Electric compressor with passive pressure system between high and low pressure regions

Abstract

To provide an electric compressor with a passive pressure system between high and low pressure regions.SOLUTION: The electric compressor includes a housing, a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant outlet port, an inverter section, a motor section, a compression device, and a passive pressure system. The refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and is configured to introduce a refrigerant into an intake volume. The compression device is a scroll-type compression device configured to compress the refrigerant. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the housing and is configured to allow the compressed refrigerant to exit the scroll electric compressor from a discharge volume. The passive pressure system is disposed within the compression device and has a first end disposed adjacent the intake volume and a second end disposed adjacent the discharge volume. The passive pressure system is configured to automatically open a passage between the discharge volume and the intake volume to allow the compressed refrigerant to be recirculated to the intake volume.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 557,654 (MAHLE-P0018P), filed February 26, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to electric compressors, and more particularly to electric compressors that use scroll compression devices to compress refrigerants.

[0003] Background technology Compressors have long been used in refrigeration systems. In particular, systems designed to provide cooling in a specific area have used scroll-type compressors, in which an orbiting scroll rotates in a circular motion relative to a fixed scroll to compress a refrigerant. For example, such scroll-type compressors have long been used in HVAC systems in automobiles and other vehicles to provide air conditioning. Such compressors may also be used in applications requiring heat pumps. These compressors are typically driven using rotary motion obtained from the automobile's engine.

[0004] With the advent of battery-powered or electric vehicles and / or hybrid vehicles, where the vehicle may sometimes be powered solely by a battery, such compressors must be driven or powered by a battery rather than an engine. Such compressors may be referred to as electric compressors.

[0005] In addition to cooling the passenger compartment of a vehicle, the electric compressor may be used to provide heating or cooling to other areas or components of the vehicle. For example, it may be desirable to heat or cool the electronic systems and battery or battery compartment when the battery is charging, especially during fast charge mode, which may generate heat that can damage or degrade the battery and / or other systems. Because heat can damage or degrade the battery, the electric compressor may also be used to cool the battery when it is not being charged or used. Because the electric compressor may operate at various times, such use obviously requires electrical energy from the battery, even when the vehicle is not running, thus reducing the battery's operating time.

[0006] Generally, such a compressor may operate as a heat pump, for example, to transfer heat from the exterior of the vehicle to the interior of the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle compartment. The electric compressor may be divided into a suction side and a discharge side. The suction side may be defined at least in part by an intake volume, and the discharge side may be defined at least in part by a discharge volume. Refrigerant is introduced into the compressor via the suction volume, compressed, and discharged from the compressor via the discharge volume. The operation or efficiency of the heat pump may be limited by the saturation temperature of the refrigerant on the suction side.

[0007] Additionally, electric compressors may operate at very high speeds, e.g., 2,000 RPM (or higher). Such high speeds may generate undesirable levels of noise. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an electric compressor with high efficiency, low noise, and maximum operating life. The present invention is directed to one or more of the problems or advantages identified above.

[0008] Summary of the Invention In a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electric scroll compressor configured to compress a refrigerant and operate as a heat pump. The scroll compressor includes a housing, a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant outlet port, an inverter module, a motor, a drive shaft, a compressor, and a passive pressure system. The housing defines an intake volume and a discharge volume and has a generally cylindrical shape. The refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the housing and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the compressor from the discharge volume. The inverter module is mounted inside the housing and adapted to convert direct current power to alternating current power. The motor is mounted inside the housing. The drive shaft is coupled to the motor. The compressor has a compressor body and is coupled to the drive shaft. The compressor receives refrigerant from the intake volume and compresses the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated by the motor. The compressor body at least partially defines the intake volume and the discharge volume. The passive pressure system is disposed within the compressor body and has a first end disposed adjacent to the intake volume and a second end disposed adjacent to the discharge volume, and is configured to automatically open a passage between the discharge volume and the intake volume to allow compressed refrigerant to be recirculated to the intake volume.

