Single stage compressor with bleed system for thrust load relief

Abstract

To provide a compressor that is compact and less complex, and to provide a compressor bearing that is less likely to contaminate the compressor.SOLUTION: A single-stage compressor device 110 includes a housing 136 and a rotating group 148 with a shaft 150 and a compressor wheel 130. The compressor device 110 includes a bleed system 162 fluidly connected to a compressor flow path and configured to receive a bleed fluid from the compressor flow path. The bleed system 162 includes a bleed passage. At least a portion of the bleed passage is cooperatively defined by a back face 168 of the compressor wheel 130 and an opposing surface of the housing 136. The bleed system 162 is configured to pass bleed air from the bleed passage, thereby alleviating thrust loading of the compressor wheel 130 on the rotating group 148.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to single stage compressors, and more particularly to single stage compressors with a bleed system for thrust load alleviation. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Various systems include compressors to provide compressed fluids. For example, fuel cell systems often include fuel cell compressors to compress air before it is delivered to the fuel cell stack. This can increase the efficiency of the operation of the fuel cell system.

[0003]

[0003] However, conventional compressors may suffer from various deficiencies. For example, some compressors may be too bulky, heavy, or complicated for some applications. Additionally, the bearings used in some conventional compressors may be a source of contamination. Also, some compressors may have a load-bearing capacity that limits their usefulness and / or operating efficiency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004]

[0004] It would therefore be desirable to provide a compressor that is more compact and less complex than conventional compressors. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide compressor bearings that are less likely to contaminate the compressor. It would also be desirable to provide a compressor that has a higher load bearing capacity than conventional compressors. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background discussion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, a single stage compressor device is disclosed that includes a housing. The compressor device further includes a rotating group including a shaft and a compressor wheel secured to the shaft. The compressor wheel includes a front face and a rear face. The front face cooperates with the housing to define a compressor flowpath. The compressor device further includes a bearing that supports rotation of the rotating group within the housing. The compressor device also includes a motor that drives rotation of the rotating group within the housing. The compressor device further includes a bleed system that is fluidly connected to the compressor flowpath and configured to receive bleed fluid from the compressor flowpath. The bleed system includes a bleed passage. At least a portion of the bleed passage is cooperatively defined by the rear face of the compressor wheel and an opposing surface of the housing. The bleed system is configured to deliver bleed air from the bleed passage to thereby reduce thrust loading of the compressor wheel on the rotating group.

[0006]

[0006] In another embodiment, a single stage electric compressor device is disclosed that includes a housing and an electric motor housed within the housing. The compressor device further includes a rotating group including a shaft and a compressor wheel fixed to the shaft. The rotating group is turbineless and configured to be driven for rotation about an axis of rotation by the motor. The compressor wheel includes a front face and a rear face. The front face cooperates with the housing to define a compressor flowpath. The compressor device also includes an air bearing that supports rotation of the rotating group within the housing. Additionally, the compressor device includes a bleed system including a bleed passage and a return channel. The bleed passage is configured to receive bleed air from the compressor flowpath. The return channel is configured to direct the bleed air back toward the compressor flowpath. At least a portion of the bleed passage is cooperatively defined by the rear face of the compressor wheel and an opposing surface of the housing.

[0007]

[0007] The present disclosure is hereinafter described in connection with the following drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system having a charging device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]

[0009] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the charging device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]

[0010] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the compressor wheel of the charging device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4]

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the compressor wheel of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009]

[0012] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure, and is not intended to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0010]

[0013] Broadly, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include a compressor device, such as an e-charger or electric compressor, with a fluid bleed system configured to improve operation of the compressor device. The bleed system may be configured as a bleed system that helps the rotating group rotate in a balanced and efficient manner. The bleed system may include one or more fluid passages configured to receive bleed air from the compressor air flow path. The bleed system may be configured to deliver the bleed air to reduce compressor wheel thrust loads on the rotating group. As a result, the compressor may include relatively simple bearings, such as air bearings. This may result in cost savings and other efficiencies without adversely affecting performance. Additionally, the compressor may be configured as a single stage compressor that is compact and less complicated to design and assemble.

