Variable inlet guide vane device, and system and method for calibrating the same.

Abstract

To provide an improved entrance guide vane device. [Solution] The inlet guide vane device includes a motor operably connected to at least one of a plurality of guide vanes, a sensor configured to detect the rotational position of at least one of the plurality of guide vanes, and a controller connected to the sensor and the motor. The controller is configured to determine a first rotational stop position of the guide vane based on feedback from the sensor, determine a second rotational stop position of the guide vane based on feedback from the sensor, and calibrate the neutral position of the guide vane based on the determined first and second rotational stop positions of the guide vane.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The field of this disclosure generally relates to compressors including variable inlet guide vane devices, and more specifically to systems and methods for calibrating such variable inlet guide vane devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Inlet guide vane devices can be used to regulate the pressure and direction of the fluid flow at the inlet of a compressor, such as a centrifugal compressor. Conventional inlet guide vane devices include guide vanes arranged around the fluid flow path. The vanes impart a swirling motion to the fluid flow to guide it into the compressor at an appropriate angle to improve efficiency and performance. Each of the guide vanes is rotatable relative to a housing mounted close to the compressor inlet, and the orientation of the guide vanes relative to the inlet fluid flow path is adjusted to meet the intake requirements of the compressor's working fluid, such as refrigerant or air, for various operating conditions.

[0003] Traditionally, an initial manual calibration is performed to set the guide vane neutral position to the neutral value of a position sensor related to the manufacturer's specifications. The inlet guide vane neutral position may be used to calculate the range of rotational positions of the inlet guide vane that affect the compressor's operating envelope, for example, the range of pressure and temperature conditions under which the compressor can operate reliably and efficiently within the limits of the compressor design. This initial calibration may be used throughout the operating life of the inlet guide device. However, the guide vanes drift over time (for example, guide vane 112 may drift from its final position when stopped), which can cause the vane neutral position to differ from the initial sensor neutral position. In some cases, the guide vane neutral position may drift outside the allowable rotational range, causing the working fluid intake parameters to operate the compressor outside the operating envelope, resulting in compressor losses and reducing the compressor's lifespan. Furthermore, updating the calibration requires the removal of the guide vane assembly from the compressor and / or disassembly of the guide vane device to perform the manual calibration process, which prolongs the compressor's operational downtime.

[0004] This background information section is intended to introduce to the reader various aspects of the technology that may be relevant to the various aspects of the disclosure described and / or claimed below. This description is intended to help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should be read in this context and understood not as prior art acknowledgments. [Overview of the project]

[0005] In one embodiment, an inlet guide vane device is provided. The inlet guide vane device includes a housing defining a fluid flow path and a plurality of guide vanes connected to the housing. Each of the guide vanes includes a vane positioned within the fluid flow path. Each of the guide vanes is rotatable relative to the housing so that the orientation of the vane within the fluid flow path can be selectively adjusted. The inlet guide vane device includes a motor operably connected to at least one of the plurality of guide vanes, a sensor configured to detect the rotational position of at least one of the plurality of guide vanes, and a controller connected to the sensor and the motor. The controller includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The controller is configured to determine a first rotational stop position of the guide vane based on feedback from the sensor, determine a second rotational stop position of the guide vane based on feedback from the sensor, and calibrate the neutral position of the guide vane based on the determined first and second rotational stop positions of the guide vane.

[0006] In another embodiment, a compressor is provided. The compressor includes a compressor housing including an inlet; a drive shaft rotatably supported within the compressor housing; an impeller connected to the drive shaft and operable to impart kinetic energy to the incoming refrigerant gas when the drive shaft rotates; and an inlet guide vane device connected to the compressor housing and positioned upstream of the impeller. The inlet guide vane device includes a housing defining a fluid flow path; a plurality of guide vanes connected to the housing, each of which is rotatable relative to the housing; and a motor operably connected to at least one of the plurality of guide vanes. The inlet guide vane device includes a sensor configured to detect the rotational position of at least one of the plurality of guide vanes; and a controller connected to the sensor and the motor, the controller including at least one memory and at least one processor. The controller is configured to: determine a first rotation stop position of the guide vane based on feedback from the sensor; determine a second rotation stop position of the guide vane based on feedback from the sensor; and calibrate the neutral position of the guide vane based on the determined first and second rotation stop positions of the guide vane.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method for calibrating an inlet guide vane device is provided. The method includes: determining a first rotation stop position of the guide vane based on feedback from a sensor; determining a second rotation stop position of the guide vane based on feedback from the sensor; and calibrating the neutral position of the guide vane based on the determined first and second rotation stop positions of the guide vane.

[0008] Various improvements exist to the features described in relation to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated into the above-described embodiments of this disclosure. These improvements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features described below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments of this disclosure may be incorporated individually or in any combination into any of the above-described embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary variable inlet guide vane device, including first and second housing sections, bearings, a ring gear, and guide vanes. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second housing section used in conjunction with the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear or downstream view of the second housing section shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second housing section shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the guide vane used in conjunction with the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view of one of the guide vanes shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a top view of the guide vane shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the guide vane shown in Figure 8. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the first housing section used in conjunction with the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a front or upstream view of the first housing section shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view of the first housing section shown in Figure 11. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the ring gear used in conjunction with the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an end view of the ring gear shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the ring gear shown in Figure 14. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the bearing of the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a rear or downstream view of the variable inlet guide vane device with the first housing, ring gear, and bearing removed, showing the guide vane located within the second channel of the second housing. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an assembled compressor used with a variable inlet guide vane device. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the compressor in Figure 19 along line 2-2. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view shown by section C300 in Figure 20. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an exploded view of the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1, along with the compressor end cap shown in Figure 19. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of Figure 20, indicated by section C300, showing another exemplary inlet guide vane device combined with the compressor end cap. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is an exploded view of an exemplary inlet guide vane device combined with the end cap shown in Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 1, including a motor mounted on the drive guide vane and a sensor mounted on the driven guide vane. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a rear or downstream view of the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 25, with the first housing, ring gear, and bearings detached, and shows the guide vane located in the second channel of the second housing and a calibration tool connected to the vane. [Figure 27A]Figure 27A is a rear or downstream view of the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 25, with the first housing, ring gear, and bearing separated, and shows the guide vane located in the second channel of the second housing and positioned in the first rotation position. [Figure 27B] Figure 27B is a rear or downstream view of the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 25, with the first housing, ring gear, and bearing separated, showing the guide vane located in the second channel of the second housing and in the neutral position. [Figure 27C] Figure 27C is a rear or downstream view of the variable inlet guide vane device with the first housing, ring gear, and bearing detached, showing the guide vane located within the second channel of the second housing and positioned in the second rotation position. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a block diagram of an exemplary control system, including a controller suitable for use with the variable inlet guide vane device shown in Figure 25. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a flowchart of an exemplary control algorithm for calibrating the inlet guide vane device. Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary variable inlet guide vane device, generally indicated by 100. The variable inlet guide vane device 100 (also called the inlet guide 100) is suitable for use with a compressor such as a centrifugal compressor (see, for example, the compressor 300 shown in Figures 19 and 20) and can improve the operating range and efficiency of the compressor by imparting a pre-swirl motion to the fluid flow F entering the compressor. The inlet guide 100 may be mounted close to the compressor inlet, and the fluid flow F exits the inlet guide 100 with a pre-swirl motion and enters the compressor inlet so that the fluid flow F contacts the compressor impeller in the appropriate direction. Alternatively and / or in addition, the inlet guide 100 may be mounted close to the inlets of each stage of a multistage compressor.

[0011] Figure 2 is a side view of the inlet guide 100, and Figure 3 is an exploded view of the inlet guide 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet guide 100 includes a first housing section 102 and a second housing section 104. The first housing section 102 and the second housing section 104 can be connected to form a blade housing assembly 106. The second housing section 104 is located axially upstream from the first housing section 102 with respect to the direction of fluid flow. The inlet guide 100 also includes a ring gear 108 rotatably connected to the housing assembly 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring gear 108 is rotatably connected to the first housing section 102. The ring gear 108 can be rotatably connected to the housing assembly 106 by a bearing such as a bearing 110 (Figure 3). In other embodiments, the bearing 110 may be omitted. Terms indicating directions such as “radial” and “axial” used to describe the elements and features of the inlet guide 100 refer to the housing axis A of the blade housing assembly 106. 106 It is used as a reference and is merely used to facilitate explanation. The entrance guide 100 is not limited to a specific orientation.

[0012] The inlet guide 100 further includes guide vanes 112. Each guide vane 112 is rotatable relative to the vane housing assembly 106 and is operably connected to the ring gear 108 so that each guide vane 112 rotates together as a unit by the rotation of the ring gear 108. Each guide vane 112 is rotatable relative to the housing assembly 106 so that the orientation of the vanes 160 in the fluid flow passage P of the housing assembly 106 can be selectively adjusted. In some embodiments, the guide vanes 112 are rotatable together as a unit relative to the housing assembly 106.

[0013] The inlet guide 100 may also include one or more motors 174 operably connected to one or more of the guide vanes 112 in order to selectively rotate the guide vanes 112. The illustrated inlet guide 100 includes a motor 174 mounted on a motor mount in a second housing section 104. The motor 174 is operably connected to one of the guide vanes 112, also called the drive guide vane 114, by a drive shaft 175, for example, the D-slot output shaft of the motor 174. As further described herein, the rotation of the drive guide vane 114 by the motor 174 results in the rotation of a ring gear 108, which in turn results in the rotation of the other guide vane 112, also called the driven guide vane 116. The motor 174 may include any public motor that enables the inlet guide 100 to function as described herein, including, for example, an electric motor, but not limited to. In some alternative embodiments, the motor 174 is a stepper motor.

[0014] In some embodiments, the drive guide vane 114 and the multiple driven guide vanes 116 are made of different materials. In some embodiments, the blade gear 164 of the drive guide vane 114 is made of a different material than the blade gear 164 of the driven guide vane 116. For example, the drive guide vane 114 may be made of a material having higher wear resistance than the material of the multiple driven guide vanes 116. In some embodiments, the ring gear 108 is made of the same material as the multiple driven guide vanes 116. For example, in some embodiments, the gear teeth 218 of the ring gear 108 and the blade gear 164 of the driven guide vane 116 are made of the same material. In some alternative embodiments, the ring gear 108 and the drive guide vane 114 are made of the same material. For example, in some embodiments, both the drive guide vane 114 and / or the ring gear 108 may include a material having high wear resistance to extend the life of the parts. In some embodiments, the drive guide vane 114, the driven guide vane 116 and / or the ring gear 108 may be made of a metal or metal alloy such as steel, a steel alloy (e.g., 17-4 stainless steel with a Rockwell C hardness (RHC) of 34), aluminum or an aluminum alloy (e.g., aluminum of grade 357).

[0015] In some embodiments, the blade gear 164 of the drive guide vane 114 is made of stainless steel, for example, 17-4 stainless steel (RHC34), and each blade gear 164 of the driven guide vane 116 is made of aluminum, for example, aluminum grade 357. In some embodiments, both the ring gear 108 and the blade gear 164 of the driven guide vane 116 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example, aluminum grade 357, allowing for self-lubrication of the contact point between the meshing gear teeth 218 of the ring gear and the gear teeth 186 of the blade gear 164.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments, both the drive guide vane 114 and the driven guide vane 116, as well as the vane gear 164 and ring gear 108, are made of aluminum grade 357, allowing for self-lubrication of all guide vanes 112. In some embodiments, neither the guide vane 112 nor the ring gear 108 contains plastic material, for example, neither the guide vane 112 nor the ring gear 108 contains polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) (e.g., Ryton® BR42B). That is, the guide vane 112 and / or the ring gear 108 do not have to contain plastic material such as polyphenylene sulfide. The guide vane 112 and the ring gear 108 may be made of material having equivalent or alternative material properties or an alternative grade, for example, the guide vane 112 and the ring gear 108 may be made of stainless steel (e.g., Inconel 400 series) and / or glass-filled nylon (e.g., polyamide (PA) 6 / 6, PA12).

