion extending along the length of the flow path wall 64, or it may be a reinforcing rib extending along the direction of the flow path wall 64 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to or intersecting the axial direction). Additionally, in Figure 6 In the example shown, a protrusion 65 is provided on each of the plurality of airflow passages 44a, but it is also possible that the protrusion 65 is provided only on a portion of the plurality of airflow passages 44a.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the heat exchange core 38 may include a protrusion 68 formed on the flow path wall 66 of the coolant flow path portion 46a. The protrusion 68 may be a protrusion extending along the length of the flow path wall 66, or it may be a reinforcing rib extending along the direction of the flow path wall 66 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to or intersecting the axial direction). Additionally, in Figure 6 In the example shown, a protrusion 68 is provided on each of the plurality of coolant flow passages 46a, but it is also possible that the protrusion 68 is provided only on a portion of the plurality of coolant flow passages 46a.

[0067] according to Figure 6 The structure shown increases the area that facilitates heat transfer through the protrusions 65 and 68, thereby improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, in a cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the innermost coolant flow path 46ai in the radial direction among the plurality of coolant flow paths 46a provided by the heat exchange core 38 can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant flow path 46ai located radially outward. In the illustrated example, the radial dimension of the innermost coolant flow path 46ai is larger than the radial dimension of the coolant flow path 46ai located radially outward. This improves the cooling effect of the air flowing through the intermediate piping 10 via the heat exchanger 30.

[0069] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion (upper half) of the section orthogonal to the axial direction in the air distributor 50 described above.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the air distributor 50 may include a plurality of radial flow paths 70 arranged circumferentially spaced apart and a plurality of circumferential flow paths 72 arranged radially spaced apart on concentric circles centered on the central axis CB.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, each of the plurality of radial flow paths 70 extends radially and connects (intersects) with a plurality of circumferential flow paths 72. Each of the plurality of circumferential flow paths 72 extends circumferentially and forms a ring. Each of the circumferential flow paths 72 constitutes a branch flow path from each branch of the radial flow path 70.

[0072] In this structure, air flowing through the radial flow path 70 enters into multiple circumferential flow paths 72 at different radial positions, and is supplied from the multiple circumferential flow paths 72 to the aforementioned multiple air flow path sections 44a (see reference). Figure 5 wait).

[0073] In addition, Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet 34 includes a plurality of openings 34a spaced circumferentially on the inner peripheral surface 51 of the annular air distributor 50. The plurality of openings 34a of the air inlet 34 are respectively configured to pass through a plurality of through holes 32 on the outer wall 10A of the intermediate pipe 10 (see reference). Figure 3 Correspondingly, the air inlet 34 is configured to draw in a portion of the air flowing inside the intermediate pipe 10 into the air distributor 50 via a plurality of through holes 32 and a plurality of openings 34a.

[0074] according to Figure 7 The structure shown includes a plurality of radial flow paths 70 and a plurality of circumferential flow paths 72, thereby enabling the distribution of air drawn in from the air inlet 34 to all air flow paths 44a within the heat exchange core 38, and maintaining an appropriate flow rate of air distributed to all air flow paths 44a within the heat exchange core 38. This achieves high temperature efficiency in the heat exchanger 30.

[0075] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion (upper half) of the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction in the coolant distributor 52 described above.

[0076] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the coolant distributor 52 may include a plurality of radial flow paths 80 arranged circumferentially spaced apart and a plurality of circumferential flow paths 82 arranged radially spaced apart on concentric circles centered on the central axis CB.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, each of the plurality of radial flow paths 80 extends radially and connects (intersects) with the plurality of circumferential flow paths 82. Each of the plurality of circumferential flow paths 82 extends circumferentially and forms a ring. Each of the circumferential flow paths 82 constitutes a branch flow path from each branch of the radial flow path 80.