[0011]

[0014] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system 100 with an exemplary charging device 102 of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system 100 can be included in a vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, van, motorcycle, etc. However, it will be understood that the fuel cell system 100 can be configured for different applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012]

[0015] The fuel cell system 100 may include a fuel cell stack 104 containing multiple fuel cells. Hydrogen is supplied from a tank 106 to the fuel cell stack 104, and oxygen is supplied to the fuel cell stack 104 to produce electricity via a known chemical reaction. The fuel cell stack 104 may generate electricity for an electric device, such as an electric motor 105. As mentioned, it is contemplated that the fuel cell system 100 may be included in a vehicle, such that in some embodiments, the electric motor 105 may convert the electrical power into mechanical power to drive and rotate an axle (and thus one or more wheels) of the vehicle.

[0013]

[0016] Oxygen may be provided to the fuel cell stack 104, at least in part, by the charging device 102. Thus, the charging device 102 may be configured in some embodiments as an electric compressor device with a single stage compressor (i.e., an electric supercharger).

[0014]

[0017] 1, charging device 102 may generally include a rotating group 118 and a housing 119 (i.e., a compressor housing). Rotating group 118 may include a shaft 150 and various other components fixedly supported on shaft 150 by one or more bearings 121 for rotation within housing 119. In some embodiments, bearing(s) 121 may be configured as a plain bearing, an air bearing, and / or an oil-less bearing.

[0015]

[0018] Charging device 102 may define a motor portion 112. Motor portion 112 may include an electric motor 199 including a stator 146 and a rotor 148. Rotor 148 may be fixed to a shaft 150. Stator 146 may be supported and housed within a housing 119 and may be adapted to drive rotor 148 and other elements of rotating group 118 in rotation about axis 120.

[0016]

[0019] The charging device 102 may further include a compressor section 110. In some embodiments, the compressor section 110 may be the only compressor section of the charging device 102, such that the charging device 102 may be relatively compact. The compressor section 110 may include a compressor wheel 130 fixed to a longitudinal end of a shaft 150. The motor 199 may then be adapted to drive the compressor wheel 130 to rotate about an axis 120 within a housing 119 of the compressor section 110.

[0017]

[0020] Accordingly, the intake air flow (represented by arrow 122) is compressed by the compressor section 110 and the compressed air flow (represented by arrow 124) is directed to the intercooler 128 and then to the fuel cell stack 104 to increase the operating efficiency of the fuel cell system 100.

[0018]

[0021] Also, the exhaust gas stream (represented by arrow 132) from the fuel cell stack 104 may be vented to the atmosphere as depicted in FIG. 1 . Stated another way, the exhaust gas stream 132 may be directed away from the charging device 102. Thus, the rotating group 118 may be driven to rotate without the need for a turbine. In other words, the rotating group 118 may be turbine-less and in some embodiments may be driven solely by the electric motor 199. In other embodiments, the exhaust gas stream 132 may be directed back towards the charging device 102 to drive the rotation of, for example, a turbine wheel fixed to the shaft 150. This in turn may drive the rotation of the compressor wheel 130 to assist, for example, the electric motor 199.

[0019]

[0022] The various components of the fuel cell system 100 may be controlled by a control system 134. The control system 134 may be a computerized system having a processor, various sensors, and other components for electronically controlling the operation of the fuel cell stack 104, the motor 199, and / or other mechanisms of the system 100. In some embodiments, the control system 134 may define or be part of a vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU).

