System and method for operating a compressor in an HVAC&R system

Abstract

A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a compressor having an impeller configured to rotate to pressurize a working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor, and an adjustable vane assembly including vanes configured to extend into and direct the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, the adjustable vane assembly being operable to adjust the position of the vanes within the diffuser passage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 476,491, filed December 21, 2022, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A COMPRESSOR OF AN HVAC&R SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Chiller systems, or vapor compression systems, utilize a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant, etc.) that changes phase between vapor, liquid, and mixtures thereof in response to exposure to different temperatures and pressures within the components of the chiller system. The chiller system may place the working fluid in heat exchange relationship with a conditioned fluid (e.g., water) and deliver the conditioned fluid to a conditioning device and / or the environment being conditioned by the chiller system. For example, a chiller system may include a heat exchanger configured to receive the working fluid and the conditioned fluid and place the working fluid in heat exchange relationship with the conditioned fluid. From the heat exchanger, the conditioned fluid may be directed to other equipment, such as an air conditioner, to condition other fluids, such as air within a building. From the heat exchanger, the working fluid may be directed through other components of the chiller system, such as a compressor and / or a condenser, configured to process (e.g., compress, cool) the working fluid to enable the working fluid to provide further conditioning of the conditioned fluid. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be described below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a compressor having an impeller configured to rotate to pressurize a working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor, and an adjustable vane assembly including vanes configured to extend into and direct the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, the adjustable vane assembly being operable to adjust the position of the vanes within the diffuser passage.

[0006] In another embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes an adjustable vane assembly for a compressor, the adjustable vane assembly including a plurality of vanes configured to extend into a diffuser passage of the compressor, the adjustable vane assembly being operable to adjust a position of the plurality of vanes within the diffuser passage. The HVAC&R system also includes a control system configured to determine a parameter associated with a flow of a working fluid through the compressor and to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes based on the parameter.

[0007] In a further embodiment, a compressor for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes an impeller configured to rotate to compress a working fluid and direct the compressed working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor, a base plate at least partially defining the diffuser passage, and an adjustable vane assembly including a plurality of vanes configured to extend through the base plate and into the diffuser passage, the plurality of vanes configured to direct a flow of the compressed working fluid through the diffuser passage, the adjustable vane assembly operable to adjust a position of the plurality of vanes relative to the diffuser passage.

[0008] The various aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood by reading the following detailed description and by reviewing the drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building having an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system in a commercial environment, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor having adjustable vanes, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor having adjustable vanes, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressor vane assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressor vane assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressor vane assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for operating a compressor having adjustable vanes, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It should be understood that the development of any such actual implementation, as with any engineering or design project, will require many implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system-related and industry-related constraints. It should be further understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0012] As used herein, terms such as "approximately," "generally," and "substantially" are intended to convey that a described attribute value may fall within a relatively small range of attribute values, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, when an attribute value is described as "approximately" equal to a given value (or, e.g., "substantially similar"), this is intended to mean that the attribute value may be within + / -5%, + / -4%, + / -3%, + / -2%, + / -1% of the given value, or even close to it. Similarly, when a given feature is described as "substantially parallel" to another feature, "generally perpendicular" to another feature, etc., this is intended to mean that the given feature is within + / -5%, + / -4%, + / -3%, + / -2%, + / -1%, or even close to having the described property, such as being parallel to another feature or perpendicular to another feature. Furthermore, it should be understood that mathematical terms such as "planar," "inclined," "vertical," "parallel," and the like are intended to encompass characteristics of surfaces or elements as understood by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, and should not be rigorously interpreted as may be understood in the mathematical arts. For example, a "planar" surface is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be substantially flat or smooth (within relevant tolerances) using techniques and tools available to those of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, a "inclined" surface is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be oriented at an angle (e.g., tilted) relative to a reference point using techniques and tools available to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system that includes a vapor compression system (e.g., a vapor compression circuit) having a compressor. During operation, the compressor may pressurize a working fluid in the vapor compression system and direct the working fluid to a heat exchanger of the vapor compression system, such as a condenser configured to cool and condense the working fluid. The condensed working fluid may be directed to an expansion device, which may reduce the pressure of the working fluid and further cool the working fluid. From the expansion device, the cooled working fluid may be directed to an evaporator, where the working fluid is in heat exchange relationship with a refrigerant fluid and may cool the refrigerant fluid. The working fluid may then be directed from the evaporator back to the compressor.

[0014] The compressor may include an impeller configured to pressurize and circulate the working fluid through the components of the HVAC&R system. For example, during compressor operation, the impeller may be driven (e.g., by a motor) to rotate and draw the working fluid from the evaporator into the compressor. The impeller may direct the working fluid to a diffuser, where the kinetic energy of the working fluid is converted to pressure energy to increase the pressure of the working fluid. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the compressor intake. Thus, the working fluid may be forced into a smaller volume in the diffuser to pressurize the working fluid. Certain types of diffusers may include vanes to facilitate compressor operation. As one example, the vanes may further reduce the cross-sectional area through which the working fluid enters the diffuser. Thus, the vanes would increase the pressurization of the working fluid. As another example, the vanes may guide the working fluid to flow more efficiently through the diffuser. For example, the vanes may direct or redirect the working fluid to flow along the passages of the diffuser. As a result, the working fluid may flow more directly or easily through the diffuser, for example, instead of impinging on or being deflected from the peripheral wall of the diffuser. In this manner, the vanes may enable more efficient operation of the compressor compared to a diffuser without vanes.

[0015] Unfortunately, during some flow conditions, the vanes can obstruct the flow of working fluid through the compressor, reducing the compressor's efficiency. For example, at higher working fluid flows (e.g., volumetric flow rates or flow velocities of the working fluid through the diffuser above a threshold, such as a value associated with a sonic boundary condition), the vanes can block or impede the flow of working fluid through the diffuser and / or cause a choke condition in which the flow of working fluid discharged by the compressor is reduced. Thus, the compressor may operate less efficiently due to the higher flow of working fluid discharged.