[0078] In this structure, from the coolant inlet manifold 36 (reference) Figure 3 The coolant supplied to the outer periphery 53 of the coolant distributor 52 flows radially inward in the radial flow path 80. The coolant flowing through the radial flow path 80 flows into multiple circumferential flow paths 82 at different radial positions, and is supplied from the multiple circumferential flow paths 82 to the aforementioned multiple coolant flow path sections 46a (see reference). Figure 5 wait).

[0079] according to Figure 8 The structure shown includes a coolant distributor 52 comprising multiple radial flow paths 80 and multiple circumferential flow paths 82, thereby enabling the distribution of air drawn in from the coolant inlet manifold 36 to all coolant flow path sections 46a within the heat exchange core 38, and maintaining an appropriate flow rate of coolant to all coolant flow path sections 46a within the heat exchange core 38. This achieves high temperature efficiency in the heat exchanger 30.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but also includes modifications to the above-described embodiments and appropriate combinations thereof.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the annular heat exchanger 30 is provided on the outer wall 10A of the intermediate pipe 10 has been described, but the annular heat exchanger 30 may also be provided on the pipe 11 connected to the outlet 8e of the high-pressure compressor 8 (see reference). Figure 2 The outer wall of ).

[0082] And, for example, in Figure 5 In the cross-section shown, the airflow path 44a and the coolant flow path 46a are alternately arranged in the radial direction. However, the airflow path 44a and the coolant flow path 46a can also be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, or they can be staggered in a cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction. That is, in a cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction, the airflow path 44a and the coolant flow path 46a can be alternately arranged in both the radial and circumferential directions, thereby increasing the heat exchange volume based on the primary heat transfer surface and improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0083] Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the embodiments shown, the direction of air flow in each of the plurality of air flow paths 44 is opposite to the direction of coolant flow in each of the plurality of coolant flow paths 46 in the axial direction, but the direction of air flow in each of the plurality of air flow paths 44 and the direction of coolant flow in each of the plurality of coolant flow paths 46 can be the same in the axial direction or can be directions that intersect (orthogonal) each other.

[0084] and, Figure 2The compressor device 2 shown is a two-stage compressor driven by a motor 4 to a low-pressure compressor 6 and a high-pressure compressor 8. However, the compressor device of the present invention may be a single-stage compressor or may not have a motor.

[0085] For example, the contents described in the above embodiments can be understood as follows.

[0086] [1] The compressor device (for example, the compressor device 2 described above) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0087] The first compressor (e.g., the low-pressure compressor 6 or the high-pressure compressor 8 described above) includes a first compressor impeller (e.g., the compressor impeller 16 or the compressor impeller 20 described above).

[0088] The bearing (e.g., the aforementioned journal bearing 24, journal bearing 26, or thrust bearing 28) rotatably supports the rotating shaft (e.g., the aforementioned rotating shaft 16A or 20A) of the first compressor impeller.

[0089] Piping (e.g., the aforementioned intermediate piping 10 or piping 11) is connected to the outlet of the first compressor;

[0090] An annular heat exchanger (e.g., the heat exchanger 30 described above) is installed on the outer wall of the piping; and

[0091] Bearing cooling lines (e.g., the first bearing cooling line 92, the motor cooling line 93, and the second bearing cooling line 94 described above) are used to cool the bearings.

[0092] A through hole (e.g., the aforementioned through hole 32) is formed on the outer wall of the pipe.

[0093] The heat exchanger includes:

[0094] An air inlet (e.g., air inlet 34 described above) is configured to draw in a portion of the air flowing inside the piping through the through hole in the outer wall;

[0095] The heat exchange core (e.g., the heat exchange core 38 described above) is configured to be cooled by exchanging heat between the air drawn in from the air inlet and the coolant;

[0096] An air outlet section (e.g., the aforementioned air outlet manifold 40) discharges the air cooled by the heat exchange core.

[0097] The bearing cooling conduit is configured to use the air discharged from the air outlet of the heat exchanger to cool the bearing.