[0020]

[0023] The charging device 102 may include a bleed system 162 (bleed system 162) that manages aerodynamic loads for balanced and efficient rotation of the rotating group 118. The bleed system 162 can mitigate and / or reduce thrust loads generated by the compressor wheel 130 during operation. The thrust loads would otherwise tend to shift the rotating group 118 axially along the axis 120 relative to the housing 119. However, the bleed system 162 helps maintain the rotating group 118 in a substantially fixed position (fixed axial position) along the axis 120. The bleed system 162 allows the bearing(s) 121 to be simplified. For example, one or more of the bearings 121 may be air bearings in some embodiments. The charging device 102 may then maintain high-power operation over a long operating life. Furthermore, the charging device 102 may be manufactured and repaired in an inexpensive and time-efficient manner due to the features of the present disclosure.

[0021]

[0024] 2-4, the compressor wheel 130 of the rotating group 118 will be discussed in greater detail according to an exemplary embodiment. The compressor wheel 130 may be substantially centered on the axis 120 and fixed to one end of the shaft 150. The compressor wheel 130 may include a front face 167 (FIG. 4) and a rear face 168 (FIG. 3). The bulk of the compressor wheel 130 may be defined by a support structure 182. The support structure 182 may be conically shaped or otherwise tapered along the axis 120 from the front face 166 to the rear face 168, with the rear face 168 disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis 120. The rear face 168 and the front face 167 may meet at an outer radial edge 230 of the wheel 130. The front face 167 may include a plurality of blades 184. The blades 184 may be relatively thin members projecting from the front face 167. The blades 184 may project radially away from the shaft 120. The blades 184 may also extend helically around the shaft 120.

[0022]

[0025] The compressor wheel 130 may include a hub 170 centered on the axis 120. The hub 170 may project axially from a peripheral area of ​​a rear face 168 (FIG. 3) and may project axially from a peripheral area of ​​a front face 167 (FIG. 4). A bore 169 extends axially through the hub 170 and through the wheel 130 from the rear face 168 to the front face 167. The bore 169 may be defined by an inner surface, generally designated 206. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 206 may be defined by and may include two or more radial engagement surfaces, such as a first radial engagement surface 208a, a second radial engagement surface 208b, a third radial engagement surface 208c, and a fourth radial engagement surface 208d. The inner surface 206 may further be defined by and include two or more grooves, such as a first groove 210a, a second groove 210b, a third groove 210c, and a fourth groove 210d. The grooves 210a-210d may separate each pair of the engagement surfaces 208a-208d circumferentially around the axis 120. The grooves 210a-210d may extend parallel to the axis 120 and be evenly spaced (e.g., every 90 degrees) around the axis 120. The grooves 210a-210d may be recessed radially into the hub 170 and radially recessed from the engagement surfaces 208a-208d. Stated another way, the engagement surfaces 208a-208d project radially from the intervening grooves 210a-210d. In some embodiments, the engagement surfaces 208a-208d are substantially within a common radius relative to the axis 120. The engagement surfaces 208a-208d may be knurled or otherwise textured to grip the shaft 150. The grooves 210a-210d may have a rounded (e.g., semicircular) cross-sectional profile that may remain substantially constant along the axis 120 from the rear face 168 to the front face 167.

[0023]

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the hub 170 protrudes from the rear face 168. The hub 170 may be defined by and include two or more engagement surfaces, such as a first engagement surface 202a, a second engagement surface 202b, a third engagement surface 202c, and a fourth engagement surface 202d. The hub 170 may be further defined by and include two or more openings, such as a first opening 204a, a second opening 204b, a third opening 204c, and a fourth opening 204d. The openings 204a-204d may separate each pair of the engagement surfaces 202a-202d circumferentially around the axis 120. The openings 204a-204d may be evenly spaced (e.g., every 90 degrees) around the axis 120. The openings 204a-204d may be recessed axially into the hub 170 and axially recessed from the engagement surfaces 202a-202d. Stated another way, the engagement surfaces 202a-202d protrude axially from the intervening openings 204a-204d. In some embodiments, the engagement surfaces 202a-202d are substantially in a common plane (i.e., the engagement surfaces 202a-202d are coplanar). Additionally, the engagement surfaces 202a-202d may be wedge-shaped. Additionally, the openings 204a-204d may be wedge-shaped notches disposed between each pair of the engagement surfaces 202a-202d.