[0016] It is now recognized that enabling efficient operation of a compressor at higher flow rates of working fluid while providing increased efficiency at other flow conditions (e.g., lower flow rates) of the working fluid can improve the overall operation of the compressor. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a compressor including vanes that can be adjustably positioned within a diffuser passage of the compressor. For example, the vanes can be coupled to a vane plate, and the vane plate can be moved relative to the diffuser to adjust the extension of the vanes within the diffuser based on, for example, the flow (e.g., flow rate) of the working fluid through the diffuser. In some embodiments, the compressor can include, or be communicatively coupled to, a control system configured to cause movement of the vane plate. The control system can adjust the position of the vane plate to adjust the position of the vanes within the diffuser based on, for example, received sensor data indicative of the flow rate (e.g., volumetric flow rate), flow velocity (e.g., flow speed), or other flow conditions of the working fluid through the diffuser. For example, in response to determining that the sensor data indicates a low flow of working fluid (e.g., a low flow rate), the control system may adjust the vane plate to move the vanes further into the diffuser, thereby increasing the pressurization of the working fluid to enable more efficient operation of the compressor at low working fluid flows. The control system may also, in response to determining that the sensor data indicates a higher flow of working fluid (e.g., a high flow rate), adjust the vane plate to retract the vanes from the diffuser, thereby enabling increased flow of working fluid through the diffuser to enable more efficient operation of the compressor at higher working fluid flow conditions (e.g., a flow rate above a threshold). Thus, the vane movements performed by the control system may improve the efficient operation of the compressor at different working fluid flow conditions.

[0017] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system 10 environment within a building 12 for a typical commercial environment. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller) that supplies chilled liquid, which may be used to cool the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 to supply warm liquid to heat the building 12, and an air distribution system that circulates air throughout the building 12. The air distribution system may also include an air return duct 18, an air supply duct 20, and / or an air handler 22. In some embodiments, the air handler 22 may include a heat exchanger connected to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14 by a conduit 24. The heat exchanger within the air handler 22 may receive either heated liquid from the boiler 16 or chilled liquid from the vapor compression system 14, depending on the operating mode of the HVAC&R system 10. Although HVAC&R system 10 is shown with a separate air handler on each floor of building 12, in other embodiments, HVAC&R system 10 may include air handlers 22 and / or other components that may be shared between floors.

[0018] 2 and 3 are embodiments of a vapor compression system 14 that can be used within HVAC&R system 10. Vapor compression system 14 may circulate a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) through a circuit that begins with a compressor 32. The circuit may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve(s) or expansion device(s) 36, and a liquid chiller or evaporator 38. Vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 having an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, non-volatile memory 46, and / or an interface board 48.

[0019] Some examples of fluids that can be used as working fluids (e.g., refrigerants) in vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerants, e.g., R-410A, R-407, R-134a, R-1234ze, R1233zd, R-32, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), ammonia (NH), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO), R-744, or “natural” refrigerants such as hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable working fluid. In some embodiments, vapor compression system 14 can be configured to efficiently utilize working fluids having a normal boiling point of approximately 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at 1 atmosphere, also referred to as low-pressure working fluids, compared to medium-pressure working fluids such as R-134a. As used herein, “normal boiling point” can refer to the boiling point temperature measured at 1 atmosphere.

[0020] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSD) 52, a motor 50, a compressor 32, a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and / or an evaporator 38. The motor 50 may drive the compressor 32 and may be powered by the variable speed drive (VSD) 52. The VSD 52 receives AC power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an alternating current (AC) source and provides power having a variable voltage and frequency to the motor 50. In other embodiments, the motor 50 may be powered directly from an AC source or a direct current (DC) source. The motor 50 may include any type of motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

[0021] The compressor 32 compresses the working fluid vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser 34 through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, the compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The working fluid vapor delivered by the compressor 32 to the condenser 34 may transfer heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., water or air) in the condenser 34. The working fluid vapor may condense into a working fluid liquid in the condenser 34 due to heat transfer with the cooling fluid. The liquid working fluid from the condenser 34 may flow through an expansion device 36 to an evaporator 38. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the condenser 34 is water-cooled and includes a tube bundle 54 connected to a cooling tower 56 that supplies cooling fluid to the condenser 34.

[0022] The liquid working fluid delivered to the evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another cooling fluid (e.g., a conditioning liquid), which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in the condenser 34. The liquid working fluid in the evaporator 38 may undergo a phase change from liquid working fluid to working fluid vapor. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 having a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to a cooling load 62. The evaporator 38 cooling fluid (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable fluid) enters the evaporator 38 via the return line 60R and exits the evaporator 38 via the supply line 60S. The evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the cooling fluid in the tube bundle 58 through heat transfer with the working fluid. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 may include multiple tubes and / or multiple tube bundles. In either case, the vapor working fluid exits the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 via a suction line to complete the cycle.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a vapor compression system 14 having an intermediate circuit 64 incorporated between the condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate circuit 64 may have an inlet line 68 directly fluidly connected to the condenser 34. In other embodiments, the inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly coupled to the condenser 34. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 positioned upstream of an intermediate vessel 70. In some embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be a flash tank (e.g., a flash intercooler, an economizer, etc.). In other embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or a “surface economizer.” In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the intermediate vessel 70 is used as a flash tank, and the first expansion device 66 is configured to reduce the pressure of (e.g., expand) the liquid working fluid received from the condenser 34. During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may be vaporized, and thus intermediate vessel 70 may be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from first expander 66 .