[0098] According to the compressor device described above [1], an annular heat exchanger is installed on the outer wall of a pipe connected to the outlet of the first compressor. Air is drawn in through a through hole formed in the outer wall of the pipe. Therefore, compared with the structure described in Patent Document 1 (a structure that draws out air for cooling the bearing from the opening in the flow path wall of the diffuser formed in the compressor), energy loss in the diffuser can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction in efficiency of the first compressor. Therefore, the reduction in efficiency of the first compressor can be suppressed, and the cooling of the bearing can be promoted by cooling the air supplied to the bearing through the heat exchanger.

[0099] [2] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in [1] above,

[0100] The compressor unit includes a second compressor (e.g., the aforementioned high-pressure compressor 8).

[0101] The piping is an intermediate piping connecting the outlet of the first compressor and the inlet of the second compressor (for example, the intermediate piping 10 mentioned above).

[0102] According to the compressor device described above [2], the air flowing through the intermediate piping is cooled by an annular heat exchanger, thus cooling not only the air supplied to the bearings but also the air supplied to the second compressor. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above [1], the efficiency of the second compressor can also be improved.

[0103] [3] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in [1] or [2] above,

[0104] The heat exchange core includes multiple air flow paths for airflow (e.g., the aforementioned multiple air flow paths 44) and multiple coolant flow paths for coolant flow (e.g., the aforementioned multiple coolant flow paths 46).

[0105] Each of the plurality of airflow paths and each of the plurality of coolantflow paths extends axially along the piping.

[0106] The direction of airflow in each of the plurality of airflow paths is opposite to the direction of coolant flow in each of the plurality of coolant flow paths in the axial direction.

[0107] According to the compressor device described above [3], high temperature efficiency in the heat exchanger can be achieved by making the direction of air flow in each of the multiple air flow paths opposite to the direction of coolant flow in each of the multiple coolant flow paths in the axial direction.

[0108] [4] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in [3] above,

[0109] The heat exchanger includes: an air distributor (e.g., the air distributor 50 described above) that distributes air drawn in from the air inlet to the plurality of air flow paths; a coolant inlet; and a coolant distributor (e.g., the coolant distributor 52 described above) that distributes coolant drawn in from the coolant inlet to the plurality of coolant flow paths.

[0110] The heat exchange core is located axially between the air distributor and the coolant distributor.

[0111] According to the compressor device described above [4], high temperature efficiency in the heat exchanger can be achieved by making the direction of air flow in each of the multiple air flow paths opposite to the direction of coolant flow in each of the multiple coolant flow paths in the axial direction.

[0112] [5] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in any one of [1] to [4] above,

[0113] The heat exchange core includes multiple air flow paths for airflow (e.g., the aforementioned multiple air flow paths 44) and multiple coolant flow paths for coolant flow (e.g., the aforementioned multiple coolant flow paths 46).

[0114] The air flow path and the coolant flow path are alternately arranged radially in the piping.

[0115] According to the compressor device described above [5], multiple air flow paths and multiple coolant flow paths can be effectively configured in a limited space in an annular heat exchanger, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the heat exchanger.

[0116] [6] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in [5] above,

[0117] The airflow path and the coolant flow path that are located on the innermost side in the radial direction among the plurality of airflow paths and the plurality of coolant flow paths are the coolant flow path.

[0118] According to the compressor device described above [6], by making the innermost flow path in the radial direction a coolant flow path, the cooling effect on the air flowing through the piping with the annular heat exchanger installed can be improved. Therefore, especially when the compressor device has a second compressor and the piping is an intermediate piping connecting the outlet of the first compressor and the inlet of the second compressor, the efficiency of the second compressor can be improved.

[0119] [7] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in [5] or [6] above,

[0120] The heat exchange core includes multiple partition walls (e.g., multiple partition walls 60) configured to divide each of the plurality of air flow paths into multiple air flow path portions (e.g., the plurality of air flow path portions 44a) spaced apart circumferentially in the piping.

[0121] According to the compressor device described above [7], the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger can be improved by using each of the multiple partition walls as a secondary heat transfer surface.