[0009] In a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electric scroll compressor configured to compress a refrigerant. The electric compressor includes a housing, a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant outlet port, an inverter unit, an inverter module, and a passive pressure system. The housing defines an intake volume and a discharge volume. The refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the housing and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the electric scroll compressor from the discharge volume.

[0010] The inverter unit includes an inverter housing, an inverter back cover, and an inverter module. The inverter back cover is connected to the inverter housing to form an inverter cavity. The inverter module is mounted within the inverter cavity and adapted to convert DC power to AC power.

[0011] The motor section includes a motor housing defining a motor cavity and attached to the inverter housing. The drive shaft is disposed within the motor housing and has a central axis. A motor is disposed within the motor housing for controllably rotating the drive shaft about the central axis. The compression device includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. The fixed scroll is disposed within and fixed relative to the housing. The orbiting scroll is coupled to the drive shaft. The orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll receive refrigerant from the intake volume and form a compression chamber for compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft rotates about the central axis.

[0012] The passive pressure system is disposed within the compressor body and has a first end disposed adjacent to the intake volume and a second end disposed adjacent to the discharge volume, and is configured to automatically open a passage between the discharge volume and the intake volume to allow compressed refrigerant to be recirculated to the intake volume.

[0013] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system for an electric compressor. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electric compressor including a passive pressure system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]4 is a first perspective view of the fixed scroll of the electric compressor of FIG. 1 and the passive pressure system of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed scroll and passive pressure system of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fixed scroll of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a second perspective view of the fixed scroll of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a third perspective view of the fixed scroll of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the fixed scroll of FIG. 4. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed scroll of FIG. 4.

[0015] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 1-10 , where like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a motor-driven compressor 10 having an outer housing 12 is provided. The motor-driven compressor 10 is particularly suited for an automotive vehicle, such as an automobile (not shown). The motor-driven compressor 10 may be used as a cooling device or heat pump to heat and / or cool different aspects of the vehicle. For example, the motor-driven compressor 10 may be used as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in an electric vehicle (not shown) to cool or heat the passenger compartment. Additionally, the motor-driven compressor 10 may be used to heat or cool the passenger compartment, onboard electronics, and / or a battery used to power the vehicle while the vehicle is not operating, for example, during a charging cycle. The motor-driven compressor 10 may further be used while the vehicle is not operating and while the battery is not being charged to preserve or minimize battery life degradation.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the electric compressor 10 is a scroll-type compressor that functions to quickly and efficiently compress refrigerant for use in different systems in an automobile, such as an electric or hybrid vehicle. The electric compressor 10 includes an inverter section 14, a motor section 16, and a compression device (or compression assembly) 18 housed within an outer housing 12. The outer housing 12 includes an inverter back cover 20, an inverter housing 22 (which may be one piece), a center housing 24, and a front cover 28 (which may be referred to as a discharge head). The center housing 24 houses the motor section 16 and the compression device 18.

[0017] In one embodiment, the inverter back cover 20, inverter housing 22, center housing 24, and front cover 28 are constructed from machined aluminum. The inverter 10 may be mounted within the body of the automobile, for example, via multiple mounting points (not shown). In one aspect of the electric compressor 10 of the present disclosure, an electric compressor 10 having a scroll back pressure system 200 (see below) is provided.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, compressor 10 includes a passive pressure system 150. As described in more detail below, passive pressure system 150 is configured to automatically open a passage between discharge volume 82 and intake volume 74, allowing compressed refrigerant to be recirculated to the intake volume.

[0019] Overall configuration and operation of electric compressor 10 The inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22 form an inverter cavity 30. The inverter back cover 20 is attached to the inverter housing 22 by a plurality of bolts 32. An inverter gasket 42, disposed between the inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22, keeps moisture, dust, and other contaminants out of the inverter cavity 30.