[0024] Additionally, intermediate vessel 70 may provide further expansion of the liquid working fluid due to the pressure drop the liquid working fluid experiences as it enters intermediate vessel 70 (e.g., due to the sudden increase in volume it experiences as it enters intermediate vessel 70). The vapor in intermediate vessel 70 may be drawn by compressor 32 through suction line 74 of compressor 32. In other embodiments, the vapor in the intermediate vessel may be drawn into an intermediate stage of compressor 32 (e.g., rather than the suction stage). The liquid collecting in intermediate vessel 70 may be of lower enthalpy than the liquid working fluid exiting condenser 34 due to expansion in expansion device 66 and / or intermediate vessel 70. The liquid from intermediate vessel 70 may then flow in line 72 through second expansion device 36 to evaporator 38.

[0025] It should be understood that any of the features described herein may be incorporated into embodiments of vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. For example, the present techniques may be incorporated into an HVAC&R system having a compressor such as compressor 32. It should be noted that the systems and methods described herein may be incorporated into any suitable embodiment of compressor 32 and / or HVAC&R system 10.

[0026] As mentioned above, the present disclosure is directed to a compressor having a diffuser and an adjustable vane assembly configured to adjust the position of a vane within the diffuser. A control system may be configured to actuate the adjustable vane assembly to move the vane and adjust the amount the vane extends into the diffuser (e.g., into the diffuser passage). For example, the control system may be configured to move the vane further into the diffuser in response to determining that the flow of working fluid through the diffuser is low (e.g., below a threshold flow rate). The vane may thus reduce a cross-sectional area within the diffuser, allowing for increased pressurization of the working fluid during periods of low working fluid flow. The control system may also be configured to retract the vane from the diffuser, thereby reducing the amount the vane extends into the diffuser, in response to determining that the flow of working fluid through the diffuser is high (e.g., above a threshold flow rate). Thus, the vanes may allow for increased flow of working fluid through the diffuser during periods of higher working fluid flow (e.g., above a threshold flow velocity, above a threshold flow rate), for example, to avoid choke conditions within the diffuser. In this manner, the control system may operate to position the vanes relative to the diffuser in a more favorable manner (e.g., based on the working fluid flow) to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor.

[0027] With the above in mind, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor 150 (e.g., compressor 32) that may be utilized with an embodiment of HVAC&R system 10 (e.g., vapor compression system 14). Compressor 150 includes an impeller 152 coupled to a shaft 154. Shaft 154 may rotate about an axis of rotation 156, such as via operation of a motor 158, thereby causing impeller 152 to rotate about axis of rotation 156. The rotation of impeller 152 may draw working fluid from an evaporator (e.g., evaporator 38) along a first flow direction 160 (e.g., along axis of rotation 156) through an inlet 157 of compressor 150 and through impeller 152. Rotation of impeller 152 may impart a force to the working fluid to direct it in a second flow direction 162 (e.g., transverse to axis of rotation 156) through a diffuser 164 (e.g., a diffuser passage) of compressor 150 to enable pressurization of the working fluid. Diffuser 164 may have a reduced cross-sectional area (e.g., relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​inlet 157) to convert the kinetic energy of the working fluid into pressure energy, thereby increasing the pressure of the working fluid. Diffuser 164 may direct the pressurized working fluid to and from a volute 166 of compressor 150 to a condenser (e.g., condenser 34) for heat exchange with a fluid, such as a cooling fluid.

[0028] In some embodiments, compressor 150 may include one or more pre-swirl vanes (PRVs) 168 that may adjust the amount (e.g., volumetric flow rate) of working fluid directed through compressor 150, such as into impeller 152. As an example, PRV 168 may be adjusted between an open position that allows for an increase in the flow of working fluid directed to impeller 152 and a closed position that allows for a decrease in the flow of working fluid directed to impeller 152. Indeed, in some embodiments, PRV 168 may be actuated to any of a number of positions between the open and closed positions. Additionally, compressor 150 may include a variable geometry diffuser (VGD) 170 (e.g., a VGD ring) configured to adjust the flow rate (e.g., volumetric flow rate), flow velocity (e.g., flow rate), discharge pressure, volume ratio, and / or another parameter of the working fluid directed through diffuser 164. For example, the VGD ring 170 may be disposed in a recess 172 positioned adjacent to the diffuser 164, and the VGD ring 170 may be adjusted to extend from the recess 172 into the diffuser 164 and reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser 164 (e.g., the cross-sectional area in the direction of the rotation axis 156), thereby reducing the flow rate, increasing the flow velocity, and / or increasing the discharge pressure of the working fluid. The VGD ring 170 may also be recessed from the diffuser 164 so as to be positioned within the recess 172 (e.g., completely within the recess 172). In this manner, the VGD 170 may be removed from the diffuser 164 to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser 164, thereby increasing the flow rate, decreasing the flow velocity, and / or decreasing the discharge pressure of the working fluid.

[0029] The compressor 150 may further include a first base plate 174 (e.g., an inlet-side base plate, a nozzle base plate, a first ring plate) and a second base plate 176 (e.g., a hub-side base plate, a second ring plate) that cooperatively form a diffuser 164 (e.g., a diffuser passage). That is, the working fluid may flow through the diffuser 164 via a gap or space formed between the first base plate 174 and the second base plate 176. Each of the base plates 174, 176 may define an opening, and the impeller 152 and / or the shaft 154 may be positioned within and extend through the opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 172 is formed in the first base plate 174, and thus the VGD ring 170 is disposed within (e.g., engaged with) the first base plate 174. Thus, VGD ring 170 may be adjusted to extend toward second base plate 176 to position VGD ring 170 within diffuser 164. In additional or alternative embodiments, recess 172 may be formed in second base plate 176, and VGD ring 170 may be disposed within and / or engage second base plate 176. In such embodiments, VGD ring 170 may be adjusted to extend toward first base plate 174 to position VGD ring 170 within diffuser 164.