[0024]

[0027] Additionally, grooves 210a-210d may intersect each of openings 204a-204d at rear surface 168 as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 illustrates this intersection, for example between opening 204a and groove 210a. (It will be understood that the area above axis 120 in FIG. 2 represents a cross section taken along a first plane defined by radial reference line 220 and axis 120 in FIG. 3. The area below axis 120 in FIG. 2 represents a cross section taken along a second plane defined by radial reference line 222 and axis 120 in FIG. 3.)

[0028] An exemplary embodiment of the housing 119 of the charging device 102 will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown, the housing 119 may include a hollow cylindrical motor casing 144. The motor casing 144 may extend longitudinally along the axis 120 from one axial end of the compressor section 110. The motor casing 144 may house a stator 146. Thus, the stator 146 is fixed within the motor casing 144, while the rotor 148 may be fixed on a shaft 150 of the rotating group 118 and received within the stator 146.

[0025]

[0029] The housing 119 may also include a compressor housing member 136 that defines an axial inlet 138, a shroud member 139, and a volute member 140. The axial inlet 138, the shroud member 139, and the volute member 140 may be attached together as a one-piece unitary compressor housing member 136. The volute member 140 may be fixedly attached to one end of the motor casing 144 and / or to other portions of the motor section 112. The axial inlet 138 may be tubular, straight, and centered on the axis 120. The shroud member 139 may be inversely shaped to follow the blades of the compressor wheel 130. The shroud member 139 may oppose the blades 184 of the compressor wheel 130 to collectively define a diffuser section 179 of the compressor section 110. The volute member 140 may define a volute passage 142 that extends about the axis 120. The volute passage 142 may be fluidly connected to a diffuser section 179 that includes an outlet 142 (FIG. 1) that provides the compressed air flow 124 to the intercooler 128 and then to the fuel cell stack 104, as described above.

[0026]

[0030] As depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the bearing(s) 121 of the charging device 102 may include an air bearing. Thus, the bearing 121 may include a first bearing housing 186 disposed at an end of the motor section 112 adjacent to the compressor section 110. The bearing 121 may further include a second bearing housing 196 at an opposite end of the motor section 112. The first bearing housing 186 may be cap-shaped and may support a first journal bearing 188, a thrust bearing 187, and a thrust disk 189 that support the rotation of the rotating group 118 relative to the housing 119. As shown in Figure 1, the first bearing housing 186 may cover an end of the stator 146 from above. The first bearing housing 186 may further include an outer radial edge 183 fixed to the motor casing 144. The outer radial edge 183 may be attached (e.g., sealed) to the compressor housing member 136. 2, the first bearing housing 186 may include a flow surface 185 that partially defines a diffuser section 179. In other words, the flow surface 185 of the first bearing housing 186, the front surface 167 of the wheel 130, and the inner surface 141 of the shroud member 129 may cooperatively define the diffuser section 179. Thus, the diffuser section 179 together with the inlet 138 and the volute passage 142 may collectively define a compressor flowpath for converting the inlet airflow 122 to the compressed airflow 124. As shown, the inlet airflow 122 flows axially along the compressor flowpath into the inlet 138, turns radially outward through the diffuser section 179, and flows into the volute passage 142. The resulting air stream 124 flows to the intercooler 128 as described above and then to the fuel cell stack 104 .

[0027]

[0031] 1, a second bearing housing 196 may extend radially inward from the motor casing 144 to support a second journal bearing 196 that further supports rotation of the rotating group 118 relative to the housing 119. The second bearing housing 196 may overlie the end of the stator 146.

[0028]

[0032] Additionally, the charging device 102 may further include a first end plate 191. The first end plate 191 may be a thin-walled member that is received within the end flange 156 of the motor casing 144. The first end plate 191 may also overlie an axial end of the stator 146, the motor casing 144, and / or the second bearing housing 196.

[0029]

[0033] The charging device 102 may also include a second end plate 198. The second end plate 198 may be a thin wall member that is received within the end flange 156 of the motor casing 144. The second end plate 198 may overlie the first end plate 191.