[0020] An inverter module (not shown) is mounted within an inverter cavity 30 formed by the inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22. The inverter module may include an inverter circuit (not shown) mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown) mounted on the inverter housing 22. The inverter circuit converts direct current (DC) power received from outside the electric compressor 10 into three-phase alternating current (AC) power to supply / power the motor 54 (see below). The inverter circuit may also control the rotational speed of the electric compressor 10. A high-voltage DC current is supplied to the inverter circuit via a high-voltage connector (not shown). A low-voltage DC current for driving the inverter circuit and control signals for controlling the operation of the inverter circuit and the motor section 16 may be supplied via a low-voltage connector (not shown).

[0021] Center housing 24 defines a motor cavity 56. Motor section 16 includes a motor 54 disposed within motor cavity 56. With particular reference to FIG. 12 , in the illustrated embodiment, motor 54 is a three-phase AC motor having a stator 56. Stator 56 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape with six individual coils (two per phase). Stator 56 is housed within motor housing 22, attached to motor housing 22, and remains stationary relative to motor housing 22.

[0022] The motor 54 includes a rotor 60 disposed within a stator 58 and centrally disposed relative to the stator. The rotor 60 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape and is disposed within the stator 56.

[0023] The drive shaft 90 is coupled to the rotor 60 and rotates therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the draft shaft 90 is press-fit into the central opening 60C of the rotor 60. The drive shaft 90 has a first end 90A and a second end 90B. The inverter housing 22 includes a first drive shaft support member 22B disposed on the motor side of the inverter housing 22. A first ball bearing 62 disposed in the opening formed by the first drive shaft support member 22B supports the first end of the drive shaft 90 and allows it to rotate. The center housing 24 includes a second drive shaft support member 24A. A second ball bearing 64 disposed in the opening formed by the second drive shaft support member 24A allows the second end 90B of the drive shaft 90 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the first ball bearing 62 and the second ball bearing 64 are press-fit into openings formed by the first drive shaft support member 22B of the inverter housing 22 and the second drive shaft support member 24A of the center housing 24, respectively.

[0024] As described above, the electric compressor 10 is a scroll-type compressor. The compression device 18 includes a fixed scroll 26 and an orbiting scroll 66. The orbiting scroll 66 is fixed to a second end of the rotor 60. The rotor 60, which includes a drive shaft 90, rotates under the control of an inverter module to drive the movement of the orbiting scroll 66.

[0025] Drive shaft 90 has a central axis 90C about which rotor 60 and drive shaft 90 rotate. Orbiting scroll 66 moves in an eccentric orbit, or circular motion, about central axis 90C, but the orientation of orbiting scroll 66 remains constant relative to fixed scroll 26. The center of orbiting scroll 66 is disposed along an offset axis (not shown) of drive shaft 90.

[0026] Generally, after being compressed by the compression device 18, the mixed refrigerant and oil enters the electric compressor 10 (at low pressure) through a refrigerant inlet port (not shown) and exits the electric compressor 10 (at high pressure) through a refrigerant outlet port (not shown). The refrigerant follows a refrigerant path through the electric compressor 10. The refrigerant enters the refrigerant inlet port and enters the intake volume 74 formed between the motor side of the inverter housing 22 adjacent the refrigerant inlet port and the center housing 24. The refrigerant is then drawn through the motor section 16 and enters the compression intake volume formed between the inner wall of the fixed scroll 26 and the orbiting scroll 66.

[0027] The fixed scroll 26 is mounted within the center housing 24. Refrigerant enters the compressor 18 from the compression intake volume. The fixed scroll 26 and the orbiting scroll 66 form a compression chamber 80 into which low or unpressurized (saturation pressure) refrigerant enters from the compressor 18. As the orbiting scroll 66 moves and allows the compression chamber 80 to close, the volume of the compression chamber is reduced and the refrigerant is pressurized. At any point during the cycle, one or more compression chambers 80 are at different stages of the compression cycle. During the cycle of the compressor 10, refrigerant is transported toward the center of the compression chamber 80.