[0030] The compressor 150 may also include an adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., a vane assembly) that may further facilitate operation of the compressor 150 to compress the working fluid. Indeed, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may enable more efficient operation of the compressor 150 over a wider range of loads, operating capacities, and / or flow rates of the working fluid in accordance with the present techniques. For example, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may include a vane 180 configured to extend within the diffuser 164. The vane 180 positioned within the diffuser 164 may reduce the cross-sectional area through which the working fluid flows within the diffuser 164, thereby further increasing the compression of the working fluid. Additionally or alternatively, when positioned within the diffuser 164, the vane 180 may guide (e.g., direct, redirect) the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. For example, the vanes 180 may direct the flow of the working fluid along the diffuser 164 to avoid impingement of the working fluid against the first base plate 174 and / or the second base plate 176. In some embodiments, the vanes 180 may induce and / or facilitate the flow of the working fluid in a swirling motion or pattern (e.g., about the axis of rotation 156). Thus, the working fluid may flow more easily, directly, and / or efficiently through the diffuser 164. The first base plate 174 may include slots or openings that allow the vanes 180 to extend through the first base plate 174 and into the diffuser 164. In other words, the position of the vanes 180 may be adjusted relative to the first base plate 174 and relative to the diffuser 164 to adjust the amount that the vanes 180 extend into the diffuser 164.

[0031] The vanes 180 may be coupled to the vane plate 182 (e.g., third ring plate, vane support ring, vane support plate) of the adjustable vane assembly 178. For example, the vanes 180 may be machined from the vane plate 182 (e.g., broaching, laser cutting, cut via electrical discharge machining), cast with the vane plate 182, mechanically secured to the vane plate 182 (e.g., via welding, via adhesive), or otherwise attached to the vane plate 182 so as to secure (e.g., attach) the vanes 180 to one another. In other words, the vanes 180 and the vane plate 182 may be integrally formed with one another as a single component. The vane plate 182 may be movable to adjust the position of the vanes 180 relative to the diffuser 164 and relative to the first base plate 174. For example, the vane plate 182 may be moved in a first direction 184 (e.g., a first linear direction along the axis of rotation 156 toward the second base plate 176) to position the vanes 180 within and / or further within the diffuser 164. Additionally, the vane plate 182 may be moved in a second direction 186 opposite the first direction 184 (e.g., a second linear direction along the axis of rotation 156 away from the second base plate 176) to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164. As will be appreciated, movement of the vane plate 182 may move the vanes 180 into and / or through slots in the first base plate 174 to adjust the position of the vanes 180 relative to the diffuser 164.

[0032] As an example, at lower working fluid flows (e.g., working fluid flow rates below a threshold and / or working fluid flow velocities below a threshold), adjustable vane assembly 178 may operate to extend vanes 180 into and / or further into diffuser 164 to increase working fluid pressurization, thereby increasing the efficiency of compressor 150. However, at higher working fluid flows (e.g., working fluid flow rates above a threshold and / or working fluid flow velocities above a threshold), vanes 180 positioned within and / or further into diffuser 164 may block the flow of working fluid through diffuser 164. In some cases, at higher working fluid flows, vanes 180 within diffuser 164 may reduce the flow of working fluid through diffuser 164 relative to the flow of working fluid through inlet 157, thereby reducing working fluid discharge from compressor 150. As a result, the efficiency of the compressor 150 may be reduced while the vanes 180 are positioned within the diffuser 164 at higher working fluid flows. For this reason, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may operate to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164 at higher working fluid flows.

[0033] In some embodiments, a control system 188 (e.g., an automation controller, an electronic controller, a programmable controller, a cloud computing system, a control circuit) that may be a component of and / or communicatively coupled to the compressor 150 may operate the compressor 150 to adjust the position of the vanes 180 relative to the diffuser 164, etc. In some embodiments, the control system 188 may be a component of the adjustable vane assembly 178. The control system 188 may include a memory 190 and a processing circuit 192. The memory 190 may include a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a non-volatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions (e.g., processor-executable instructions) that, when executed, control (e.g., adjust) the operation of the compressor 150 and / or the adjustable vane assembly 178. The processing circuit 192 may be configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory 190. As an example, processing circuitry 192 may include one or more microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors, or any combination thereof.

[0034] The control system 188 may be communicatively coupled to an actuator 194 (e.g., one or more actuators, a linear actuator, a rotary actuator) and may command the actuator 194 to move the vane plate 182 relative to the diffuser 164, thereby driving the movement of the vanes 180 relative to the diffuser 164. For example, the control system 188 may command the actuator 194 to move the vane plate 182 in the first direction 184 and / or the second direction 184. In some embodiments, the control system 188 may be communicatively coupled to a sensor 196 (e.g., one or more sensors). The sensor 196 may monitor a parameter associated with the flow of the working fluid (e.g., through the diffuser 164) and transmit sensor data indicative of the parameter to the control system 188. For example, the parameters may include a detected flow rate, a detected flow rate, an operating mode (e.g., of compressor 150, of an HVAC&R system in which compressor 150 is incorporated), a rotational speed of impeller 152, an energy consumption of compressor 150 (e.g., of motor 158), an operating time of compressor 150, another suitable parameter, a position of vanes 180 relative to first base plate 174, a position of vanes 180 relative to second base plate 176, or any combination thereof. Control system 188 may receive the sensor data and, in response, determine whether to enable (e.g., cause) adjustment of adjustable vane assembly 178 based on the sensor data.