[0017] In some embodiments, the guide vane 112, made of aluminum and / or steel, may be formed during a stamping or casting process. For example, the vane gear 164, made of aluminum or steel, may be formed during a stamping or casting process. In other embodiments, the guide vane 112 may be manufactured using any preferred method or process. For example, the guide vane 112 may be manufactured using three-dimensional printing, molding, machining, powder metal and / or sintered metal.

[0018] The inlet guide 100 and / or compressor 300 may be communicatively connected to a control system, for example, a control system 600 described with reference to Figure 28. For example, a motor 174 may be communicatively connected to the control system 600, which may send one or more signals to the motor 174 to rotate the drive guide vane 114 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in order to position the guide vane 112 in a selected orientation with respect to the fluid flow F.

[0019] The entrance guide 100 may also include one or more sensors 138 attached to one or more of the guide vanes 112 to detect the rotational position of at least one of the guide vanes 112. The sensors 138 can be communicatively connected to a control system 600, which can use feedback received from the sensors 138 to determine commands for the motor 174 or to determine the neutral position of the guide vanes 112, for example, the neutral position 550 shown in Figures 26 and 27B.

[0020] In some embodiments, sensor 138 is an eddy current sensor that uses changes in the magnetic field to determine the rotational position of the guide vane 112. In other embodiments, sensor 138 may include any suitable rotational position sensor, such as, but are not limited to, an induction sensor, a potentiometer, a rotationally variable differential transducer (RVDT), a rotational position encoder, a Hall sensor, etc. Sensor data collected from sensor 138 based on the rotational position of the guide vane 112 may include voltage values ​​or, in addition to or alternatively, resistance values ​​or current values. The control system 600 may be configured to determine the rotational position of the guide vane 112 based on the sensor data and / or to calibrate the neutral position of the guide vane based on the sensor data.

[0021] In some alternative embodiments, one or more sensors 138 may be used to measure the rotational speed of the guide vanes 112. For example, the controller may use sensor feedback to determine a control signal to be sent to the motor 174 to ensure that the motor 174 rotates all the guide vanes 112 at an appropriate rotational speed (e.g., less than 1 revolution per minute (rPm)).

[0022] In some embodiments, the motor 174 includes a synchronous motor that operates based on rotational feedback from one or more guide vanes, for example, based on feedback from a sensor 138 connected to one or more guide vanes 116, to ensure that all vanes 112 are driven to a desired angle. The motor 174 may include, but is not limited to, brushed or brushless DC motors and synchronous AC motors.

[0023] Referring further to Figure 3, the first housing portion 102 includes a first annular wall 126 having a first inner surface 128 and a first outer surface 130. The second housing portion 104 includes a second annular wall 120 having a second inner surface 122 and a second outer surface 124. The first inner surface 128 and the second inner surface 122 define the boundary of the fluid flow passage P extending through the wing housing assembly 106. The wing housing assembly 106 has a housing axis A extending through the fluid flow passage P. 106 The first housing portion 102 defines the outlet or outlet 132 of the fluid flow passage P, and the second housing portion 104 defines the inlet 134 of the fluid flow passage P. The fluid flow F enters the blade housing assembly 106 at the inlet 134, passes through the fluid flow passage P, and exits the blade housing assembly 106 at the outlet 132. The fluid flow F flows along the housing axis A 106 The fluid flows through the fluid passage P in a generally parallel direction. The fluid flow F exiting the outlet 132 has a pre-turn given by the guide vane 112, as will be described in more detail in this application.

[0024] The wing housing assembly 106 surrounds the first outer surface 130 and the second outer surface 124 and includes an outer region 136 that is generally radially outwardly located from the housing assembly 106. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of each guide wing 112 is disposed between the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104, and at least a portion of the ring gear 108 and the guide wing 112 is disposed in the outer region 136 of the wing housing assembly 106. Accordingly, at least a portion of the ring gear 108 and the guide wing 112 is accessible (e.g., to an operator or technician) for inspection and / or repair without the need to disassemble the inlet guide 100. As an example, an operator or technician can access a portion of the ring gear 108 and the guide wing 112 (e.g., a wing gear described in more detail herein) without first removing the first housing portion 102 from the second housing portion 104.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second housing portion 104. FIGS. 5 and 6 are a rear view and a cross-sectional view of the second housing portion 104, respectively. The second annular wall 120 includes a downstream surface 140 and an upstream surface 142. The downstream surface 140 generally has an annular shape. The second annular wall 120 has a width W 120 that may extend between the second outer surface 124 and the second inner surface 122 (FIG. 5). The second annular wall 120 has a height H 120 that may extend between the downstream surface 140 and the upstream surface 142 (FIG. 6). The second inner surface 122 defines a boundary of a second fluid flow passage P120 that includes a diameter D 120 defined by the second inner surface 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the second fluid flow passage P 120 is generally conical in shape, and the diameter D 120 decreases in the direction from the inlet 134 to the outlet 132 along the axis A 106 . In other embodiments, the second fluid flow passage P 120 can generally be cylindrical in shape, and the diameter D 120 defined by the second inner surface 122 is generally constant. The second fluid flow passage P 120 has a length L 120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the length L 120The second ring wall 120 has a height H 120 Corresponds to Housing axis A 106 This is the second fluid flow path P 120 It extends through. The upstream surface 142 is generally flat and can be attached to the compressor. Alternatively, the second housing portion 104 can be attached to any suitable structure adjacent to the compressor inlet. The dimensions of the compressor, e.g., width W 120 Height H 120 , diameter D 120 and length L 120 This can be adjusted to suit the size of the compressor and its aerodynamic needs.

[0026] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the second housing portion 104 includes one or more flanges 144 extending radially outward from the second annular wall 120. The flanges 144 may extend generally perpendicular to the second annular wall 120. The flanges 144 include one or more fastener openings 146 for receiving suitable mounting means or fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) for connecting the second housing portion 104 to a compressor.

[0027] Referring again to Figure 5, the downstream surface 140 includes second channel surfaces 148, each defining a corresponding second channel 150. Each of the second channel surfaces 148 is on the housing axis A 106 They are arranged in a radially symmetrical pattern around the housing axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream surface 140 of the second annular wall 120 is the housing axis A. 106 The downstream surface 140 includes 10 second channel surfaces 148 defining 10 second channels 150 arranged in a radially symmetric pattern around the central point. In alternative embodiments, the downstream surface 140 may include any number of second channel surfaces 148 that enable the inlet guide 100 to function as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, there are 6 second channel surfaces 148 defining 6 second channels 150.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the second channel surfaces 148 is identical in size and shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the second channel surface 148 has the shape of a cylindrical surface segment. Therefore, the second channel 150 generally has a semi-cylindrical shape. The second channel surface 148 has a second channel length L extending from the second inner surface 122 to the second outer surface 124. 148 In the illustrated embodiment, the second channel surface 148 and the second channel 150 are the total width W of the second annular wall 120. 120 It extends over the width W of the second annular wall 120. In other embodiments, the second channel surface 148 extends over the width W of the second annular wall 120. 120 It extends only partially over the length. The second channel surface 148 has a size and shape such that the second channel 150 has a size and shape such that it receives at least a portion of the guide vane 112, as will be described in more detail in this application.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, each second channel surface 148 includes a secondary channel surface 152 that defines the slot 154. The secondary channel surface 152 extends to a depth D from the second channel surface 148 to the slot 154. 152 The secondary channel surface 152 defining the slot 154 has a first end 156 and a second end 158, and a second channel length L extending between them. 152 (Figure 5) The second channel surface has a slot width W 152 Further define the area.

[0030] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the guide vane 112. Each of the guide vanes 112 includes a vane 160, a stem 162, and a vane gear 164. The guide vanes 112 are arranged in a radially symmetric pattern that reflects the radially symmetric pattern of the second channel surface 148 of the second housing portion 104. In the illustrated embodiment, there are 10 guide vanes 112 corresponding to 10 second channel surfaces 148. In other embodiments, the inlet guide 100 may include any suitable number of guide vanes 112 that enable the inlet guide 100 to function as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, there may be 6 guide vanes 112 corresponding to 6 second channel surfaces 148.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the wing 160 is integrated with the stem 162. For example, the wing 160 may be integrated with the stem 162 by molding it as a single, integral part. In an alternative embodiment, the wing 160 may be formed separately from the stem and connected to or attached to the stem 162.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the wing 160 is substantially triangular and includes a first wing side 166 and an opposing second wing side 168. The first wing side 166 and the second wing side 168 are substantially planar. The first wing side 166 and the second wing side 168 are connected at a trailing edge 170 and a leading edge 172. The trailing edge 170 and the leading edge 172 may have a knife-like shape. The wing 160 is a fluid flow path P 120 The blades 160 can be selectively rotatable to selectively interrupt or block the fluid flow F passing through them. The blades 160 can be prevented from rotating so that the trailing edge 170 of each guide blade is in contact with or close to the leading edge 172 of an adjacent guide blade, as described herein.

[0033] The first housing section 102 and the second housing section 104 are guide wing passage P 160 They jointly define the wing 160, and each of the wing passages P 160 It may cover one of the wing passages P 160 This is part of the fluid flow path P. Wing path P 160These are spaced apart around the fluid flow passage P. The blades 160 are of any shape or size that allows the inlet guide 100 to function as described herein. In addition, the shape and size of the blades 160 may be selected based on the intended use of the inlet guide 100. For example, the size, shape and angle of the blades 160 may be selected based on the type and configuration of the compressor, the operating conditions and / or the type of fluid used with the compressor. Each of the guide blades 112 is rotatable relative to the blade housing assembly 106 so that the orientation of the blades 160 in the fluid flow passage P can be selectively adjusted.

[0034] Figures 8 and 9 are a side view and a top view, respectively, of one of the guide vanes 112 shown in Figure 7. The stem 162 is located on the stem axis A 162 It extends along the stem from the first inner end 178 to the second outer end 176. The wing 160 is located at the first inner end 178 of the stem 162, and the wing gear 164 is located at the second outer end 176 of the stem 162. The stem 162 has a stem length L between the inner end 178 and the outer end 176. 162 Tie. Stem length L 162 This is essentially the second channel length L 148 This may be similar. If the stem 162 is located within one of the second channels 150, then the stem axis A 162 Housing axis A 106 It is perpendicular to it.

[0035] In this illustrated embodiment, the guide vane 112 extends circumferentially around the stem 162, and from the stem 162 to the stem axis A 162 It includes a stop 177 extending radially outward in a direction generally perpendicular to the stem axis A. The stop 177 has dimensions and shape such that it fits within a slot 154 defined by the secondary channel surface 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 177 is generally rectangular. The stop 177 and the secondary channel surface 152 are located on the stem axis A of the guide vane 112. 162 When the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 rotate around the center, the stop 177 moves with respect to the secondary channel surface 152 by a length L 152It has dimensions and a shape that allows it to slide along the [slot width]. In addition, the slot width W 152 The stop 177 contacts the secondary channel surface 152, and the guide vane 112 is on the stem axis A 162 It has dimensions and shape such that transitions along a direction parallel to the slot width W are prevented. 152 The stop 177 has a slot length of L 152 The dimensions are such that they provide sufficient clearance between the stop 177 and the secondary channel surface 152 so that it can move along the channel.

[0036] The stop 177 extends only partially around the stem 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 177 extends circumferentially around the stem 162 at an arc angle of approximately 45°. In other embodiments, the stop 177 may extend at an arc angle greater than or less than 45°. For example, in some embodiments, the stop 177 may extend at an arc angle of 90° around the stem 162. In another example, the stop 177 may extend at an arc angle of 30° around the stem 162.

[0037] Stop 177 engages with at least one stop surface of the first housing portion 102 or the second housing portion 104, as further described herein, with the stem shaft A 162 The rotation of the guide vane 112 centered on this point is restricted.