[0028] Returning to Figure 1, the front cover 28 defines a discharge volume 82. The discharge volume 82 communicates with a refrigerant output port. Pressurized refrigerant exits the compression device 18 through one or more orifices (not shown). The release of the pressurized refrigerant is controlled by a reed mechanism 86.

[0029] Passive Pressure System 2 to 10 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the compressor 10 includes a passive pressure system 150. As described above, the scroll-type electric compressor 10 is configured to compress a refrigerant and can be utilized as a heat pump. The electric compressor 10 includes a housing 12, a refrigerant inlet port 68, a refrigerant outlet port 70, an inverter module 44, a motor 54, a drive shaft 90, a compression device 18, and the passive pressure system 150. The housing 12 has a generally cylindrical shape and defines an intake volume 74 and a discharge volume 82. The refrigerant inlet port 68 is coupled to the housing 12 and configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume 74. The refrigerant outlet port 70 is coupled to the housing 12 and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the scroll-type electric compressor 10 from the discharge volume 82. The inverter module 44 is mounted inside the housing 12 and adapted to convert DC power to AC power. The motor 54 is mounted inside the housing 12, and the drive shaft 90 is coupled to the motor 54.

[0030] With particular reference to FIG. 2 , operation of the electric compressor 10 may be controlled by a controller. The controller 170 may be external to the housing 12 and electrically connected to the inverter circuit 46 via the low-voltage connector 52. Alternatively, the controller 170 may be provided within the housing 12, for example, within the inverter cavity 30. The controller 170 may implement an HVAC controller 172 and a valve controller 174. The HVAC controller 172 may provide instructions to the inverter circuit 46 to supply three-phase power to the motor 54 to control operation of the compressor 10. The valve controller 174 may be connected to an expansion valve 176 to controllably manage the flow of pressurized refrigerant from the discharge volume 82 of the compressor 10.

[0031] Compressor 18 may include a compressor body 19 and is coupled to a drive shaft 90. As described above, compressor 18 is configured to receive refrigerant from intake volume 74 and compress the refrigerant as drive shaft 90 is rotated by motor 54. In the illustrated embodiment, compressor body 19 at least partially defines intake volume 74 and discharge volume 82.

[0032] Passive pressure system 150 can automatically open a high-pressure region of compressor 10, e.g., discharge volume 82, and a low-pressure region of compressor 10, e.g., suction volume 74, under predetermined conditions. For example, passive pressure system 150 can automatically open under a predetermined high-pressure ratio, such as when compressor 10 is operating as a heat pump. Under the control of valve controller 174, passive pressure system 150 allows expansion valve 176 to be closed further than in baseline operation, resulting in a decrease in refrigerant pressure in suction volume 74, i.e., suction pressure, and saturation temperature. This can cause a pressure differential across discharge volume 82 and suction volume 74, resulting in the opening of passive pressure system 150. When passive pressure system 150 is open, compressed refrigerant from discharge volume 82 is recirculated to suction volume 74 and recompressed. As described in more detail below, the passive pressure system 150 automatically opens between a high-pressure region of the compressor 10, e.g., the discharge volume 82, and a low-pressure region of the compressor 10, e.g., the intake volume 74, under predetermined conditions. The passive pressure system 150 automatically opens under a predetermined high-pressure ratio, for example, when the compressor 10 is operating as a heat pump. The refrigerant in the intake volume 74 is at a lower pressure and extracts additional heat from the ambient air. The recompressed refrigerant increases compression losses and raises the temperature of the discharged refrigerant, thereby increasing the capacity of the compressor 10.

[0033] 3-9, passive pressure system 150 may be disposed within compressor body 19 and may include a first end 152 and a second end 154. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, first end 152 is disposed adjacent to intake volume 74 and second end 154 is disposed adjacent to discharge volume 82. Passive pressure system 150 is configured to automatically open a passage between discharge volume 82 and the intake volume to allow compressed refrigerant to be recirculated to intake volume 74 in response to a predetermined pressure differential between the discharge volume and the intake volume.