[0035] As an example, the control system 188 may compare the value of the parameter (e.g., the detected value) to a reference value (e.g., a range of values, a threshold value), which may indicate a lower flow of the working fluid. In response to determining that the value of the parameter indicates a lower flow of the working fluid (e.g., the value of the parameter is within the range of values, the value of the parameter is below the threshold value), the control system 188 may actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178 via the actuator 194 to move (e.g., deploy, extend) the vanes 180 into and / or further into the diffuser 164 (e.g., in the first direction 184). Meanwhile, in response to determining that the value of the parameter indicates a higher flow of working fluid (e.g., the value of the parameter is outside a range of values, the value of the parameter is above a threshold value), the control system 188 may actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178 via the actuator 194 to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164 (e.g., move the vanes 180 in the second direction 186). The control system 188 may additionally or alternatively compare the value of the parameter (e.g., the detected value) to a reference value indicative of a higher flow of working fluid and actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178 via the actuator 194, thus adjusting the position of the vanes 180, based on the comparison. In some embodiments, the control system 188 may determine a target position for the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., a target amount or distance that the vanes 180 extend into the diffuser 164, a target position for the vanes 180) and actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178 to move the vanes 180 toward the target position via the actuators 194.

[0036] The control system 188 may cause the adjustable vane assembly 178 to move the vanes 180 to a fully extended position (e.g., a position in which the vanes 180 are fully extended into the diffuser 164; upper extension limit), a fully retracted position (e.g., a position in which the vanes 180 do not extend into the diffuser 164; lower extension limit), and / or any intermediate position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions (e.g., a partially extended position, a partially retracted position). As an example, the fully extended position may include a position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vanes 180) in which the vanes 180 extend from the first base plate 174 within a threshold distance (e.g., an offset) away from the second base plate 176 (e.g., forming a threshold amount of clearance between the vanes 180 and the second base plate 176 for abutting the second base plate 176). In other words, in the fully extended position, the vane 180 may extend an upper threshold amount from the first base plate 174 into the diffuser 164. The fully retracted position may include a position of the vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vane 180) where the vane 180 (e.g., the tip or distal end of the vane 180) is flush with the first base plate 174. In some embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may include a mechanical stop to block movement of the adjustable vane assembly 178 beyond the fully extended position and / or beyond the fully retracted position. By way of example, in the fully extended position, the vane plate 182 may abut a portion (e.g., a face, a surface) of the first base plate 174. Thus, the first base plate 174 may block further movement of the adjustable vane assembly 178 toward the diffuser 164 (e.g., in the first direction 184) and block movement of the adjustable vane assembly 178 past or beyond a fully extended position (e.g., in the first direction 184).

[0037] The sensors 196 (e.g., proximity sensors, optical sensors, position sensors) may also detect parameters indicative of the position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180), such as the amount the vanes 180 extend into the diffuser 164 (e.g., extend from the first base plate 174). For example, the parameters may include the distance (e.g., along the axis of rotation 156) between the vanes 180 (e.g., the tips or distal ends of one or more of the vanes 180) and the second base plate 176, the length of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 (e.g., in the first direction 184), the position of the vane plate 182 (e.g., relative to the first base plate 174), another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. The sensors 196 may transmit sensor data based on and / or indicative of the parameters to the control system 188. In response to receiving the sensor data, the control system 188 may operate the adjustable vane assembly 178 based on the sensor data. As an example, the control system 188 may move the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., operate the actuator 194) to adjust the position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vanes 180) toward a target position (e.g., determined based on the flow of working fluid and / or the desired flow of working fluid) as determined based on the sensor data. For example, to adjust the vanes 180 to be flush with the first base plate 174 (e.g., in a fully retracted position), the control system 188 may adjust the adjustable vane assembly 178 until the distance between the vanes 180 and the second base plate 176 (e.g., along the axis of rotation 156, transverse to the flow of working fluid through the diffuser 164) is substantially equal to the distance between the first base plate 174 and the second base plate 176 (e.g., along the axis of rotation 156). Sensor data (e.g., updated sensor data, additional sensor data) may be received by the control system 188 from the sensor 196 to determine, confirm, and / or verify that the vane 180 is fully retracted and / or that the tip of the vane 180 is flush with the first base plate 174 and therefore fully removed from the diffuser 164.

[0038] In some embodiments, control system 188 may also operate other components of compressor 150. For example, control system 188 may be configured to adjust the position of VGD ring 170 relative to diffuser 164. In some embodiments, control system 188 may coordinate the positioning of vanes 180 (e.g., within diffuser 164) and the positioning of VGD ring 170 (e.g., within diffuser 164) with one another. For example, control system 188 may adjust the position of vanes 180 based on the position of VGD ring 170 (e.g., in addition to adjusting the position of vanes 180 based on the flow of working fluid), and / or control system 188 may adjust the position of VGD ring 170 based on the position of vanes 180. In some embodiments, adjustable vane assembly 178 and VGD ring 170 may be coupled to a common mechanism (e.g., a common linkage assembly, a common plate, a common adjustment mechanism) to enable movement of VGD ring 170 and movement of vanes 180 relative to one another. That is, through this mechanism, operation of control system 188 to move adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180) can also drive corresponding movement of VGD ring 170. By way of example, actuator 194 can operate to simultaneously cause movement of VGD ring 170 and movement of vanes 180 (e.g., relative to diffuser 164). Additionally or alternatively, VGD ring 170 and vanes 180 can be coupled to separate components, such as separate plates (e.g., ring plates) and / or separate actuators 194, and control system 188 can adjust each of the components to coordinate the movement of VGD ring 170 and vanes 180 with one another. Control system 188 can be further configured to adjust rotation of impeller 152 via motor 158, such as to adjust the position of PRV 168.

[0039] 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable vane assembly 178 is disposed within (e.g., engaged with) second base plate 176, and vanes 180 are configured to extend through second base plate 176 into diffuser 164, such as via slots or openings formed in second base plate 176. Additionally, VGD ring 170 is disposed within (e.g., engaged with) first base plate 174. Thus, VGD ring 170 and adjustable vane assembly 178 are positioned on opposite sides of diffuser 164. In additional or alternative embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be coupled to (e.g., engaged with) the first base plate 174, and the VGD ring 170 may be coupled to (e.g., engaged with) the second base plate 176.