[0038] The blade gear 164 includes an upper surface 180, a lower surface 182, and a wall 184 extending between the upper surface 180 and the lower surface 182. The wall 184 is generally cylindrical (Figure 8). The blade gear 164 includes gear teeth 186 extending radially outward from the wall 184. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the blade gear 164 is a tapered gear. That is, the gear teeth 186 are tapered or angled radially inward or outward from the upper surface 180 to the lower surface 182. In some embodiments, the blade gear 164 may be a bevel gear. In some embodiments, the blade gear 164 may be a helical gear.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the blade gear 164 is a partial gear in which the gear teeth 186 extend around only a portion of the wall 184. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear teeth 186 extend around the wall 184 at an arc angle of approximately 225°. In other embodiments, the gear teeth 186 may extend around the wall 184 at an arc angle greater than or less than 225°. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the gear teeth 186 are located generally opposite the stop 177 of the stem 162. Thus, during operation, the blade gear 164 is positioned to engage with the ring gear 108, while the stop 177 is trapped in the slot 154.

[0040] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the guide vane 112. In some embodiments, the blade gear 164 is removably connected to the stem 162 of the guide vane 112. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the outer end 176 of the stem 162 is received in a central opening of the blade gear 164 to connect the blade gear 164 to the stem 162. In some embodiments, the stem 162 and the blade gear 164 may be connected by press-fitting, where the outer end 176 is positioned in a central opening of the blade gear 164. In addition and / or alternatively, the stem 162 and the blade gear 164 may be connected using epoxy or other suitable adhesive. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the stem 162 includes a key 188 positioned at the outer end 176, and the blade gear 164 includes a key boundary 190 defining a key opening 189 having a size and shape for receiving the key 188. When the key 188 is positioned within the key opening 189, the stem 162 and the blade gear 164 engage frictionally, and the rotation of the blade gear 164 is transmitted to the stem 162. In some embodiments, the key 188 is press-fitted into the key opening 189. In some embodiments, the key 188 may include a channel, and the boundary 190 may include a key having a size and shape that fits within the channel. Alternatively and / or in addition, the key 188 and the boundary 190 may include any suitable features that enable frictional engagement between the blade gear 164 and the stem 162. In other embodiments, the blade gear 164 may be integrally formed with the guide blade (for example, the blade gear 164 is integrally formed with the stem 162).

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide vane 112 includes an alignment portion 191. The alignment portion 191 receives a portion of the motor's drive shaft, such as the drive shaft 175 of the motor 174, enabling the guide vane 112 to be operably connected to the motor. Therefore, the alignment portion 191 has a shape complementary to the drive shaft. For example, the alignment portion 191 may be key-shaped, semicircular, star-shaped, or any suitable shape into which the alignment portion 191 fits with the drive shaft to frictionally connect the drive shaft to the alignment portion 191. Alternatively and / or in addition, the alignment portion 191 may have a size and shape to receive an alignment tool (not shown) to facilitate the alignment and mounting of the guide vane 112 to the vane housing assembly 106.

[0042] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the first housing portion 102. The first annular wall 126 includes a downstream surface 192 and an upstream surface 194. The upstream surface 194 has a generally annular shape. The first annular wall 126 has a width W extending between the first outer surface 130 and the first inner surface 128. 126 (Figure 12) The first annular wall 126 extends between the downstream surface 192 and the upstream surface 194 to a height H 122 It may have (Figure 13). The first inner surface 128 is the first fluid flow passage P 122 The boundary is defined. The first fluid flow path P 122 The diameter D is defined by the first inner surface 128. 122 It has a generally cylindrical shape with a diameter D. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter D 122 The diameter D of the second inner surface 122 120 This is substantially the same (Figure 12). First fluid flow path P 122 The height H of the first ring wall 126 is 122 Corresponding length L 122 It has (Figure 13). Housing axis A 106 This is the first fluid flow path P 122 It extends through. When the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 are connected, the blade housing assembly 106 is formed, and the first fluid passage P 120 and the second fluid flow path P 122These are aligned to form a fluid flow path P. The dimensions of the first annular wall 126, for example, width W 126 Height H 122 , diameter D 122 and length L 122 It can be adapted to the size of the compressor and / or the aerodynamic needs of the compressor.

[0043] Figure 12 is a front view of the first housing portion 102. The upstream surface 194 of the first housing portion 102 includes a first channel surface 196 that defines the first channel 198. The first channel surface 196 mirrors the radially symmetric pattern of the second channel surface 148 and the radially symmetric pattern of the guide vane 112 along the housing axis A 106 They are arranged in a radially symmetric pattern around the center. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first channel surfaces 196 is substantially identical, having approximately the same size and shape. In other exemplary embodiments, the first channel surfaces 196 are identical to the second channel surface 148. Each of the first channel surfaces 196 has a first channel length L 196 and the first channel width W 196 (Figure 12) includes the first channel width W. 196 It may extend from the first inner surface 128 to the first outer surface 130.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the first channel surface 196 is shaped like a segment of a cylindrical surface. Therefore, the first channel 198 is generally semi-cylindrical in shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first channel surface 196 is shaped like the entire width W of the upstream surface 194. 126 It extends along the width of the upstream surface 194. In other embodiments, the first channel surface 196 extends only partially along the width of the upstream surface 194.

[0045] As described above, when stop 177 engages with one or more stop surfaces 195, stop 177 engages with stem axis A 162The rotation of the guide vane 112 around a certain point is restricted. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first housing portion 102 includes a first stop surface 197 and a second stop surface 199 (Figure 12). When the guide vane 112 rotates in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the stop 177 slides within the slot 154 until the stop 177 engages with the first stop surface 197, preventing or blocking further rotation of the guide vane 112. When the guide vane 112 rotates in a second direction (e.g., clockwise), the stop 177 slides within the slot 154 until the stop 177 engages with the second stop surface 199, preventing or blocking further rotation of the guide vane 112.

[0046] In some embodiments, contact between stop 177 and stop surface 195 functions as a stop that prevents motor 174 from further rotating guide vane 112. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, stop 177 is located in slot 154, and as guide vane 112 rotates, stop 177 moves along slot length L 154 It moves along the guide vane 112. The guide vane 112 may include a driven guide vane 114 operably connected to a motor and a driven guide vane that rotates in response to the rotation of the driven guide vane 114. In such an embodiment, the motor 174 rotates the driven guide vane 114 until one of the stops 177 of the guide vane 112 engages with either a first stop surface 197 or a second stop surface 199, stopping the rotational movement of all the guide vanes 112 and stopping the motor 174.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 154, stop 177, first stop surface 197, and second stop surface 199 are configured to allow the motor to rotate the guide vane 112 by a total of 90°. For example, the guide vane 112 is such that the first wing side portion 166 or the second wing side portion 168 of each guide vane 112 is aligned with the housing axis A 106The guide vane 112 is oriented to a first rotational position of 0° or a neutral position, e.g., a neutral position 550, so as to be generally parallel to and / or parallel to the fluid flow F entering the inlet 134. In the illustrated embodiment, when the guide vane 112 is in the neutral position, the stop 177 is located in the center of the slot 154, e.g., midway between the first end 156 and the second end 158. The stop 177 and the stop surface 195 are aligned with the housing axis A 106 Furthermore, the guide vane 112 is positioned so that it can be directed between +45° and -45° with respect to the neutral position, so that the first wing side portion 166 or the second wing side portion 168 is positioned at a desired angle according to the desired operating conditions with respect to the fluid flow F entering the inlet 134.

[0048] The second housing portion 104 may include one or more stop surfaces 195. For example, in some embodiments, the first end 156 and the second end 158 include stop surfaces that interact with the stop 177. In such embodiments, the guide vane 112 rotates in either the first or second direction until the stop 177 engages with the stop surface, preventing or restricting further rotation of the guide vane 112.

[0049] When the first housing portion 102 is connected to the second housing portion 104, each of the second channels 150 aligns with each of the first channels 198 such that the first channel 198 and the second channels 150 cooperate to form a guide vane opening 200 that extends radially through the vane housing assembly 106 (Figure 2). The boundary of the guide vane opening 200 is defined by the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148. Each guide vane opening 200 is generally cylindrical and has a size and shape such that it receives at least a portion of the stem 162 of one of the guide vanes 112 inside. The stem 162 of each guide vane 112 is aligned with the respective stem axis A inside one of the guide vane openings 200 162The stem 162 is rotatable with respect to the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148 so as to rotate around a central point. In some embodiments, the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148 include plain bearings to facilitate the rotation of the stem 162 with respect to the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148. In addition and / or alternatively, the stem 162 and the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148 may include suitable bearings to enable the inlet guide 100 to function as described herein. In some embodiments, the stem 162 and / or the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148 may be impregnated with Teflon® or other suitable lubricant. In exemplary embodiments, the inlet guide 100 may be used with an oil-free compressor.

[0050] The first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 may be connected in any suitable manner that enables the entrance guide 100 to function as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing portion 102 is connected to the second housing portion 104 by screws. More specifically, the first housing portion 102 includes a fastening opening 202 extending through the first annular wall 126, and the second housing portion 104 includes fastening openings 204 corresponding to the arrangement of the opening 202 of the first housing portion 102. Each of the fastening openings 204 may include mounting means such as threaded parts that enable threaded bolts or screws (not shown) to be inserted through the opening 202 of the first housing portion 102 and screwed into the threaded parts of the opening 204 of the second housing portion 104. In other embodiments, the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 may be connected to each other using any suitable mounting means or fasteners to connect the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 together to form the wing housing assembly 106.

[0051] If the stem 162 of each guide vane 112 is located within one of the guide vane openings 200 of the vane housing assembly 106, the vane gear 164 is located within the external region 136 of the vane housing assembly 106, and each of the vanes 160 is located within the fluid flow passage P. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the vane gears 164 is accessible to the operator for inspection and / or repair without the need to remove or disassemble the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104. In embodiments where the vane gear 164 is detachably connected to the stem 162, the vane gear 164 can be easily replaced with another vane gear. For example, an operator can replace a worn or damaged vane gear 164 by removing the vane gear 164 from the stem 162 and connecting a new or repaired vane gear 164 to the stem 162. As described above, the vane gear 164 and the stem 162 may form a single part. Furthermore, by removing the first housing section 102 from the second housing section 104, all guide vanes 112 can be accessed simultaneously.

[0052] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the ring gear 108. The ring gear 108 includes a first surface 206, a second ring surface 208, and an annular wall 210 extending between them. The annular wall 210 includes an inner ring surface 212 that defines the boundary of the ring opening 214. The inner surface surface 212 is sized and shaped such that at least a portion of the first housing portion 102 is received within the ring opening 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring gear 108 is rotatably connected to and rotatable relative to the first housing portion 102. In other embodiments, the ring gear 108 is rotatably connected to the second housing portion 104.

[0053] The first housing portion 102 includes a lip 216 extending radially outward from the first outer surface 130 (Figure 13). The lip 216 engages with the surface 217 of the press-fit bearing 110 when the press-fit bearing 110 is positioned around the first outer surface 130. The lip 216 engages with the bearing 110 to prevent or restrict axial translation of the bearing 110 relative to the first housing portion 102. Alternatively, if the ring gear 108 is rotatably connected to the first housing portion 102, the lip 216 contacts the first surface 206 of the ring gear 108 to prevent or restrict axial translation of the ring gear 108 relative to the first housing portion 102.

[0054] Figure 15 is an end view of the ring gear 108, and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the ring gear 108. The second ring surface 208 of the ring gear 108 includes gear teeth 218. The gear teeth 218 of the ring gear 108 have dimensions and shapes such that they mesh with the gear teeth 186 of each blade gear 164 of the guide vane 112. Housing shaft A 106 The rotation of the ring gear 108, centered on the blade axis A, is transmitted to the blade gear 164, and within the guide blade opening 200 of the blade housing assembly 106, the blade axis A 162 This causes the guide vane 112 to rotate around the ring gear 108. The ring gear 108 further includes a portion 222 located on its inner surface 212. The portion 222 engages with the bearing 110 to prevent the bearing 110 from moving axially relative to the ring gear 108. The portion 222 may extend around the inner surface 212. In some exemplary embodiments, the portion 222 includes a lip.