[0030]

[0034] The charging device 102 may further include a first seal plate 152 proximate the compressor portion 110. The first seal plate 152 may include a bore that receives the shaft 150. The first seal plate 152 may further be received within a bore of the thrust bearing 187. The first seal plate 152 may further be axially disposed between the rear face 168 of the compressor wheel 130 and the thrust disk 189. The charging device 102 may further include a second seal plate 154 ( FIG. 1 ) at an opposite end of the shaft 150. The second seal plate 154 may include a bore that receives the shaft 150. The second seal plate 154 may further be received within a bore of the second end plate 198.

[0031]

[0035] Additionally, charging device 102 may include an outer end plate 200. Outer end plate 200 may be a thin wall member that overlies shaft 150, second seal plate 154, and second end plate 198. Additionally, outer end plate 200 may be secured to flange 156 of motor casing 144.

[0032]

[0036] It will be understood that housing 119, bearings 121, and / or rotating group 118 may include numerous additional components not described in detail. For example, housing 119 may include numerous fasteners, fluid seals, heat shields, and / or other components to maintain efficient and effective operation of charging device 102.

[0033]

[0037] The inner diameter 169 of the compressor wheel 130 receives the shaft 150. The compressor wheel 130 may be fixed to one end of the shaft 150 within the compressor section 110 with the rear face 168 facing the motor section 112. The engagement surfaces 208a-208d may abut and frictionally engage (fix) the shaft. Additionally, the engagement surfaces 202a-202d may abut and frictionally engage (fix) the first seal plate 152. As a result, the first seal plate 152 may provide a support member for supporting the compressor wheel 130 in a fixed position on the shaft 150 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0034]

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a nut 224 or other retainer may be fixedly (e.g., threadedly) attached to the shaft 150 to retain the compressor wheel 130 on the shaft 150. In some embodiments, the nut 224 may include an end 225 that substantially corresponds to the hub 170 of the compressor wheel 130 as depicted in Figure 3. Thus, the nut 224 may include two or more wedge-shaped engagement surfaces 226 separated by intervening notches 228 or other openings. Thus, when the nut 224 is fixed to the shaft 150, the engagement surfaces 226 may abut and engage the front surface 167 of the hub 170, thereby compressing the compressor wheel 130 between the nut 224 and the first seal plane 152. Additionally, when the nut 224 is attached, the notches 226 may intersect and be fluidly connected to each of the grooves 210a. The shaft 150 may be supported by bearings 121 for rotation about an axis 120 relative to the housing 119 .

[0035]

[0039] 2-4, the bleed system 12 will now be discussed in detail according to an exemplary embodiment. The bleed system 162 may be substantially defined within the compressor section 110 of the charging device 102.

[0036]

[0040] The bleed system 162 may include a bleed inlet 232. The bleed inlet 232 may be cooperatively defined by an outer radial edge 230 of the compressor wheel 130 and a radially facing surface 234 of the housing 119. Specifically, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the facing surface 234 may be included on the first bearing housing 186. The bleed inlet 232 is thus a circular gap between the outer radial edge 230 and the first bearing housing 186 for fluidly connecting the bleed system 162 to the diffuser section 179 of the compressor flowpath.

[0037]

[0041] The bleed system 162 may further include a bleed passage 236. The bleed passage 236 is cooperatively defined by the aft face 168 of the compressor wheel 130 and one or more opposing surfaces of the housing 119 and / or the bearing 112. As shown in FIG. 2, the opposing surfaces are collectively defined by the first bearing housing 186, the thrust bearing 187, and the first seal plate 152. Thus, the bleed passage 236 may be fluidly connected to the bleed inlet 232 and extend radially along the aft face 168. Bleed air received through the inlet 232 may be received into the bleed passage 236.