[0040] As shown, the vanes 180 may extend from the second base plate 176 into the diffuser 164. Accordingly, the control system 188 may operate to move the vane plate 182 in the second direction 186 to extend the vanes 180 into and / or further into the diffuser 164, and the control system 188 may operate to move the vane plate 182 in the first direction 184 to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164. Such movement of the vane plate 182 may move the vanes 180 through slots in the second base plate 176 to adjust the position of the vanes 180 within and / or relative to the diffuser 164. For example, control system 188 may, in response to a lower flow of working fluid (e.g., as indicated by received sensor data), move vane plate 182 in second direction 186 to enable more efficient pressurization of working fluid at the lower flow of working fluid. Additionally, control system 188 may, at a higher flow of working fluid (e.g., as indicated by received sensor data), move vane plate 182 in first direction 184 to increase the flow of working fluid through diffuser 164 at the higher flow of working fluid. Such movement of the vane plate 182 may include positioning the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180) in a fully extended position (e.g., the distal end or tip of the vane 180 is positioned at or within a threshold distance of the first base plate 174), a fully retracted position (e.g., the distal end or tip of the vane 180 is level with the second base plate 176), and / or any intermediate position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions (e.g., a partially extended position, a partially retracted position).

[0041] 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 of the compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable vane assembly 178 is in the extended position 220 (e.g., a partially extended position). The vane plate 182 may be positioned on a first side 222 of a base plate 224. For example, the base plate 224 may be the first base plate 174 or the second base plate 176 of the compressor 150 described above. The vanes 180 may extend through the base plate 224 to a second side 226 of the base plate 224 in the extended position 220. The second side 226 of the base plate 224 may be exposed to the diffuser 164 in the installed configuration of the adjustable vane assembly 178 with the compressor 150. Thus, the vanes 180 may extend into the diffuser 164 in the extended position 220.

[0042] The base plate 224 may include slots or openings 228 formed therethrough, and the vanes 180 may extend through the slots 228 to allow extension of the vanes 180 through the base plate 224. The slots 228 may be formed via laser cutting, wire cutting, broach cutting, machining, or any other suitable technique. Each slot 228 may surround, encircle, and / or capture one of the vanes 180 and block the flow of working fluid through the slot 228 (e.g., between the base plate 224 and the vanes 180). In this manner, the flow of working fluid through the diffuser 164 is facilitated while allowing movement of the vanes 180 along and / or within the slot 228 (e.g., to adjust the position of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164). For example, a low-friction coating (e.g., titanium nitride, a friction coating) may be applied to the vane 180 and / or the base plate 224 to reduce friction between the vane 180 and the base plate 224 in the slot 228 and facilitate movement of the vane 180 within the slot 228. Additionally or alternatively, an abradable (e.g., aluminized) coating may be applied to the vane 180 and / or the base plate 224 to enable sliding abutment between the vane 180 and the base plate 224, thereby blocking the flow of working fluid through the slot 228. The abradable coating may easily wear away as a result of wear caused by contact between the vane 180 and the base plate 224, facilitating relative movement between the vane 180 and the base plate 224. In this manner, relative movement between the vane 180 and the base plate 224 may be enabled (e.g., via actuators 194 operated by the control system 188) while reducing the flow of working fluid through the slot 228.

[0043] Each of the vane plate 182 and the base plate 224 may have a circular configuration with a central axis 230 (e.g., a common central axis) extending through the center of each of the vane plate 182 and the base plate 224. The vane plate 182 and the base plate 224 may be positioned concentrically and / or coaxially with one another in the assembled configuration, as shown. That is, the central axes 230 may be aligned with one another in the assembled configuration. Each of the vane plate 182 and the base plate 224 may also define a respective opening 232, which may be aligned with one another in the assembled configuration. The aligned openings 232 may receive the impeller 152 and / or the shaft 154 to enable positioning of the impeller 152 and / or the shaft 154 within the compressor 150. In additional or alternative embodiments, the vane plate 182 and / or the base plate 224 may have any other suitable configuration, such as a different geometric shape (e.g., a rectangular configuration, a triangular configuration, an irregular configuration), etc. Indeed, the vane plate 182 and the base plate 224 may have different configurations or geometries from one another.

[0044] The vanes 180 may extend obliquely relative to the openings 232 (e.g., relative to a tangent portion of the opening 232 adjacent the corresponding vane 180) to facilitate the flow of working fluid through the diffuser 164. For example, the vanes 180 may have a geometry configured to direct the working fluid to flow along a particular direction through the diffuser 164 so that the working fluid flows more easily along and / or through the diffuser 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the vanes 180 have a curved or arcuate profile (e.g., an airfoil profile). In additional or alternative embodiments, the vanes 180 may have any suitable profile, such as a linear profile and / or a profile having multiple discontinuous segments. In either case, the vanes 180 (e.g., multiple vanes 180) may be coupled to (e.g., integrally formed with) the vane plate 182 and arranged circumferentially around the vane plate 182 (e.g., about the central axis 230).