[0055] The ring gear 108 and the blade gear 164 are located in the external region 136 of the blade housing assembly 106, allowing the operator to inspect and / or repair the ring gear 108 without detaching the first housing section 102 and the second housing section 104. The accessibility of the ring gear 108 and the blade gear 164 is beneficial in that it reduces the time required for inspection and / or repair of the ring gear 108 and the blade gear 164. In addition, the accessibility of the blade gear 164 and the ring gear 108 without disassembling the first housing section 102 and the second housing section 104 helps prevent the bearing surfaces between the first channel surface 196, the second channel surface 148 and the stem 162 from being exposed to debris and / or contamination.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the guide vanes 112 is a drive guide vane 114. The drive guide vane 114 is operably connected to a motor 174 (for example, by a drive shaft 175), and the motor drives the rotation of the drive guide vane 114. The rotation of the drive guide vane 114 causes the rotation of a ring gear 108, which transmits rotation to the remaining guide vanes 112, called driven guide vanes. Thus, all the guide vanes 112 rotate as a single unit.

[0057] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the bearing 110. The bearing 110 may be positioned between the first outer surface 130 of the first housing portion 102 and the inner ring surface 212 of the ring gear 108. The bearing 110 facilitates the rotation of the ring gear 108 around the first housing portion 102. In some embodiments, the bearing 110 is connected to the ring gear 108, for example, by press-fitting it to frictionally engage with the inner ring surface 212. Thus, the ring gear 108 and the bearing 110 rotate relative to the first housing portion 102. Alternatively, the bearing 110 may be press-fitted into the first housing portion 102 such that the bearing 110 and the first housing portion 102 frictionally engage, and the ring gear 108 rotates relative to the bearing 110 and the first housing portion 102.

[0058] The bearing 110 may be a non-lubricated bearing or a self-lubricated bearing. Therefore, the bearing 110 does not require the application of a lubricant. For example, the bearing 110 is made of bronze and / or a bronze composite. In some embodiments, the bearing 110 is coated with bronze. The bearing 110 may be impregnated with a lubricant or the bearing 110 may include one or more graphite plugs. In alternative embodiments, the bearing 110 may include any suitable type of bearing 110 that enables the inlet guide 100 to function as described herein. In other embodiments, the bearing 110 may be omitted, and the ring gear 108 may rotate around the first housing portion 102 without the use of a bearing.

[0059] Figure 18 is a rear view of the inlet guide 100 with the first housing portion 102, ring gear 108, and bearing 110 removed to show the arrangement of the guide vanes 112 located within the second channel 150. As described above, the simultaneous rotation of the guide vanes 112 changes the orientation of the vanes 160 relative to the fluid flow F entering the inlet 134. For example, the guide vanes 112 may be rotated simultaneously to position the inlet guide 100 in any suitable position based on the operational needs of the compressor. For example, the guide vanes 112 may be rotated simultaneously to position the inlet guide 100 in the fully open or neutral position. In the fully open position, the guide vanes 112 are positioned such that the first vane side portions 166 and the second vane side portions 168 of the vanes 160 are generally parallel to the direction of the fluid flow F, so that the vanes 160 do not substantially obstruct the fluid flow F through the fluid flow passage P. In the fully open position, the blades 160 align the fluid flow F, forming a more laminar fluid flow F profile, thereby increasing the efficiency of the compressor. The guide blades 112 can be rotated to position the blades 160 in any suitable orientation with respect to the fluid flow F and the fluid flow path P. For example, the motor can rotate the drive guide blades 114 clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the orientation of the blades 160. The position of the blades 160 can be selected to increase the operating range of the compressor, including both surge and choke.

[0060] Figures 19 and 20 are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a compressor 300 suitable for use with the inlet guide 100 described herein. The compressor 300 is shown in the form of a two-stage centrifugal compressor. The compressor 300 generally includes an outer compressor housing 302 that forms at least one sealed cavity through which each stage of refrigerant compression is achieved. The compressor housing 302 includes a body 334 extending between a first end 336 and a second end 338. The compressor housing 302 also includes an end cap 340 connected to the body 334 at the first end 336. The end cap 340 defines a first refrigerant inlet 310 of the compressor 300 for introducing refrigerant vapor into the first compression stage. The compressor 300 also includes a first refrigerant outlet 314 adjacent to a first refrigerant inlet 310, a refrigerant transfer conduit 312 for transferring compressed refrigerant from the first compression stage to the second compression stage, and a second refrigerant inlet 318 and a second refrigerant outlet 320 defined at the second end 338 of the main body 334 for introducing refrigerant vapor into the second compression stage. The refrigerant transfer conduit 312 is operably connected to the opposing ends of the first refrigerant outlet 314 and the second refrigerant inlet 318, respectively. The second refrigerant outlet 320 delivers compressed refrigerant from the second compression stage to the cooling system into which the compressor 300 is incorporated. The refrigerant transfer conduit 312 may further include a refrigerant bleed 322 for adding or removing refrigerant in the compressor 300 as needed.

[0061] Referring to Figure 20, the outer compressor housing 302 surrounds a first compression stage 324 adjacent to the first end 336 of the main body 334 and a second compression stage 326 adjacent to the second end 338. The first compression stage 324 includes a first-stage impeller 306 configured to impart kinetic energy to the incoming refrigerant gas entering through the first refrigerant inlet 310. The kinetic energy imparted to the refrigerant by the first-stage impeller 306 is converted into increased refrigerant pressure (i.e., compression) as the refrigerant velocity slows down upon transfer to a diffuser formed between the first-stage inlet ring 301 and a portion of the outer compressor housing 302. Similarly, the second compression stage 326 includes a second-stage impeller 316 configured to add kinetic energy to the refrigerant transferred from the first compression stage 324 entering through the second refrigerant inlet 318. The kinetic energy imparted to the refrigerant by the second stage impeller 316 is converted into increased refrigerant pressure (i.e., compression) as the refrigerant velocity slows down during transfer to the diffuser formed between the second stage inlet ring 303 and the second portion of the outer compressor housing 302. The compressed refrigerant exits the second compression stage 326 through a second refrigerant outlet (not shown in Figure 20).

[0062] The first stage impeller 306 and the second stage impeller 316 are connected to the drive shaft A 304 It is connected to both ends of a drive shaft 304 that rotates around the drive shaft A. The drive shaft extends from the first end 330 to the second end 332, and the drive shaft axis A 304 It is axially symmetric with respect to the center. In addition, drive shaft axis A 304 It extends through the center of gravity of the drive shaft 304. The drive shaft 304 is connected to the drive shaft axis A by the motor 308. 304A motor 308 is operably connected to the drive shaft 304, which is located between the first stage impeller 306 and the second stage impeller 316, so as to rotate the drive shaft 304 around the first stage impeller 306. The first stage impeller 306 and the second stage impeller 316 are both connected to the drive shaft 304 so as to rotate at a selected rotational speed, for example, based on a requested system requirement, so as to compress the refrigerant to a pre-selected pressure and expel it from a second refrigerant outlet. The compressor 300 may incorporate any suitable motor, including, but is not limited to, an electric motor.

[0063] The inlet guide 100 is located inside the compressor housing 302 and is positioned close to the first refrigerant inlet 310. The inlet 134 to the fluid passage P is fluidly connected to the first refrigerant inlet 310, and the outlet 132 of the fluid passage P is fluidly connected to the first compression stage 324. In the exemplary configuration, the housing axis A extends through the fluid passage P. 106 This is drive shaft axis A 304 This is consistent with the following configuration of the compressor 300: Housing shaft A 106 and drive shaft axis A 304 This does not have to be consistent. During operation, the fluid flow F enters the compressor 300 through the first coolant inlet 310 and is guided through the fluid flow passage P to the inlet guide 100 via the inlet 134. As described above, the guide vanes 112 may be positioned in the fluid flow passage P such that (for example, by adjusting the orientation of the vanes 160) the fluid flow F exits the inlet guide 100 via the outlet 132 in a pre-swirl and enters the first compression stage 324, and the fluid flow F contacts the impeller 306 of the first stage of the compressor 300 in the appropriate direction.

[0064] Figure 21 shows section C of Figure 20. 300 A portion of the inlet guide 100, located inside the compressor housing 302 and adjacent to the first refrigerant inlet 310, is shown in more detail. Figure 21 shows a portion of the inlet guide 100 adjacent to and connected to the end cap 340 of the compressor housing 302. Figure 22 shows an exploded view of the inlet guide 100, similar to that shown in Figure 3 above, together with the end cap 340.

[0065] The end cap 340 includes an annular flange 342 that defines the radially outermost part of the end cap 340. As shown in Figure 21, the annular flange 342 is connected to the body 334 of the compressor housing 302 at a first end 336. The annular flange 342 includes a hole 344 that aligns with a corresponding hole 345 formed in the body 334 at the first end 336. The aligned hole 344 and the corresponding hole 345 in the body 334 receive mounting means 346 for connecting the end cap 340 to the body 334.

[0066] The annular flange 342 extends radially outward from the annular sidewall 348 of the end cap 340. The annular sidewall 348 extends axially from the shoulder 350 of the end cap 340. The end of the annular sidewall 348 opposite the shoulder 350 is open. A recess 352 is defined by the inner surface 354 and the concave surface 356 of the annular sidewall 348. The concave surface 356 is defined by the shoulder 350. The shoulder 350 also defines the outer surface 358 opposite the concave surface 356. The end cap 340 also includes a neck portion 360 that extends axially from the shoulder 350. A central bore 362 is defined by the neck portion 360 and extends through the concave surface 356. The central bore 362 defines a first refrigerant inlet 310. The neck portion 360 has a smaller outer diameter than the annular sidewall 348. The shoulder portion 350 extends radially between the neck portion 360 and the annular side wall 348, joining them together. Terms indicating direction, such as "radial" and "axial," used to describe the elements and features of the end cap 340 refer to the drive shaft axis A when the end cap 340 is installed on the compressor 300. 304 It is used as a reference and is used solely for the purpose of simplifying the explanation. The end cap 340 is not limited to a specific orientation.

[0067] When the inlet guide 100 is connected to the end cap 340, the inlet guide 100 is partially disposed within the recess 352. The upstream surface 142 of the second annular wall 120 of the second housing portion 104 faces towards the concave surface 356 of the end cap 340. As described above, the second housing portion 104 includes one or more flanges 144 that extend radially outward from the second annular wall 120. The flange 144 includes one or more fastener openings 146 for receiving suitable attachment means or fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) for connecting the second housing portion 104, and thus the inlet guide 100, to the end cap 340. In particular, at least a portion of the fastener openings 146 aligns with corresponding openings 364 formed in the shoulder 350 of the end cap 340, and the aligned openings 146 and corresponding openings 364 receive suitable attachment means or fasteners for connecting the second housing portion 104 to the end cap 340. A central bore 362 that extends through the end cap 340 aligns with the inlet 134 defined by the second housing portion 104 to fluidly connect the first refrigerant inlet 310 to the fluid flow path P. As shown in FIG. 21, the central bore 362 and the inlet 134 align in relation to the alignment with the housing axis A 106 and the drive shaft axis A 304 and align in relation to their alignment.

[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, another exemplary variable inlet guide vane device 400 (also referred to herein as inlet guide 400) is shown. FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the inlet guide 400 installed in the compressor 300, taken along section C of FIG. 20 300Figure 23 shows a similar portion as shown in Figure 21. In Figure 23, the inlet guide 100 and end cap 340 (shown in Figure 21) are replaced by an inlet guide 400 combined with an end cap 402. That is, the end cap 402 defines a portion of the inlet guide 400. Figure 24 is an exploded view showing the inlet guide 400 combined with the end cap 402. The elements and features of the inlet guide 400 are similar to those of the inlet guide 100 shown in Figures 1 to 22 and described above, and are identified in Figures 23 and 24 using the same reference numerals as used in Figures 1 to 22. The end cap 402 has a similar configuration to the end cap 340 shown in Figures 19 to 22 and has additional features described below.