[0038]

[0042] The bleed system 162 may also include one or more return channels 240. The return channel(s) 240 may be fluidly connected to the bleed passage 236 at a first fluid junction 242. As shown in FIG. 2, the junction 242 may be cooperatively defined by the opening 204a, the first seal plate 152, the groove 210a, and the outer surface of the shaft 150. It will be understood that similar junctions 242 may be formed in the other openings 204b-204d and grooves 210b-210d. The return channel 240 may extend axially through the compressor wheel 130 from the rear face 168 to the front face 167. In some embodiments, multiple return paths 240 may be provided, each cooperatively defined by the grooves 210-210d of the compressor wheel 130 and the outer diameter surface of the shaft 150. Each return channel 240 may be defined between the inner surface 206 of each groove 210a-210d and the outer surface of shaft 150. Thus, return channel 240 may extend axially along inner surface 206 of lumen 169 (between grooves 210a-210d) and shaft 150.

[0039]

[0043] The return channel 240 provides one or more return inlets to the compressor flow path. 243 In some embodiments, the return inlet may be fluidly connected to the 2432, the return channel 240 may extend radially outward from the return channel 240, turn radially through a notch 228 in the nut 224, and connect to the compressor flowpath at a location upstream of the compressor wheel 130.

[0040]

[0044] Thus, the bleed system 162 receives bleed air and circulates fluid from the compressor flowpath and back into the compressor flowpath through the bleed passages 236 and the return channels 240. 243 It will thus be appreciated that in some embodiments, the bleed air system 162 may be a passive closed system that circulates bleed air from the compressor flow path back to the compressor flow path.

[0041]

[0045] Thus, during operation of the device 102, the motor 199 will rotate the compressor wheel 130 to compress the intake air flow 122. Bleed air from the compressor section 110 will enter the bleed inlet 232 and flow along the rear face of the compressor wheel 130 through the bleed passage 236. The bleed air in the bleed passage 236 may cross into the return channel 240 and return to the intake 138 of the compressor flowpath. This bleed air may relieve, suppress, or otherwise reduce thrust loads (loads oriented along the axis 120) on the rotating group 118. For example, the bleed air may escape from the bleed passage 236 along the rear face of the compressor wheel 130, thereby limiting the pressure build-up behind the compressor wheel 130. In other words, the bleed system 162 may limit the pressure gradient between the front face 167 and the rear face 168 of the compressor wheel 130. Thus, rotating group 118 can maintain balanced rotation without significant overall thrust loads, which is why bearing(s) 121 can be relatively lightweight bearings, such as air bearings, without compromising the operation of charging device 102.

[0042]

[0046] While the above detailed description presents at least one exemplary embodiment, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should further be understood that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any manner. Instead, the above detailed description is intended to provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 100 Fuel Cell System 102 Charging Devices 104 Fuel Cell Stack 105 Electric Motor 106 Tank 110 Compressor section 112 Motor section 118 Rotation Group 119 Housing 120 Axis 121 Bearing 122 Intake air flow 124 Compressed Air Flow 128 Intercooler 130 Compressor Wheel 132 Exhaust gas flow 134 Control System 136 Compressor housing parts 138 Intake port 139 Shroud components 140 Volute component 142 Volute Passage 143 Discharge port 144 Motor casing 146 Stator 148 Rotor 150 Shaft 152 First seal plate 154 Second seal plate 156 End flange 162 Bleed system, extraction system 167 Front of compressor wheel 168 Rear of compressor wheel 169 Compressor wheel bore 170 Hub 179 Diffuser Area 182 Support structure 183 Outer radial edge 184 Blade 185 Flow Surface 186 First bearing housing 187 Thrust bearing 188 No. 1 journal bearing 189 Thrust Disc 191 First end plate 196 No. 2 bearing housing 197 No. 2 journal bearing 198 2nd end plate 199 Electric Motor 200 Outer End Plate 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d Engagement Surface 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d aperture 206 Inner surface of hub bore 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d Radial Engagement Surface 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d groove 220, 222 Radial reference line 224 Nut 225 Nut End 226 Wedge-shaped engagement surface of nut 228 Nut Notch 230 outer radial edge 232 Breed Entrance 234 Housing Surface 236 Bleed Passage 240 Return Channel 242 First Fluid Junction 243 Return entrance