[0045] 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of adjustable vane assembly 178 of compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable vane assembly 178 is in a retracted position 250 (e.g., fully retracted position). Vane plate 182 may be moved (e.g., translated) away from base plate 224 to transition adjustable vane assembly 178 from extended position 220 to retracted position 250. In retracted position 250, tip 252 (e.g., distal end) of each vane 180 may be approximately flush with surface 254 (e.g., diffuser-facing surface, surface at second side 226) of base plate 224. In this manner, surface 254 and vane 180 may cooperatively form a substantially continuous or flat plane (e.g., surface) at second side 226 of base plate 224. Such relative positioning of surface 254 and vane 180 may reduce interruptions to the flow of working fluid through diffuser 164 (e.g., interrupted flow otherwise caused by the flow of working fluid within spaces or cavities exposed to diffuser 164 and defined by slots 228, interrupted flow otherwise caused by contact between the working fluid and vanes 180 extending into diffuser 164), thereby allowing for more efficient flow of working fluid through diffuser 164. Additionally, the positioning of vane 180 within slot 228 in retracted position 250 may block the flow of working fluid through and / or into slot 228, thereby further improving the efficient flow of working fluid through diffuser 164.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of one embodiment of an adjustable vane assembly 178. The vane plate 182 of the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be coupled to an actuation assembly 270, such as a rotary actuation mechanism. In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 270 may be a subsystem or component of the adjustable vane assembly 178. For example, the actuation assembly 270 may include a mount 272 (e.g., a connector, pin, bolt, nut) to which the vane plate 182 is coupled. Each mount 272 is coupled to a respective linkage 274 (e.g., a piston, gear assembly, slider) configured to move the mount 272, thereby driving the movement of the vane plate 182 and vanes 180. The linkages 274 each include a cam 276 disposed in a respective groove 278 in a drive ring 280. The grooves 278 are formed in an outer periphery 282 of the drive ring 280 and extend along the outer periphery 282 at an incline or angle. To actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178, the drive ring 280 may rotate, such as through operation of the actuator 194. As the drive ring 280 rotates, the cam 276 may translate along the groove 278, which may urge the linkage 274 to translate along the central axis 230 of the vane plate 182. In this manner, the vane plate 182, and thus the vanes 180, may translate into and out of the diffuser 164, as described above. For example, rotation of the drive ring 280 in a first rotational direction 284 may cause the actuation assembly 270 to move the vanes 180 into and / or further into the diffuser 164, while rotation of the drive ring 280 in a second rotational direction 286 opposite the first rotational direction 284 may cause the actuation assembly 270 to retract or withdraw the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164.

[0047] In some embodiments, actuator 194 may be configured to cause actuation of actuation assembly 270 in response to a control signal output by control system 188. For example, actuator 194 may be configured to cause actuation assembly 270 to extend vane plate 182 and vanes 180 (e.g., insert vanes 180 further into diffuser 164) and / or retract vane plate 182 and vanes 180 (e.g., retract vanes 180 from diffuser 164), etc. In certain embodiments, VGD ring 170 may also be coupled to actuation assembly 270 (e.g., via a separate mount and / or linkage coupled to drive ring 280), and actuator 194 or an additional actuator may move VGD ring 170 via actuation assembly 270. Thus, both the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the VGD ring 170 may be coupled to the actuation assembly 270 to facilitate coordinated (eg, simultaneous) adjustment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the VGD ring 170 .

[0048] Furthermore, it should be understood that other embodiments of adjustable vane assembly 178 may include other embodiments of actuation assembly 270 and / or actuate via other embodiments. For example, actuation assembly 270 may be or include a linear actuation mechanism configured to utilize linear motion to drive actuation of adjustable vane assembly 178. In some embodiments, the linear actuation mechanism may include a push rod, a rocker arm, a linkage, a pin, a cam, a cam follower, another suitable component, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of actuation assembly 270 may include a hydraulic mechanism (e.g., hydraulic actuator, hydraulic piston), a magnetic mechanism (e.g., magnetic actuator), a pneumatic actuator (e.g., pneumatic actuator, pneumatic piston), a motor, a spring, another suitable type of mechanism or actuator, or any combination thereof.

[0049] 10 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 300 for operating compressor 150 in accordance with the present technique. As will be appreciated, one or more steps of method 300 may be performed by control system 188. For example, executable instructions may be stored in memory 190, and processing circuitry 192 may execute the instructions to perform method 300. At block 302, a parameter associated with the flow of working fluid is determined. The parameter may include a flow rate of the working fluid (e.g., through compressor 150), a flow rate of the working fluid, an operating mode of compressor 150, a rotational speed of impeller 152, an energy consumption associated with compressor 150, an operating time of compressor 150, a pressure of the working fluid (e.g., within compressor 150), a temperature of the working fluid, another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. The parameter may be received as sensor data from sensor 196.

[0050] At block 304, a target position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., of the vanes 180) is determined based on the parameter. The target position may be associated with an extension of the vanes 180 of the adjustable vane assembly 178 within the diffuser 164. For example, in response to determining that the parameter indicates a higher flow of working fluid, the target position may include a reduction in the extension of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 to allow for an increased flow of working fluid through the diffuser 164. In response to determining that the parameter indicates a lower flow of working fluid, the target position may include an increase in the extension of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 to allow for an increased pressurization of the working fluid. The target positions may include a first position in which the vane 180 is fully retracted from the diffuser 164 (e.g., to position the tip 252 of the vane 180 at the same height as the plate through which the vane 180 extends (e.g., base plate 224, first base plate 174, second base plate 176)), a second position in which the vane 180 is fully extended within the diffuser 164 (e.g., to position the tip 252 at a threshold distance of a plate, such as the second base plate 176, opposite the plate, such as the first base plate 174, through which the vane 180 extends), and / or an intermediate position between the first and second positions.

[0051] In block 306, the position of adjustable vane assembly 178 may be adjusted toward a target position. For example, a control signal may be output to instruct actuator 194 to move (e.g., translate) vane plate 182 of adjustable vane assembly 178 relative to diffuser 164, such as via actuation of actuation assembly 270. To retract vane 180 from diffuser 164 (e.g., move vane assembly 178 toward a first position), the control signal may cause actuator 194 to move vane plate 182 away from diffuser 164 (e.g., via actuation of actuation assembly 270). To extend vane 180 further into diffuser 164 (e.g., move vane assembly 178 toward a second position), the control signal may cause actuator 194 to move vane plate 182 toward diffuser 164 (e.g., via actuation of actuation assembly 270). In some embodiments, adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated based on sensor data (e.g., received from sensor 196). The sensor data may indicate a detected position of adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vane 180). Adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated until the detected position of adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vane 180), as indicated by the sensor data, substantially matches a target position (e.g., within a threshold value of the target position).