[0069] In this example, the end cap 402 is included in the compressor housing 302 (Figures 19 and 20), and the end cap 402 is connected to the body 334 of the compressor housing 302 at a first end 336. The end cap 402 defines the first refrigerant inlet 310 of the compressor 300 for introducing refrigerant vapor into the first compression stage 324 (shown in Figure 20). The end cap 402 includes an annular flange 404 that defines the radial outermost part of the end cap 402. As shown in Figure 23, the annular flange 404 is connected to the body 334 of the compressor housing 302 at a first end 336. The annular flange 404 includes a hole 406 that aligns with a corresponding hole 345 formed in the body 334 at the first end 336. The aligned hole 406 and the hole 345 in the body 334 receive mounting means 346 for connecting the end cap 402 to the body 334. The annular flange 404 extends radially outward from the annular side wall 408 of the end cap 402. The annular side wall 408 extends axially from the shoulder 410 of the end cap 402. The end of the annular side wall 408 opposite the shoulder 410 is open. A recess 412 is defined by the inner surface 414 and concave surface 416 of the annular side wall 408. The concave surface 416 is defined by the shoulder 410. The shoulder 410 also defines the outer surface 418 opposite the concave surface 416. The end cap 402 also includes a neck portion 420 that extends axially from the shoulder 410. The neck portion 420 has a smaller outer diameter than the annular side wall 408. The shoulder portion 410 extends radially between the neck portion 420 and the annular side wall 408, joining them together.

[0070] Terms indicating direction, such as "radial direction" and "direction," used to describe the elements and features of the end cap 402, refer to the drive shaft axis A when the end cap 402 is installed on the compressor 300. 304 It is used as a reference and is merely used to simplify explanations. For example, the end cap 402 is not limited to a specific orientation.

[0071] The end cap 402 also includes an inner wall 422 extending axially within the recess 412 and outward from the concave surface 416. The inner wall 422 is defined by the end cap 402 and is part of the inlet guide 400 integrated with the end cap. In particular, the inner wall 422 forms a second housing portion of the inlet guide 400 integrated with the end cap 402. The inner wall 422 is similar to the second housing portion 104 of the inlet guide 100 described above with specific reference to Figures 1 to 18, Figure 21 and Figure 22. The inner wall 422 may be formed integrally with the end cap 402 by manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, casting, molding, powder metal fabrication, additive manufacturing, or three-dimensional printing and machining (e.g., computer numerical control machining). The end cap 402 and the inner wall 422 may be made from any suitable material, including, for example, cast iron, aluminum, steel and their alloys, as well as plastics and any combination thereof. The end cap 402 and inner wall 422 may be made from, for example, graphite or another suitable self-lubricating material which can be added to the casting or molded product. By making the end cap 402 and inner wall 422 from a self-lubricating material, the need for bearings 110 to facilitate the rotation of the ring gear 108 relative to the inner wall 422 and / or the first housing portion 102 may be eliminated.

[0072] In this description of the end cap 402 and the inlet guide 400, elements and features of the inner wall 422 similar to those of the second housing portion 104 of the inlet guide 100 are identified in Figures 23 and 24 using the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 1 to 18, 21 and 22. The inner wall 422, which is integrally formed with the end cap 402, eliminates the need for a flange to connect the inner wall 422 to the end cap 402 (for example, the inner wall 422 does not include the flange 144 included in the second housing portion 104 of the inlet guide 100).

[0073] The end cap 402 also includes a central bore 430 defined by the neck portion 420 and the inner wall 422. Housing shaft A 106It extends through the central bore 430. The central bore 430 extends axially through the cap 402 and defines the boundary of the first refrigerant inlet 310 of the compressor 300 and the fluid passage P of the inlet guide 400. That is, the central bore 430 defines a continuous passage between the first refrigerant inlet 310 and the inlet 134 of the fluid passage P. The fluid passage P of the inlet guide 400 is the same as the fluid passage P of the inlet guide 100 described above. The inner wall 422 surrounds a portion of the fluid passage P and defines the inlet 134 of the fluid passage P. As shown in Figure 23, the central bore 430 is generally conical in shape, and the diameter defined by the central bore 430 is along axis A 106 It decreases in the direction from the refrigerant inlet 310 toward the inlet 134 of the inlet guide 400. In other embodiments, the central bore 430 may be generally cylindrical and define a generally constant diameter.

[0074] Similar to the inlet guide 100 described above, the inlet guide 400 is mounted close to the refrigerant inlet 310 of the compressor 300. The fluid flow F enters the inlet guide 400 through the inlet 134, flows through the fluid flow passage P, and exits the inlet guide 400 with a pre-swirl as described above. The fluid flow F then enters the first compression stage 324 (shown in Figure 20), and the fluid flow F contacts the impeller 306 of the first stage of the compressor 300 in the appropriate direction. Alternatively and / or in addition, the inlet guide vanes 400 are mounted close to the inlets of each stage of a multistage compressor. The inlet guide 400 includes a first housing section 102, similar to the inlet guide 100.

[0075] When the inlet guide 400 is assembled, the inner wall 422 is connected to the first housing section 102. The end cap 402, and therefore the inner wall 422, is located axially upstream from the first housing section 102 with respect to the direction of the fluid flow F. The inner wall 422 and the first housing section 102 are directly connected to form the wing housing assembly. Thus, the first housing section 102 is directly connected to the end cap 402. The wing housing assembly is similar to the wing housing assembly 106 of the inlet guide 100, and the housing axis A 106 It has.

[0076] Terms indicating direction, such as "radial" and "axial," used to describe the elements and features of the entrance guide 400 refer to the housing axis A. 106 It is used as a reference and is only used to simplify explanations. The entrance guide 400 is not limited to a specific orientation.

[0077] In addition to the first housing portion 102 and inner wall 422, the inlet guide 400 includes a ring gear 108 and guide vanes 112, similar to the inlet guide 100. The ring gear 108 includes the same features and elements as described above for the inlet guide 100, with specific reference to Figures 1-3 and 14-16. The ring gear 108 is rotatably connected to the first housing portion 102 and / or inner wall 422 and may be rotatably connected by bearings 110, as described above for the inlet guide 100. The guide vanes 112 include the same features and elements as described above for the inlet guide 100, with specific reference to Figures 1-3, 7-10 and 18 (for example, each guide vane 112 has a vane 160, a stem 162 and a vane gear 164). Each guide vane 112 is rotatable relative to the vane housing assembly of the inlet guide 400 and is operably connected to the ring gear 108 so that each of the guide vanes 112 rotates simultaneously when the ring gear 108 rotates. Each of the guide vanes 112 is rotatable relative to the vane housing assembly of the inlet guide 400 so that the orientation of each vane 160 in the fluid flow passage P defined by the first housing portion 102 and the inner wall 422 can be selectively adjusted. In some embodiments, the guide vanes 112 are rotatable simultaneously relative to the vane housing assembly of the inlet guide 400. The inlet guide 400 may also include one or more motors 174 operably connected to one or more of the guide vanes 112 to selectively rotate the guide vanes 112, as described above for the inlet guide 100.

[0078] The first housing part 102 includes a first annular wall 126 having a first inner surface 128 and a first outer surface 130, as described above for the inlet guide 100. The inner wall 422 has a second inner surface 424 and a second outer surface 426, similar to the second annular wall 120 of the second housing part 104. The first inner surface 128 and the second inner surface 424 define the boundary of a fluid flow passage P that extends generally parallel to the housing axis A 106 through the vane housing assembly. The first housing part 102 defines an outlet or exit 132 of the fluid flow passage P, and the inner wall 422 defines an inlet 134 of the fluid flow passage P. The fluid flow F enters the vane housing assembly of the inlet guide 400 at the inlet 134, passes through the fluid flow passage P, and exits the vane housing assembly of the inlet guide 400 at the outlet 132. The fluid flow F flows through the fluid flow passage P in a direction generally parallel to the housing axis A 106 . As described above, the fluid flow F exiting the outlet 132 has a pre-rotation imparted by the guide vanes 112 included in the inlet guide 400, similar to the inlet guide 100.

[0079] The blade housing assembly of the inlet guide 400 includes an external region 136 that surrounds the first outer surface 130 and the second outer surface 426 and is generally located radially outward from the blade housing assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of each guide vane 112 is positioned between the first housing portion 102 and the inner wall 422, and at least a portion of the guide vane 112 and the ring gear 108 are positioned in the external region 136 of the blade housing assembly of the inlet guide 400. Thus, the ring gear 108 and at least a portion of the guide vane 112 are accessible (e.g., to an operator or technician) for inspection and / or repair without having to disassemble the inlet guide 400. As an example, an operator or technician can access the ring gear 108 and a portion of the guide vane 112 (e.g., the blade gear 164 as described above) without first removing the first housing portion 102 from the end cap 402. As shown in Figure 24, the annular side wall 408 includes a notch 409 formed in the side wall 408. The notch 409 discontinues the side wall 408 along a circumferential range, providing clearance to allow access to the ring gear 108 and a portion of the guide vane 112 (e.g., the blade gear 164). In addition and / or alternatively, the notch 409 may provide clearance for connecting one or more motors 174 to one or more guide vane 112.

[0080] The inner wall 422 includes a downstream surface 428 having a configuration similar to that of the downstream surface 140 of the second annular wall 120, as described above with reference to Figures 4 to 6 specifically. The elements and features of the downstream surface 428, which are similar to those of the downstream surface 140 of the second annular wall 120, are identified in Figures 23 and 24 using the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 4 to 6, and are described below. Unlike the second annular wall 120, which includes the upstream surface 142, the inner wall 422 does not include an upstream surface. This is because the inner wall 422 is integrally formed with the end cap 402. The downstream surface 428 in this example is generally annular in shape. The inner wall extends between the second outer surface 426 and the second inner surface 424, and the width W of the second annular wall 120. 120It may have a width similar to that of (Figure 5). The inner wall 422 extends between the downstream surface 428 and the concave surface 416, and the height H of the second annular wall 120. 120 It may have a height similar to that of (Figure 6). The second inner surface 424 is defined by a diameter D defined by the second inner surface 122 of the second annular wall. 120 It includes a diameter similar to that of (Figure 5). The portion of the fluid passage P surrounded by the inner wall 422 has a length corresponding to the height of the inner wall 422. The dimensions of the inner wall 422, e.g., width, height, diameter and length, can be scaled to match the size of the compressor 300 and the aerodynamic needs of the compressor.

[0081] The downstream surface 428 includes the second channel surface 148 described above with respect to the downstream surface 140 of the second annular wall 120. Each of the second channel surfaces 148 defines a corresponding second channel 150, and the second channel surface 148 is on the housing axis A 106 The channels are arranged in a radially symmetric pattern around the channel. The downstream surface 428 may contain the same number of second channel surfaces 148 as the downstream surface 140 (for example, 10 second channel surfaces defining 10 second channels 150). Each of the second channel surfaces 148 may be the same size and shape and be identical, and the second channel surfaces 148 are the shape of a segment of a cylindrical surface. Therefore, the second channel surfaces 148 are generally semi-cylindrical in shape. The second channel surfaces 148 have the same second channel length L as described above and shown in Figure 5. 148 The channel surface 148 and the second channel 150 have a length that, in this example, extends from the second inner surface 424 to the second outer surface 426. The second channel surface 148 and the second channel 150 may extend through the entire width of the inner wall 422 or partially through the width of the inner wall 422. The second channel surface 148 has a size and shape such that the second channel 150 has a size and shape such that it receives at least a portion of the guide vane 112, as described above. Each second channel surface 148 includes a secondary channel surface 152 that defines the slot 154. The secondary channel surface 152 has a depth D such that the slot 154 extends from the second channel surface 148 (shown in Figure 4). 152The secondary channel surface 152 defining the slot 154 has a first end 156 and a second end 158 (shown in Figure 5) and a second channel length L extending between them. 152 This includes the secondary channel surface 152 having a slot width W (as shown in Figure 5). 152 Further define the area.

[0082] The guide vanes 112 are arranged on the inner wall 422 in a radially symmetric pattern that reflects the radially symmetric pattern of the second channel surface 148. The number of guide vanes 112 corresponds to the number of second channel surfaces. In the exemplary inlet guide 400, there are 10 guide vanes 112 corresponding to 10 second channel surfaces 148. The inlet guide 400 may include any suitable number of guide vanes 112 that enable the inlet guide 400 to function as described herein. For example, the inlet guide 400 may include 6 guide vanes 112 corresponding to 6 second channel surfaces 148.