[0034] As described above and shown in FIG. 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the compression device 18 includes a fixed scroll 26 and an orbiting scroll 66. The fixed scroll 26 may form at least a portion of the compression device body 19. The fixed scroll 26 may be disposed within and fixed relative to the housing 12. The orbiting scroll 66 may be coupled to the drive shaft 90. As described above, the orbiting scroll 66 and the fixed scroll 26 may form a compression chamber 80 for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume 72 and compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft 90 is rotated about the central axis 90C.

[0035] 4-8, in one embodiment, the passive pressure system 150 includes a spring valve 152. The fixed scroll 26 has a first opening 154. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the spring valve 152 is disposed within the first opening 154.

[0036] 10 , the first opening 154 may include a first end 156 disposed adjacent the intake volume 74 and a second end 188 disposed adjacent the exhaust volume 82. An intermediate portion 160 of the first opening 154 connects the first end 156 and the second end 188. As shown, the first end 156 and the second end 188 have diameters that are larger than the diameter of the intermediate portion 160.

[0037] With particular reference to FIG. 5, the spring valve 152 may include a valve stem 152A having an enlarged portion 152B at one end, a spring 152C, a retainer 152D, and a pin 152E. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 156 and the middle portion 160 form a valve stem seat 162, and the second end 188 and the middle portion 160 form a spring seat 164. The valve stem 152A is disposed within the first opening 154 with the enlarged portion 152B adjacent to the valve stem seat 162. The spring 152C is disposed within the second end 188 of the first opening 154. One end of the spring 152C is disposed against the spring seat 164. The retainer 152D is disposed at the opposite end of the spring 152C (see FIG. 4). The retainer 152D is coupled to the end of the valve stem 152A opposite the enlarged portion 152B of the valve stem 152A via a pin 152E, which may be connected to an orifice (not shown) at the end of the valve stem 152A via a press fit.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 152C biases the valve stem 152A toward the closed position. When the valve stem 152A is in the closed position, the enlarged portion 152B of the valve stem 152A seats against a valve stem seat 162 that prevents refrigerant from passing through the first opening 154. In operation, during normal operation, i.e., when the ratio of discharge pressure to suction pressure is less than a predetermined pressure ratio, the spring 152C holds the valve 152 in the closed position.

[0039] However, when the discharge pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure ratio, the discharge pressure acts on the retainer 152D, moving the valve stem 152A and the enlarged portion 152B away from the valve stem seat 162, thereby allowing refrigerant to flow from the discharge volume 82 through the first opening 154 to the intake volume 74.

[0040] In one aspect of the invention, compression device 18 has a main discharge outlet configured to allow compressed refrigerant to flow from compression device 18 to discharge volume 82 (indicated by arrow 168 in FIG. 3 ). Passive pressure system 150 defines a valve leakage path through first opening 154 that is more restrictive than the main discharge outlet.

[0041] The above invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, and therefore the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art and may fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A scroll-type electric compressor configured to compress a refrigerant and operate as a heat pump, a housing defining an intake volume and a discharge volume, said housing having a generally cylindrical shape; a refrigerant inlet port coupled to the housing and configured to introduce the refrigerant into the intake volume; a refrigerant outlet port coupled to the housing and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the electric scroll compressor from the discharge volume; an inverter module mounted within the housing and adapted to convert DC power to AC power; a motor mounted within the housing; a drive shaft coupled to the motor; a compressor coupled to the drive shaft and having a compressor body for receiving the refrigerant from the suction volume and compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft is rotated by the motor, the compressor body at least partially defining the suction volume and the discharge volume; a passive pressure system disposed within the compressor body, the passive pressure system having a first end disposed adjacent the intake volume and a second end disposed adjacent the discharge volume, the passive pressure system configured to automatically open a passage between the discharge volume and the intake volume to allow compressed refrigerant to be recirculated to the intake volume in response to a predetermined pressure differential between the discharge volume and the intake volume; A scroll-type electric compressor comprising:

2. The compression device is a fixed scroll disposed within the housing and fixed relative to the housing; an orbiting scroll coupled to the drive shaft, the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll forming a compression chamber for receiving the refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft rotates about its central axis, the fixed scroll forming at least a portion of the compressor body; 2. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 1, comprising:

3. 3. The electric scroll compressor of claim 2, wherein the passive pressure system includes a spring valve.