[0052] As described in detail above, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an adjustable vane assembly including vanes that can be adjustably positioned within a diffuser passage of a compressor. For example, the vanes can be coupled to a vane plate that can be moved relative to the diffuser passage to adjust the extension of the vanes within the diffuser, such as based on the flow (e.g., flow rate) of working fluid through the diffuser. The vanes can be adjusted to extend further into the diffuser passage in response to determining that a low flow (e.g., low flow rate) of working fluid is being directed through the compressor, thereby enabling increased pressurization of the working fluid and achieving more efficient operation of the compressor at low working fluid flows. The adjustable vane assembly can also be actuated to retract the vanes from the diffuser passage in response to determining that a higher flow (e.g., high flow rate) of working fluid is being directed through the compressor, thereby allowing increased flow of working fluid through the diffuser passage to enable more efficient operation of the compressor at higher working fluid flow conditions (e.g., flow rates above a threshold). Thus, movement of the vanes of the adjustable vane assembly may allow for more efficient operation of the compressor at different flow conditions of the working fluid.

[0053] While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art may conceive of numerous modifications and changes, such as variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters such as temperature and pressure, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, and orientation, etc., without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or re-ordered according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0054] Moreover, in an effort to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described, such as those that are not relevant to the currently contemplated best mode or that are not relevant to enabling. It will be recognized that, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions will be made in the development of any such actual implementation. While such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, it would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

[0055] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that clearly improve the art, and is thus not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [function]" or "step for [performing] [function]," it is intended that such elements be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system comprising: A compressor, an impeller configured to rotate to compress a working fluid and direct the compressed working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor; and an adjustable vane assembly comprising a vane configured to extend into and direct the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, the adjustable vane assembly being operable to adjust the position of the vane within the diffuser passage.

2. determining a parameter associated with the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage; and The HVAC&R system of claim 1 , comprising a control system configured to adjust the position of the vane based on the parameter.

3. the control system determining a target position of the vane relative to the diffuser passage based on the parameter associated with the flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage; and The HVAC&R system of claim 2 configured to adjust the position of the vane toward the target position.

4. 4. The HVAC&R system of claim 3, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the position of the vane to extend the vane further into the diffuser passage in response to determining that the parameter is below a threshold value.

5. 4. The HVAC&R system of claim 3, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the position of the vane to retract the vane from the diffuser passage in response to determining that the parameter is above a threshold value.

6. 2. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable vane assembly comprises a vane plate and a plurality of vanes coupled to and circumferentially arranged around the vane plate, the vane including the vane.

7. The HVAC&R system of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of vanes are integrally formed with the vane plate.

8. 7. The HVAC&R system of claim 6, wherein the compressor includes a base plate extending around the impeller, the base plate partially defining the diffuser passage of the compressor, and the plurality of vanes configured to extend through the base plate and into the diffuser passage.

9. 9. The HVAC&R system of claim 8, wherein the base plate includes a plurality of slots formed therein, and wherein each vane of the plurality of vanes is configured to extend into a respective slot of the plurality of slots.

10. The HVAC&R system of claim 9 , wherein each vane of the plurality of vanes comprises a low-friction or abradable coating.

11. 9. The HVAC&R system of claim 8, wherein the adjustable vane assembly is adjustable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, the plurality of vanes extending into the diffuser passage in the fully extended position, and a respective tip of each vane of the plurality of vanes being substantially flush with the base plate in the fully retracted position.

12. 12. The HVAC&R system of claim 11, wherein the respective tip of each vane of the plurality of vanes is offset from an additional base plate opposite the base plate relative to the diffuser passage in the fully extended position.

13. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system comprising: an adjustable vane assembly for a compressor, the adjustable vane assembly comprising a plurality of vanes configured to extend into a diffuser passage of the compressor, the adjustable vane assembly being operable to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes within the diffuser passage; 1. A control system comprising: determining a parameter associated with a flow of working fluid through the compressor; and a control system configured to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes based on the parameter.

14. 14. The HVAC&R system of claim 13, wherein the adjustable vane assembly comprises a vane plate, the plurality of vanes being integrally formed with the vane plate.

15. the adjustable vane assembly comprising an actuation assembly configured to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes, the actuation assembly comprising: a plurality of linkages coupled to the vane plate; a drive ring having a plurality of grooves formed in an outer periphery of the drive ring; a plurality of cams, each cam disposed in a respective one of the plurality of grooves and coupled to a respective one of the plurality of linkages; 15. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, wherein the control system is configured to control operation of an actuator to rotate the drive ring to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes.

16. 14. The HVAC&R system of claim 13, wherein the parameters include a flow rate of the working fluid through the compressor, a pressure of the working fluid, a speed of an impeller of the compressor, a temperature of the working fluid, or a combination thereof.

17. 14. The HVAC&R system of claim 13, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, the plurality of vanes being disposed within the diffuser passage in the fully extended position and the plurality of vanes being removed from the diffuser passage in the fully retracted position.

18. 1. A compressor for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: an impeller configured to rotate to compress a working fluid and direct the compressed working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor; a base plate at least partially defining the diffuser passage; an adjustable vane assembly comprising a plurality of vanes configured to extend through the base plate and into the diffuser passage, the plurality of vanes configured to direct flow of the compressed working fluid through the diffuser passage, the adjustable vane assembly operable to adjust a position of the plurality of vanes relative to the diffuser passage.

19. 19. The compressor of claim 18, wherein the base plate is a first base plate, the compressor includes a second base plate disposed on an opposite side of the first base plate from the first base plate, the adjustable vane assembly is operable to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes between a retracted position and an extended position, a respective tip of each vane of the plurality of vanes being substantially flush with the first base plate in the retracted position and the respective tip of each vane of the plurality of vanes being offset from the second base plate in the extended position.

20. The compressor of claim 19 , wherein each vane of the plurality of vanes comprises a low-friction or abradable coating.

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