[0083] The first housing section 102 and the inner wall 422 work together to form a guide wing passage P 160 Define the boundaries (shown in Figure 18). Each wing passage P 160 This is part of the fluid flow path P. Wing path P 160 These are arranged circumferentially around the fluid flow passage P. Each of the blades 160 is located in the blade passage P 160 It may cover one of the following. The blades 160 have any shape or size that enables the inlet guide 400 to function as described herein. In addition, the shape and size of the blades 160 may be selected based on the intended use of the inlet guide 400. For example, the size, shape and angle of the blades 160 may be selected based on the type and configuration of the compressor 300, the operating conditions and / or the type of fluid used with the compressor. Each of the guide blades 112 is rotatable relative to the blade housing assembly of the inlet guide 400 so that the orientation of the blades 160 in the fluid passage P can be selectively adjusted.

[0084] Each of the guide vanes 112 of the inlet guide 400 has the same elements and features as described above for the guide vanes 112 of the inlet guide 100, with specific reference to Figures 7 to 10. Each guide vane 112 extends circumferentially around the stem 162 and along the stem axis A 162 The system includes a stop 177 extending radially outward in a generally perpendicular direction, a blade gear 164, and a alignment section 191. The blade gear 164 may be removably connected to the stem 162 or may be integrally formed with the stem. The stop 177 engages with at least one of the stop surfaces of the first housing section 102 or the inner wall 422, with respect to the stem axis A 162 The rotation of the guide vane 112 around the hub is restricted. The vane gear 164 is positioned to engage with the ring gear 108, while the stop 177 is trapped in the slot 154. The alignment section 191 receives a portion of the motor's drive shaft, such as the drive shaft 175 of the motor 174, allowing the guide vane 112 to be operably connected to the motor 174, for example, by a slip or press-fit connection. Alternatively and / or in addition, the alignment section 191 may have a size and shape to receive an alignment tool (not shown) to facilitate the alignment and mounting of the guide vane 112 to the vane housing assembly of the inlet guide 400.

[0085] The first housing portion 102 of the inlet guide 400 has the same elements and features as described above for the inlet guide 100 with specific reference to Figures 11 to 13. In particular, the first housing portion 102 includes a first annular wall 126 including a downstream surface 192 and an upstream surface 194. The first annular wall 126 has a width W extending between the first outer surface 130 and the first inner surface 128. 126 And the height H extending between the downstream surface 192 and the upstream surface 194 122 The first inner surface 128 has a diameter D defined by the first inner surface 128. 122 And the height H of the first ring wall 126 122 Corresponding length L 122 The boundary of the first fluid flow path P122 having the housing axis A is defined. 106 This is the first fluid flow path P 122It extends through the housing axis A. When the first housing portion 102 and the inner wall 422 are connected to form the wing housing assembly of the inlet guide 400, the first inner surface 128 and the second inner surface 424 define the boundary of the fluid flow passage P and the housing axis A. 106 It extends through there.

[0086] As described above with reference to Figure 12, the upstream surface 194 of the first housing portion 102 includes the first channel surface 196. The first channel surface 196 reflects the radially symmetrical pattern of the second channel surface 148 and the radially symmetrical pattern of the guide vane 112, along the housing axis A 106 A first channel 198 is defined, arranged in a radially symmetric pattern centered on the stem axis A. The stop 177 of each guide vane 112 engages with one or more stop surfaces 195 of the first housing portion 102 as described above, when the stop 177 engages with the stem axis A 162 The rotation of each guide vane 112 around the center is restricted. Similar to the second housing portion 104 described above for the inlet guide 100, the inner wall 422 may include one or more stop surfaces 195 that interact with the stop 177 to restrict the rotation of each guide vane 112.

[0087] The first housing portion 102 and the inner wall 422 can be connected in any suitable manner that enables the entrance guide 400 to function as described herein. For example, as described above for connecting the first housing portion 102 to the second housing portion 104 in the entrance guide 100, the first housing portion 102 is connected to the inner wall 422 by screws or other suitable fasteners or fasteners.

[0088] When the first housing portion 102 is connected to the inner wall 422, each of the second channels 150 of the inner wall 422 aligns with each of the first channels 198 of the first housing portion 102 such that the first channel 198 and the second channel 150 cooperate to form a guide vane opening that extends radially through the vane housing assembly of the inlet guide 400. The guide vane opening defined by the first housing portion 102 and the inner wall 422 is similar to the guide vane opening 200 shown in Figure 2 above. The boundary of the guide vane opening of the inlet guide 400 is defined by the first channel surface 196 of the first housing portion 102 and the second channel surface 148 of the inner wall 422. Each guide vane opening 200 is generally cylindrical and has a size and shape that accommodates at least a portion of the stem 162 of one of the guide vanes 112. The stem 162 of each guide vane 112 is such that each guide vane 112 is aligned with its respective stem axis A 162 The stem is rotatable with respect to the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148 so as to rotate within one of the guide vane openings of the inlet guide 400. The first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148 may include sliding bearings to facilitate the rotation of the stem 162 with respect to the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148.

[0089] In addition and / or alternatively, the stem 162 and the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148 may include suitable bearings that enable the inlet guide 400 to function as described herein. In addition and / or alternatively, the stem 162 and / or the first channel surface 196 and the second channel surface 148 may be impregnated with Teflon or other suitable lubricant. The inlet guide vane 400 may be used with an oil-free compressor.

[0090] When the stem 162 of each guide vane 112 is located within one of the guide vane openings of the inlet guide 400, the vane gear 164 is located within the outer region 136 surrounding the first housing portion 102 and inner wall 422, and each of the vanes 160 is located within the fluid flow passage P. Thus, each of the vane gears 164 is accessible to the operator for inspection and / or repair without the need to remove or disassemble the first housing portion 102 and inner wall 422. In embodiments where the vane gear 164 is detachably connected to the stem 162, the vane gear 164 can be easily replaced with another vane gear. For example, the operator can replace a worn or damaged vane gear 164 by removing the vane gear 164 from the stem 162 and connecting a new or repaired vane gear 164 to the stem 162.

[0091] The ring gear 108 of the inlet guide 400 has the same elements and features as described above for the ring gear 108 of the inlet guide 100, with specific reference to Figures 14 to 16. The ring gear 108 is rotatably connected to the first housing portion 102 and / or inner wall 422 and rotatable relative to the first housing portion 102 and / or inner wall 422. The second ring surface 208 of the ring gear 108 includes gear teeth 218 of a size and shape that mesh with each gear tooth 186 of the blade gear 164 of the guide vane 112. Housing axis A 106 The rotation of the ring gear 108, centered on the blade axis A, is transmitted to the blade gear 164, and within the guide blade opening of the inlet guide 400, the blade axis A 162This results in the rotation of the guide vane 112 around the ring gear 108. The ring gear 108 further includes a portion 222 located on the inner surface 212. The portion 222 engages with the bearing 110, preventing the bearing 110 from moving axially relative to the ring gear 108. The ring gear 108 and the vane gear 164 are located in the outer region 136 of the inlet guide 400, allowing the operator to inspect and / or repair the ring gear 108 without disconnecting the first housing portion 102 and the inner wall 422. The drive guide vane 114 is operably connected to a motor 174 that drives the rotation of the drive guide vane 114. The rotation of the drive guide vane 114 results in the rotation of the ring gear 108, which transmits the rotation to the driven guide vane 116. Thus, all the guide vanes 112 rotate simultaneously so that all the guide vanes 112 have the same rotational position. For example, the rotational position detected by the sensor 138 for one of the guide vanes 112 could be the rotational position for all of the guide vanes 112.

[0092] The inlet guide 400 may include a bearing 110 having the same elements and features as described above for the bearing 110 of the inlet guide 100 with reference to Figure 17. The bearing 110 may be positioned between the first outer surface 130 of the first housing portion 102 and the inner ring surface 212 of the ring gear 108. The bearing 110 facilitates the rotation of the ring gear 108 around the first housing portion 102. In some embodiments, the bearing 110 is connected to the ring gear 108, for example, by press-fitting it so as to frictionally engage with the inner ring surface 212. Thus, the ring gear 108 and the bearing 110 rotate relative to the first housing portion 102. Alternatively, the bearing 110 may be press-fitted into the first housing portion 102 so as to frictionally engage with the first housing portion 102 and the ring gear 108 rotates relative to the bearing 110 and the first housing portion 102. The bearing 110 may be a non-lubricated bearing or a self-lubricating bearing, and the bearing 110 may include any suitable type of bearing 110 that enables the inlet guide 100 to function as described herein. The bearing 110 may be omitted, and the ring gear 108 may rotate around the first housing portion 102 without the use of a bearing. For example, the first housing portion 102 and / or inner wall 422 may be made of a self-lubricating material (e.g., graphite) that eliminates the need for the bearing 110.

[0093] The arrangement of the guide vanes 112 in the second channel 150 of the inner wall 422 of the inlet guide 400 is similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 18 for the inlet guide 100. As described above, the simultaneous rotation of the guide vanes 112 changes the orientation of the vanes 160 relative to the fluid flow F entering the inlet 134. The guide vanes 112 can be rotated simultaneously to position the inlet guide 400 in any suitable position, for example, fully open or neutral relative to the fluid flow F, based on the operating needs of the compressor 300. For example, the position of the vanes 160 may be selected to increase the operating range of the compressor 300, including both surge and choke.

[0094] Referring here to Figures 25 to 27, another example of a variable inlet guide vane device 500 (also referred to in this application as an inlet guide 500) is shown. Unless otherwise specified in this application, the inlet guide vane device 500 is substantially the same as the inlet guide vane device 100. The bearing 110 may be omitted from the inlet guide 500, and the ring gear 108 rotates around the first housing portion 102 without the use of a bearing. In the inlet guide 500, the vane 160 may be integrally formed with the stem 162 by molding it as a single, one-piece component.

[0095] As described above, the motor 174 is operably connected to one of the guide vanes 112, for example, the drive guide vane 114, in order to selectively rotate the ring gear 108 and all the guide vanes 112 simultaneously. The sensor 138 is connected to one of the guide vanes 112, for example, one of the driven guide vanes 116, in order to detect the rotational position of the guide vane 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 174 is operably connected to the drive guide vane 114, which is located directly opposite or on the opposite side from the driven guide vane 116 to which the sensor 138 is connected. For example, the motor 174 and the sensor 138 are generally positioned 180° apart and located on opposing sides of the housing assembly 106. In other embodiments, the motor 174 and the sensor 138 may be connected to guide vanes 112 spaced approximately 90° apart. In some alternative embodiments, the motor 174 and the sensor 138 are integrated, so that both the motor 174 and the sensor 138 can be connected to the same guide vane 112.

[0096] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the inlet guide 500 with the first housing section 102 and ring gear 108 separated, and shows a calibration tool 520 connected to guide vanes 112 and 160 located in the second channel 150 of the second housing section 104. The calibration tool 520 includes a number of slots 522. The number of slots 522 may be equal to the number of guide vanes 112. Each of the vanes 160 has a first vane side 166 and / or a second vane side 168 of each guide vane 112, which are aligned with the housing axis A 106The guide vane 112 may be positioned in one of the corresponding slots 522 of the calibration tool 520 such that it is positioned in a neutral position 550 which is generally parallel to and / or parallel to the fluid flow F entering the inlet 134. Each of the slots 522 of the calibration tool has a size and shape that accommodates one of the vanes 160 therein. The slot 522 has a width that is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the width of the vane 160 extending between the first vane side 166 and the second vane side 168. The slot 522 is aligned with the housing axis A of the vane housing assembly 106 when the calibration tool 520 is connected to the inlet guide 500. 106 The slot may be elongated and have a length that is generally perpendicular or parallel to the guide vanes 112. In some embodiments, the wing 160 may only be located within the slot 522 if all guide vanes 112 are in the neutral position. For example, if all guide vanes 112 are not in the neutral position 550, the wing 160 may not be able to be inserted into the slot 522, and therefore the calibration tool 520 may not be able to connect to the wing 160.

[0097] The calibration tool 520 may be used to hold all guide vanes 112 in a neutral position 550 during the initial calibration process of the sensor 138 (for example, before connecting the inlet guide 500 to the compressor 300). During the initial calibration, the sensor 138 may be set to a neutral value related to the manufacturer's specifications for the sensor 138 while the guide vanes 112 are held in a neutral position 550. In some embodiments, the neutral value of the sensor 138 may be approximately 0. The initial calibration of the sensor 138 may be related to calibration specifications defined by the manufacturer of the sensor 138. The initial calibration process may be at least in part a manual process performed by a human operator, for example, by connecting the calibration tool 520 to the vanes 160.