4. 4. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 3, wherein the spring valve includes a spring and a valve stem, the spring configured to bias the valve stem of the valve toward a closed position.

5. 2. The electric scroll compressor of claim 1, wherein the compression device includes a main discharge outlet configured to allow compressed refrigerant to flow from the compression device to the discharge volume.

6. 6. The electric scroll compressor of claim 5, wherein the passive pressure system defines a valve leakage path that is more restrictive than the main discharge outlet.

7. 3. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 2, wherein the housing includes a motor section and a compression section, the motor section having a motor housing defining a motor cavity for accommodating the motor, and the compression section includes the fixed scroll, the fixed scroll forming a part of the housing.

8. the housing includes a first drive shaft support member and a second drive shaft support member; a first ball bearing disposed within the first drive shaft support member and configured to receive a first end of the drive shaft; a second ball bearing disposed within the second drive shaft support member and configured to receive a second end of the drive shaft; and The electric scroll compressor according to claim 1 , further comprising:

9. 1. A scroll-type electric compressor having a central axis and configured to compress a refrigerant, a housing defining an intake volume and a discharge volume; a refrigerant inlet port coupled to the housing and configured to introduce the refrigerant into the intake volume; a refrigerant outlet port coupled to the housing and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the electric scroll compressor from the discharge volume; Inverter housing, an inverter back cover connected to the inverter housing and forming an inverter cavity; and an inverter module mounted within the inverter cavity and adapted to convert DC power to AC power; an inverter unit including: a motor housing defining a motor cavity and attached to the inverter housing; a drive shaft disposed within the motor housing, the drive shaft having a central axis; and a motor disposed within the motor housing for controllably rotating the drive shaft about the central axis; a motor unit including: a fixed scroll disposed within the housing and fixed relative to the housing; and an orbiting scroll coupled to the drive shaft, the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll receiving the refrigerant from the intake volume and defining a compression chamber for compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft rotates about the central axis; a compression device including: a passive pressure system disposed within a compressor body, the passive pressure system having a first end disposed adjacent the intake volume and a second end disposed adjacent the discharge volume, the passive pressure system configured to automatically open a passage between the discharge volume and the intake volume to allow compressed refrigerant to be recirculated to the intake volume in response to a predetermined pressure differential between the discharge volume and the intake volume; A scroll-type electric compressor comprising:

10. 10. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 9, wherein the fixed scroll forms at least a portion of the compressor body.

11. The electric scroll compressor of claim 10 , wherein the passive pressure system includes a spring valve.

12. 12. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 11, wherein the spring valve includes a spring and a valve stem, the spring configured to bias the valve stem of the valve toward a closed position.

13. 10. The electric scroll compressor of claim 9, wherein the compression device includes a main discharge outlet configured to allow compressed refrigerant to flow from the compression device to the discharge volume.

14. 14. The electric scroll compressor of claim 13, wherein the passive pressure system defines a valve leakage path that is more restrictive than the main discharge outlet.

15. 11. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 10, wherein the housing includes a motor section and a compression section, the motor section having a motor housing defining a motor cavity for accommodating the motor, and the compression section includes the fixed scroll, the fixed scroll forming a part of the housing.

16. the housing includes a first drive shaft support member and a second drive shaft support member; a first ball bearing disposed within the first drive shaft support member and configured to receive a first end of the drive shaft; a second ball bearing disposed within the second drive shaft support member and configured to receive a second end of the drive shaft; and The electric scroll compressor according to claim 9, further comprising:

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