Claims

1. A single stage compressor device, comprising: Housing and a rotating group including a shaft and a compressor wheel secured to the shaft, the compressor wheel including a front face and a rear face, the front face cooperating with the housing to define a compressor flowpath; a bearing that supports rotation of the rotating group within the housing; a motor that drives rotation of the rotating group within the housing; a bleed system fluidly connected to the compressor flowpath and configured to receive bleed fluid from the compressor flowpath, the bleed system including a bleed passage, at least a portion of the bleed passage cooperatively defined by the rear face of the compressor wheel and an opposing surface of the housing, the bleed system configured to deliver bleed air from the bleed passage to thereby reduce thrust loading of the compressor wheel on the rotating group; Equipped with the rear face (168) of the compressor wheel (130) includes a hub (170) having a first engagement surface (202a), a second engagement surface (202b), and an opening (204a) separating the first engagement surface from the second engagement surface; the compressor wheel (130) is fixedly attached to the support member with the first and second engagement surfaces (202a, 202b) engaging the support member; the bleed system (162) includes a first fluid junction (242) cooperatively defined by the opening and the support member; the first fluid junction (242) fluidly connecting the bleed passage (236) to a return channel (240) configured to return the bleed fluid to a return inlet (243) fluidly connected to the compressor flow path; The single stage compressor device includes a retainer fixedly attached to the shaft (150). A tool (224), the compressor wheel (130) is fixedly attached to the shaft between the retainer (224) and the support member; said retainer (224) at least partially defines said return access (243); the aperture (204a) separating the first engagement surface from the second engagement surface is one of a plurality of apertures (204a-204d) substantially evenly spaced about the axis of rotation of the rotating group (118); Single stage compressor device.

2. the bleed system is configured to circulate fluid from the compressor flow path through a bleed passage to the return inlet. The compressor device of claim 1 .

3. the compressor wheel includes a bore having an inner surface, the bore receiving the shaft; the return channel is defined between the inner surface of the lumen and the shaft and extends along the inner surface of the lumen from the bleed passage to the return inlet; A compressor device as claimed in claim 2.

4. the bleed passage extends radially between the rear face of the compressor wheel and the opposing surface of the housing; the return channel extends axially through the compressor wheel from the rear face to the front face. A compressor device according to claim 3.

5. the compressor wheel includes an outer radial edge; the bleed system includes a bleed inlet cooperatively defined by the outer radial edge and a radially facing surface of the housing; the bleed inlet fluidly connects a diffuser section of the compressor flowpath to the bleed passage. A compressor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The bearing is an air bearing. A compressor device according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. the rotating group is turbineless and configured to be driven to rotate about a rotation axis by the motor; The compressor device of claim 1 .

8. the compressor wheel includes a bore having an inner surface, the bore receiving the shaft; the return channel is defined between the inner surface of the lumen and the shaft and extends along the inner surface of the lumen from the bleed passage to the return inlet; the return inlet is fluidly connected to the compressor flow path. A compressor device according to claim 7.

9. the bleed passage extends radially between the rear face of the compressor wheel and the opposing surface of the housing; the return channel extends axially through the compressor wheel from the rear face to the front face. A compressor device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. an inner surface of the lumen including a first radial engagement surface, a second radial engagement surface, and a groove separating the first radial engagement surface from the second radial engagement surface; the compressor wheel is fixedly mounted to the shaft with the first and second radial engagement surfaces engaging the shaft; the return channel being cooperatively defined by the groove of the compressor wheel and the shaft; A compressor device according to claim 8 or claim 9 which recites claim 8.

11. the compressor wheel includes an outer radial edge; the bleed system includes a bleed inlet cooperatively defined by the outer radial edge and a radially facing surface of the housing; the bleed inlet fluidly connects a diffuser section of the compressor flowpath to the bleed passage. A compressor device according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

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