[0098] Figures 27A to 27C are perspective views of the inlet guide 500 with the first housing portion 102 and ring gear 108 separated, showing the guide vane 112 located in the second channel 150 of the second housing portion 104. In Figure 27A, the guide vane 112 is in the first rotation position 552, in Figure 27B it is in the neutral position 550, and in Figure 27C it is in the second rotation position 554. As described above and as shown in Figure 12, the stop 177 engages with one or more stop surfaces 195, and the stem axis A 162 The rotation of the guide vane 112 around a certain point is restricted. For example, when the guide vane 112 rotates in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the stop 177 slides within the slot 154 until it engages with a first stop surface 197 of the first housing portion 102, preventing or blocking further rotation of the guide vane 112 and positioning the guide vane 112 at a first rotation position 552. When the guide vane 112 rotates in a second direction (e.g., clockwise), the stop 177 slides within the slot 154 until it engages with a second stop surface 199 of the first housing portion 102, preventing or blocking further rotation of the guide vane 112 and positioning the guide vane 112 at a second rotation position 554. At the neutral position 550, the stop 177 is positioned within the slot 154 midway between the first rotation position 552 and the second rotation position 554. The stop 177 and stop surfaces 195, 199 are arranged so that the guide vane 112 can be oriented between +45° (when the guide vane 112 is positioned in the first rotation position 552) and -45° (when the guide vane 112 is positioned in the second rotation position 554) relative to the neutral position.

[0099] Figure 28 is a block diagram of a control system 600 suitable for use with a compressor 300 and any of the inlet guides 100, 400 and / or 500. The control system 600 includes a controller 602 which includes at least one memory 604 and at least one processor 606. In some embodiments, the control system 600 may include any suitable number of controllers 602 and / or processors 606. The controller 602 is connected to a sensor 138 and a motor 174. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may be connected to two or more sensors 138 and / or two or more motors 174. The sensor 138 and motor 174 are connected to one or more of the guide vanes 112. The controller 602 receives or reads sensor data, e.g., voltage, current and / or resistance values, from the sensor 138 based on the rotational position of the guide vane 112. Based on the received sensor data (e.g., voltage, current and / or resistance values), the controller 602 may determine the rotational position (e.g., degrees) of the vane 160. The controller 602 causes the motor 174 to selectively rotate the guide vane 112, and the guide vane 112 moves along the housing axis A 106 One or more signals may be sent to the motor 174 to direct the fluid flow F in the direction of and / or direction.

[0100] The memory 604 may store one or more sensor values ​​(e.g., voltage, current, and / or resistance values) associated with one or more positions of the guide vane 112. For example, the memory 604 may store the initial neutral sensor value corresponding to the first calibrated neutral position of the guide vane 112. The initial neutral sensor value may be based on the manufacturer's specifications of the sensor 138 and / or may be determined during the initial calibration process of the guide vane 112. In addition, the memory 604 may store updated or calibrated neutral sensor values ​​corresponding to subsequently calibrated neutral positions of the guide vane 112 (e.g., calibrations determined after the initial calibration). In some embodiments, the memory 604 stores calibrated neutral sensor values ​​determined using an automated calibration process with reference to the calibration algorithm 700 described with reference to Figure 29.

[0101] Figure 29 shows an example of a calibration algorithm 700 for calibrating inlet guide vane devices, such as inlet guides 100, 400, and 500. The illustrated example is a calibration algorithm for calibrating the neutral or 0° position of the guide vanes in the inlet guide vane device following an initial calibration. The calibration algorithm 700 may be executed by the controller 602, for example, by executing instructions stored in memory 604 using at least one processor 606. The exemplary calibration algorithm 700 includes the controller 602 determining 710 whether the compressor 300 has stopped operating. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may determine that the compressor 300 is not operating during a scheduled shutdown, for example, during a period when the compressor 300 is undergoing equipment upgrades or repairs or during any appropriate downtime when the compressor 300 is inactive. In some other embodiments, the shutdown may be related to a failure or stoppage. In some embodiments, the exemplary calibration algorithm 700 may be executed during the initial power-on of the controller 602 and / or the compressor 300 and each time the compressor 300 stops. For example, the compressor 300 may be stopped during the normal cycle off of the compressor 300 due to system scheduling and / or load requests.

[0102] If the controller 602 determines that the compressor is operating (i.e., the compressor 300 is not stopped), the controller 602 may set the calibration flag to TRUE (712) and restart or re-execute the calibration algorithm 700. That is, the controller 602 should continue to determine whether the compressor 300 has stopped (710). The controller 602 may continue to repeatedly determine whether the compressor 300 has stopped at any appropriate frequency (710). In some embodiments, while the controller 602 continues to determine whether the compressor 300 has stopped (710), the controller 602 may continue to use the initial neutral sensor value or the updated and calibrated neutral sensor value. In some embodiments, the calibration algorithm 700 includes the controller 602 determining that the compressor 300 is stopped or not operating for a period of time long enough to complete the entire calibration algorithm 700. For example, the controller 602 compares a shutdown parameter related to the compressor shutdown (e.g., during an expected or predicted shutdown, or an unexpected shutdown) to a criterion, and if the criterion is met, the controller 602 may continue executing the calibration algorithm 700 to determine the updated calibration neutral position of the guide vane 116. In some embodiments, the shutdown parameter may be the length of the expected shutdown time, and the criterion may include a threshold, e.g., the length of time. In some alternative embodiments, the shutdown parameter may include a label indicating the purpose or cause of the shutdown. For example, in some cases, the shutdown may be labeled or indicated as a rapid restart with a rapid or short shutdown period, which may not be sufficient for the controller 602 to complete the entire calibration algorithm 700 without delaying the restart of the compressor 300.

[0103] In some embodiments, the controller 602 determines whether the calibration algorithm 700 should be executed to completion by i) determining whether the shutdown of the compressor 300 is related to a rapid restart (for example, the controller 602 determines that a rapid restart request was sent during the power-up operation of the compressor 300), and ii) determining whether the existing calibration is correct (for example, correct within tolerance) (712). For example, if the controller 602 determines that the shutdown of the compressor 300 is related to a rapid restart requested by the system, the controller 602 may compare the current position or angle of the guide vane measured using the sensor 138 with the stored position or angle of the guide vane (for example, the vane angle detected immediately before the shutdown) to verify whether the vane position has deviated from its final position at the start of the shutdown during the shutdown period or deviated beyond a set tolerance. In some embodiments, the controller 602 determines that an updated calibration of the guide vane is not necessary and that the compressor 300 can be restarted if the controller 602 determines that the current calibration is correct or correct within tolerance. Therefore, if the shutdown of the compressor 300 is related to a rapid restart, the controller 602 may determine that the calibration algorithm 700 should only be executed if the current calibration is incorrect or outside the acceptable range. In this way, the calibration algorithm 700 avoids unnecessarily delaying the restart of the compressor 300 during a rapid restart scenario. In other embodiments, whenever the controller 602 determines that the compressor 300 is shut down, regardless of whether the updated calibration would delay the restart of the compressor 300, the controller 602 identifies the updated calibration (i.e., execute the calibration algorithm 700 to completion). In some embodiments, if a rapid request is sent during a power-up operation and the controller 602 determines that the calibration is within an acceptable range, the controller 602 sets the calibration flag to TRUE (712) and the calibration algorithm 700 may be restarted or re-executed. That is, the controller 602 should continue to determine whether the compressor 300 is stopped (710).

[0104] The exemplary calibration algorithm 700 further includes driving the guide vane 112 using the controller 602 and the motor 147 (716) until the guide vane 112 is positioned at a first rotational position 552. Driving the guide vane 112 716 may include using the controller 602 to send one or more signals to the motor 174 to cause the guide vane 112 to rotate in a first rotational direction, for example, counterclockwise or "positive" as shown in Figure 27A, until the rotational movement of the guide vane 112 is stopped or further rotation is prevented. For example, the controller 602 causes the motor 174 to rotate the guide vane 112 in the first rotational direction until one or more stops 177 of the guide vane 112 engage with a first stop surface 197 of the first housing portion 102, preventing or prohibiting further rotation of the guide vane 112 and positioning the guide vane 112 at a first rotational position 552.

[0105] The exemplary calibration algorithm 700 further includes a step (718) of using the controller 602 to determine whether the change in the rotational position of the guide vane 112 has stopped or remains constant. For example, determining whether the change in the rotational position of the guide vane 112 has stopped or remains constant 718 may include measuring the rotational position of one or more guide vanes 112 via the sensor 138 while the guide vane 112 is driven toward a first rotational position 552, and determining that the rotational position of the guide vane 112 is constant or immutable if the measured rotational position of the one or more guide vanes 112 remains constant over a threshold period. For example, the calibration algorithm 700 may include using the controller 602 to receive or read sensor data from the sensor 138 related to the rotational position of the guide vane 112. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may determine that the sensor data is immutable by comparing the current sensor value with previous sensor values ​​collected by the sensor in the period immediately preceding the receipt of the current sensor value. For example, the controller 602 may determine the difference or percentage difference between the current sensor value and a previously collected sensor value or the average of previously collected sensor values. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may determine whether the difference or percentage difference meets a criterion. The criterion may include the difference or percentage difference being greater than 1° to 10° or greater than 1% to 10%, respectively. In some embodiments, the criterion may include the difference or percentage difference being greater than 10°. If the criterion is not met, the controller 602 determines that the sensor data is immutable, and therefore all of the guide vanes 112 are positioned at the first rotation position 552.

[0106] In some embodiments, the exemplary calibration algorithm 700 includes using the controller 602 to determine whether the rotational position and / or sensor data of the guide vane 112 are constant over a first threshold period (718). The first threshold period may be in the range of 0.5 to 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the first threshold period may be in the range of 1 to 2 seconds, 2 to 3 seconds, or 3 to 6 seconds. In some embodiments, the first threshold period may be 5 seconds. In some embodiments, after the controller 602 has determined that the sensor data is constant or nearly constant, the controller 602 may send one or more signals to the motor 174 to stop the rotational drive of the guide vane 112.

[0107] If the controller 602 determines that the rotational position of the guide vane 112 is not changing or is not constant (718), the calibration algorithm 700 includes the controller 602 sending one or more signals to the motor 174 to drive the guide vane 112 716 until the controller 602 determines that the rotational position of the guide vane 112 is not changing or is constant, for example, that the guide vane 112 is positioned at a first rotational position 552 (718).

[0108] If the controller 608 determines that the change in the rotational position of the guide vane 112 has stopped or is constant (718), the calibration algorithm 700 includes recording the first sensor value in memory, for example (720).

[0109] The exemplary calibration algorithm 700 further includes driving the guide vane 112 (722) using the controller 602 and the motor 147 until the guide vane 112 is positioned at a second rotational position 554. Driving the guide vane 112 722 may include using the controller 602 to send one or more signals to the motor 174 to rotate the guide vane 112 in a second rotational direction, for example, clockwise or in a "negative" direction, until the rotational movement of the guide vane 112 stops or further rotation is prevented. For example, the controller 602 may cause the motor 174 to rotate the guide vane 112 in the second rotational direction until one or more stops 177 of the guide vane 112 engage with a second stop surface 199 of the first housing portion 102, preventing or prohibiting further rotation of the guide vane 112 and positioning the guide vane 112 at a second rotational position 554.

[0110] The exemplary calibration algorithm 700 further includes using the controller 602 to determine whether the change in the rotational position of the guide vane 112 has stopped or remains constant (724). For example, determining whether the change in the rotational position of the guide vane 112 has stopped or remains constant 724 may include measuring the rotational position of one or more guide vanes 112 via the sensor 138 while the guide vane 112 is driven toward a second rotational position 554, and determining that the rotational position of the guide vane 112 is constant or immutable if the measured rotational positions of the one or more guide vanes remain constant over a threshold period. For example, the calibration algorithm 700 may include using the controller 602 to receive or read sensor data from the sensor 138 related to the rotational position of the guide vane 112. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may determine that the sensor data is immutable by comparing the current sensor value with previous sensor values ​​collected by the sensor in the period immediately preceding the receipt of the current sensor value. For example, the controller 602 may determine the difference or percentage difference between the current sensor value and a previously collected sensor value or the average of previously collected sensor values. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may determine whether the difference or percentage difference meets a criterion. The criterion may include the difference or percentage difference being greater than 1° to 10° or greater than 1% to 10%, respectively. In some embodiments, the criterion may include the difference or percentage difference being greater than 10°. If the criterion is not met, the controller 602 determines that the sensor data is immutable, and therefore all of the guide vanes 112 are positioned at the second rotation position 554.