[0122] [8] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in any one of [5] to [7] above,

[0123] The heat exchange core includes multiple partitions (e.g., multiple partition walls 62) configured to divide each of the plurality of coolant flow paths into multiple coolant flow path portions (e.g., the plurality of coolant flow path portions 46a) spaced apart circumferentially in the piping.

[0124] According to the compressor device described above [8], the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger can be improved by using each of the multiple partition walls as a secondary heat transfer surface.

[0125] [9] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in [7] above,

[0126] The heat exchange core includes a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion 65 described above) formed on the flow path wall of the air flow path.

[0127] According to the compressor device described above [9], the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger can be improved by increasing the area that facilitates heat transfer through the protrusion.

[0128]

[10] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in [8] above,

[0129] The heat exchange core includes a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion 68 described above) formed on the flow path wall of the coolant flow path.

[0130] According to the compressor device described above

[10] , the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger can be improved by increasing the area that facilitates heat transfer through the protrusion.

[0131]

[11] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described in [7] above,

[0132] The heat exchanger includes an air distributor (e.g., the air distributor 50 described above) that distributes the air drawn in from the air inlet to the plurality of air flow paths.

[0133] The air distributor includes: a plurality of radial flow paths (e.g., the plurality of radial flow paths 70 described above), arranged circumferentially spaced along the piping; and a plurality of circumferential flow paths (e.g., the plurality of circumferential flow paths 72 described above), arranged concentrically along the radially spaced along the piping.

[0134] Each of the plurality of radial flow paths extends along the radial direction and is connected to the plurality of circumferential flow paths.

[0135] According to the compressor device described above

[11] , it is possible to maintain an appropriate flow rate of air to multiple air flow paths in the compressor device described above [7]. As a result, high temperature efficiency in the heat exchanger can be achieved.

[0136]

[12] In some embodiments, in the compressor device described above [8],

[0137] The heat exchanger includes: a coolant inlet (e.g., the coolant inlet manifold 36 described above); and a coolant distributor (e.g., the coolant distributor 52 described above), which distributes the coolant drawn from the coolant inlet to the plurality of coolant flow paths.

[0138] The coolant distributor includes: a plurality of radial flow paths (e.g., the plurality of radial flow paths 80 described above), spaced apart circumferentially along the piping; and a plurality of circumferential flow paths (e.g., the plurality of circumferential flow paths 82 described above), spaced apart radially along the piping on concentric circles.

[0139] Each of the plurality of radial flow paths extends along the radial direction and is connected to the plurality of circumferential flow paths.

[0140] According to the compressor device described above

[12] , it is possible to maintain an appropriate flow rate of coolant in the compressor device described above [8] to the multiple coolant flow paths. As a result, high temperature efficiency in the heat exchanger can be achieved.

[0141] Symbol Explanation

[0142] 2-Compressor unit, 4-Motor, 6-Low-pressure compressor, 6b, 8b-Impeller housing, 6c, 8c-Diffuser flow path, 6d, 8d-Vortex flow path, 6e, 8e-Outlet, 8-High-pressure compressor, 8a-Inlet, 10-Intermediate piping, 10A, 54-Outer wall, 10a, 10b-End, 10c-Central section, 12-Rotor, 14-Stator, 15-Motor housing, 16, 20-Compressor impeller, 16A, 20A-Rotating shaft, 16a, 20a-Back side, 18, 22-Compressor housing, 24, 26-Journal bearing, 28-Thrust bearing, 30-Heat exchanger, 30a, 51-Inner circumferential surface, 32-Through hole, 34-Air inlet, 34a-Opening, 36-Coolant inlet manifold, 38-Heat exchanger Core, 40-Air outlet manifold, 41-Air pipe body, 41a-Branch, 42-Coolant outlet manifold, 44-Air flow path, 44a-Air flow path section, 46-Coolant flow path, 46a-Coolant flow path section, 50-Air distributor, 52-Coolant distributor, 53-Outer periphery, 56-Inner wall, 58-Cylindrical partition wall, 60, 62-Partition wall, 64, 66-Flow path wall surface, 65, 68-Protrusion, 70, 80-Radial flow path, 72, 82-Circumferential flow path, 90-Low-pressure bearing housing, 91-High-pressure bearing housing, 92a, 94a-Internal flow path, 92-First bearing cooling pipe, 93-Motor cooling pipe, 93a-Gap, 94-Second bearing cooling pipe, CA-Rotation axis, CB-Central axis.