[0111] In some embodiments, the exemplary calibration algorithm 700 includes using the controller 602 to determine whether the rotational position and / or sensor data of the guide vane 112 are constant over a second threshold period (724). The second threshold period may be in the range of 3 to 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the second threshold period is in the range of 1 to 2 seconds, 2 to 3 seconds, or 3 to 6 seconds. In some embodiments, the second threshold period may be 5 seconds. In some embodiments, after the controller 602 determines that the sensor data is constant or nearly constant (724), the controller 602 may send one or more signals to the motor 174 to stop the rotational drive of the guide vane 112.

[0112] If the controller 608 determines 724 that the change in the rotational position of the guide vane 112 has stopped or is constant, the calibration algorithm 700 includes, for example, recording a second sensor value in memory 726.

[0113] The example calibration algorithm 700 includes using the first and second stored sensor values ​​to determine an updated or calibrated neutral sensor value corresponding to the neutral position of the guide vane 112 (728). For example, the calibration algorithm 700 includes the controller 602 determining the average of the first and second sensor values ​​(for example, the sum of the first and second sensor values ​​divided by 2).

[0114] The calibration algorithm 700 includes determining whether the updated or calibrated neutral sensor value is the same as and / or within an acceptable range as a previous neutral sensor value (e.g., an initial neutral sensor value or a previously determined updated or calibrated neutral sensor value determined by a previous execution of the calibration algorithm 700) (730). In some embodiments, the controller 602 may determine the difference or percentage difference between the updated or calibrated neutral sensor value and the previous neutral sensor value, and if the comparison meets the criteria, the calibration algorithm 700 includes generating an alarm (732). Generating an alarm 732 may include the controller 602 sending one or more signals to a speaker or display to cause the speaker or display to generate an audible or visually recognizable warning. In some embodiments, generating an alarm 732 may include using the controller 602 to send a notification message to a computing device. The notification message includes an instruction to cause the computing device to issue a warning to the user indicating that the updated or calibrated neutral sensor value is different from or outside the tolerance range of the previous neutral sensor value. In some embodiments, the criterion may include a threshold difference between the updated or calibrated neutral sensor value and the previous neutral sensor value. In some embodiments, the threshold is in the range of 1° to 15°. In some embodiments, the threshold is greater than 10°. The criterion may be selected to ensure that the potential drift of the guide vane 112 does not exceed a predetermined tolerance range for the rotational position of the guide vane 112, so that the rotational position of the guide vane 112 does not exceed a predetermined tolerance range of the rotational position of the guide vane 112. In some embodiments, if the controller 602 determines that the comparison does not meet the criterion (for example, if the updated neutral sensor value is no different from or differs within tolerance range from a previously determined neutral sensor value), the controller 602 sets the calibration flag to FALSE (734), and the calibration algorithm 700 may be restarted or re-executed. In other words, the controller 602 can continue to determine whether the compressor 300 has stopped.

[0115] In some embodiments, the exemplary calibration algorithm 700 is performed on a first inlet guide vane associated with a first compression stage 324 and a second inlet guide vane associated with a second compression stage 326. In some embodiments, the calibration algorithm 700 may be performed simultaneously on both the first and second inlet guides.

[0116] As described herein, embodiments of an inlet guide vane device and a system and method for calibrating the inlet guide vanes therefor iteratively and automatically verify the calibration of the neutral position of the inlet guide vanes relative to the housing and / or the inlet flow F. In some cases, the true neutral position of the guide vanes may drift from the original sensor neutral position, and the drifted neutral position may cause the vanes to rotate outside the intended envelope of vane motion and / or rotate unintentionally beyond the operating range or efficiency of the compressor. The calibration system and method described herein verifies and / or automatically recalibrates the neutral position of the guide vanes one or more times throughout the life of the compressor to prevent the guide vanes from drifting outside the acceptable range, thereby extending the life of the compressor and reducing efficiency losses.

[0117] In known conventional systems, calibration of the inlet guide vanes is a manual process performed only once, for example, before installation, and the operator must disassemble the inlet guide vane assembly to connect a calibration tool, rotate the vanes to the neutral position, and record the sensor values ​​of the neutral position for all compressor operations. In the embodiments described herein, the neutral position is automatically determined or recalibrated at least once after the inlet guide vane assembly is connected to the compressor. For example, the stop and stop planes are determined by a controller that rotates the guide vanes until the rotation of the guide vanes stops, and then uses these endpoints to determine the center or neutral position, without requiring the operator to remove and disassemble the inlet guide vane assembly to calibrate or verify the inlet guide vane assembly, thus eliminating user error in the calibration process.

[0118] The system and method described herein reduces compressor downtime because calibration is performed automatically when the controller determines that the compressor is not operating and there is sufficient time to perform the calibration process before the compressor is scheduled to restart. In addition, the calibration system and method described herein does not consume time, cause operational delays or downtime, or require additional manpower, as it does not require an operator to calibrate, disassemble, or reassemble the inlet guide vanes during calibration.

[0119] The technical advantages of the described method and system include determining and evaluating the calibration of the sensors used to detect the rotational position of the guide vanes.

[0120] As used in this application, the terms “approximately,” “substantially,” “essentially,” and “nearly,” when used in relation to dimensions, concentrations, temperatures, or ranges of other physical or chemical properties or characteristics, mean to encompass any variations that may exist in the upper and / or lower limits of the property or range, including, for example, those resulting from rounding, measurement methods, or other statistical variations.

[0121] When describing elements or embodiments of the Disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to indicate that there are one or more elements. The terms “include,” “contain,” “contain,” and “have” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements beyond those listed. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “side,” etc.) is for explanatory convenience and does not require a specific orientation of the item being described.

[0122] While several exemplary embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, and improvements are readily apparent. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to form part of the disclosure and to remain within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Some examples presented in this application involve specific combinations of functional or structural elements, but these functions and elements may be combined in other ways in accordance with the disclosure to achieve the same or different purposes. The functions, elements, and features described in relation to one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from similar or other roles in other embodiments. In addition, the elements and components described in this application may be further divided into additional components to perform the same function, or they may be combined together to form fewer components. Accordingly, the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are examples only and are not intended to limit them.

Claims

1. A housing that defines the fluid flow path, A plurality of guide vanes connected to the housing, each of which includes a vane positioned within the fluid passage, and each of which is rotatable relative to the housing such that the orientation of the vane within the fluid passage can be selectively adjusted, A motor operably connected to at least one of the plurality of guide vanes, A sensor configured to detect the rotational position of at least one of the plurality of guide vanes, A controller connected to the sensor and the motor, the controller includes at least one memory and at least one processor, An inlet guide vane device including, The aforementioned controller, Based on the feedback from the sensor, the first rotation stop position of the guide vane is determined, Based on the feedback from the aforementioned sensor, the second rotation stop position of the guide vane is determined, Calibrating the neutral position of the guide vane based on the specified first rotation stop position and second rotation stop position of the guide vane, An entrance guide vane device configured to perform the following actions.

2. The controller calibrates the neutral position of the guide vane. Identifying the calibrated neutral position of the guide vane, The calibrated neutral position of the guide vane is stored in the memory, An inlet guide vane device according to claim 1, configured to perform the following actions.

3. The inlet guide vane device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to determine the calibrated neutral position by determining an intermediate position between the first rotation stop position and the second rotation stop position.

4. The aforementioned controller, The calibrated neutral position is compared with a predetermined neutral position stored in at least one memory, An alarm is generated when the difference between the calibrated neutral position and the predetermined neutral position exceeds a threshold. The inlet guide vane device according to claim 2, further configured to perform the following:

5. The inlet guide vane device according to claim 4, wherein the threshold is 1° to 15°.

6. The aforementioned controller, The motor is used to rotate the guide vane in a first rotational direction, While the guide vane is rotating in the first rotational direction, the rotational position of the guide vane is measured via the sensor, If the rotational position of the guide vane has not changed after the first threshold period, it is determined that the guide vane is in the first rotational stop position. The motor is used to rotate the guide vane in a second rotational direction, While the guide vane is rotating in the second rotational direction, the rotational position of the guide vane is measured via the sensor, If the rotational position of the guide vane has not changed after the second threshold period, it is determined that the guide vane is in the second rotational stop position. The inlet guide vane device according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

7. 、 The aforementioned controller, When the guide vane is positioned at the first rotation stop position, the first sensor value is recorded based on the received sensor data. When the guide vane is positioned at the second rotation stop position, the second sensor value is recorded based on the received sensor data. Calibrating the neutral position of the guide vane based on the first sensor value and the second sensor value, An inlet guide vane device according to claim 6, configured to perform the following:

8. 、 The inlet guide vane device according to claim 6, wherein each of the first threshold period and the second threshold period is 0.5 to 20 seconds.

9. 、 The inlet guide vane device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a rotational position sensor that generates a voltage value based on the detected rotational position.

10. The inlet guide vane device according to claim 1, wherein the housing defines at least one slot extending from a first stop to a second stop, and at least one of the plurality of guide vanes includes a vane stop of a size and shape such that it is received within the slot, and contact between the vane stop and the first stop restricts further rotation of the plurality of guide vanes in a first rotational direction, and contact between the vane stop and the second stop restricts further rotation of the plurality of guide vanes in a second rotational direction.

11. The compressor housing, including the inlet, A drive shaft rotatably supported within the compressor housing, An impeller connected to the drive shaft and capable of operating to impart kinetic energy to the incoming refrigerant gas when the drive shaft rotates, An inlet guide vane device connected to the compressor housing and positioned upstream of the impeller, wherein the inlet guide vane device is A housing that defines the fluid flow path, A plurality of guide vanes connected to the housing, each of which is rotatable relative to the housing, A motor operably connected to at least one of the plurality of guide vanes, A sensor configured to detect the rotational position of at least one of the plurality of guide vanes, A controller connected to the sensor and the motor, the controller includes at least one memory and at least one processor, This includes an entrance guide vane device, A compressor including, The aforementioned controller, Based on the feedback from the sensor, the first rotation stop position of the guide vane is determined, Based on the feedback from the aforementioned sensor, the second rotation stop position of the guide vane is determined, Calibrating the neutral position of the guide vane based on the specified first rotation stop position and second rotation stop position of the guide vane, A compressor configured to perform the following actions.

12. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of guide vanes operably connected to the motor is made of stainless steel.

13. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of guide vanes is made of aluminum.

14. The controller calibrates the neutral position of the guide vane. Identifying the calibrated neutral position of the guide vane, The calibrated neutral position of the guide vane is stored in the memory, The compressor according to claim 11, configured to perform the operation by the means described above.

15. The compressor according to claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to identify the calibrated neutral position by identifying an intermediate position between the first rotation stop position and the second rotation stop position.

16. The aforementioned controller, The calibrated neutral position is compared with a predetermined neutral position stored in at least one memory, An alarm is generated when the difference between the calibrated neutral position and the predetermined neutral position exceeds a threshold. The compressor according to claim 15, further configured to perform the following:

17. The compressor according to claim 16, wherein the threshold is 1° to 15°.

18. A method for calibrating an inlet guide vane device, the method being: Based on feedback from the sensor, the first rotation stop position of the guide vane is determined, Based on the feedback from the aforementioned sensor, the second rotation stop position of the guide vane is determined, Calibrating the neutral position of the guide vane based on the specified first rotation stop position and second rotation stop position of the guide vane, A method that includes this.

19. 、 Identifying the calibrated neutral position of the guide vane, The calibrated neutral position of the guide vane is stored in memory, The method according to claim 18, further comprising:

20. 、 The calibrated neutral position is compared with a predetermined neutral position stored in memory, An alarm is generated when the difference between the calibrated neutral position and the predetermined neutral position exceeds a threshold. The method according to claim 19, further comprising:

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