Claims

1. A compressor device comprising: The first compressor, including the first compressor impeller; A bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft of the first compressor impeller; Piping, connected to the outlet of the first compressor; a heat exchanger in the form of a ring mounted on the outer wall of the pipe; and Bearing cooling pipes are used to cool the bearing. A through hole is formed on the outer wall of the pipe. The heat exchanger includes: An air inlet is configured to draw in a portion of the air flowing inside the piping through the through-hole in the outer wall; A heat exchange core is configured to cool the air drawn in from the air inlet by exchanging heat with a coolant; and The air outlet section discharges the air cooled by the heat exchange core. The bearing cooling conduit is configured to use the air discharged from the air outlet of the heat exchanger to cool the bearing.

2. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein, The compressor unit includes a second compressor. The piping is an intermediate piping connecting the outlet of the first compressor and the inlet of the second compressor.

3. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange core includes multiple airflow paths for airflow and multiple coolant flow paths for coolant flow. Each of the plurality of airflow paths and each of the plurality of coolantflow paths extends axially along the piping. The direction of airflow in each of the plurality of airflow paths is opposite to the direction of coolant flow in each of the plurality of coolant flow paths in the axial direction.

4. The compressor device according to claim 3, wherein, The heat exchanger includes: an air distributor for distributing air drawn in from the air inlet to the plurality of air paths; a coolant inlet; and a coolant distributor for distributing coolant drawn in from the coolant inlet to the plurality of coolant paths. The heat exchange core is located axially between the air distributor and the coolant distributor.

5. The compressor device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange core includes multiple airflow paths for airflow and multiple coolant flow paths for coolant flow. The air flow path and the coolant flow path are alternately arranged radially in the piping.

6. The compressor device according to claim 5, wherein, The airflow path and the coolant flow path that are located on the innermost side in the radial direction among the plurality of airflow paths and the plurality of coolant flow paths are the coolant flow path.

7. The compressor device according to claim 5, wherein, The heat exchange core includes multiple partition walls configured to divide each of the plurality of airflow paths into a plurality of airflow path portions spaced apart circumferentially in the piping.

8. The compressor device according to claim 5, wherein, The heat exchange core includes multiple partition walls configured to divide each of the plurality of coolant flow paths into a plurality of coolant flow path portions spaced apart circumferentially in the piping.

9. The compressor device according to claim 7, wherein, The heat exchange core includes a protrusion formed on the flow path wall of the air flow path.

10. The compressor device according to claim 8, wherein, The heat exchange core includes a protrusion formed on the flow path wall of the coolant flow path.

11. The compressor device according to claim 7, wherein, The heat exchanger includes an air distributor that distributes the air drawn in from the air inlet to the plurality of air flow paths. The air distributor includes: a plurality of radial flow paths spaced apart circumferentially along the piping; and a plurality of circumferential flow paths spaced apart radially along the piping on concentric circles. Each of the plurality of radial flow paths extends along the radial direction and is connected to the plurality of circumferential flow paths.

12. The compressor device according to claim 8, wherein, The heat exchanger includes: a coolant inlet; and a coolant distributor for distributing the coolant drawn from the coolant inlet to the plurality of coolant flow paths. The coolant distributor includes: a plurality of radial flow paths spaced apart circumferentially along the piping; and a plurality of circumferential flow paths spaced apart radially along the piping on concentric circles. Each of the plurality of radial flow paths extends along the radial direction and is connected to the plurality of circumferential flow paths.

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