Systems and methods for operating a compressor of 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 pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor and an adjustable vane assembly. The adjustable vane assembly includes a vane configured to extend into the diffuser passage and to guide flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust a position of the vane within the diffuser passage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 476,491, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A COMPRESSOR OF AN HVAC&R SYSTEM,” filed Dec. 21, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of 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., a refrigerant) that changes phases between vapor, liquid, and combinations thereof in response to exposure to different temperatures and pressures within components of the chiller system. The chiller system may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid (e.g., water) and may deliver the conditioning fluid to conditioning equipment and / or a conditioned environment serviced by the chiller system. For example, the chiller system may include a heat exchanger configured to receive the working fluid and the conditioning fluid to place the working fluid in the heat exchange relationship with the conditioning fluid. The conditioning fluid may be directed from the heat exchanger to other equipment, such as air handlers, to condition other fluids, such as air in a building. The working fluid may be directed from the heat exchanger through other components of the chiller system, such as a compressor and / or a condenser, configured to process (e.g., pressurize, cool) the working fluid to enable the working fluid to provide further conditioning of the conditioning fluid.SUMMARY

[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 this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth 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 pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor and an adjustable vane assembly. The adjustable vane assembly includes a vane configured to extend into the diffuser passage and to guide flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust a position of the vane 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, where the adjustable vane assembly includes a plurality of vanes configured to extend into a diffuser passage of the compressor, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable 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 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 pressurize a working fluid and direct pressurized working fluid through a diffuser passage of the compressor, a base plate at least partially defining the diffuser passage, and an adjustable vane assembly. The adjustable vane assembly includes a plurality of vanes configured to extend through the base plate and into the diffuser passage, where the plurality of vanes is configured to guide flow of the pressurized working fluid through the diffuser passage, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust a position of the plurality of vanes relative to the diffuser passage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building with an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system in a commercial setting, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an embodiment of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor having adjustable vanes, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor having adjustable vanes, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vane assembly of a compressor, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vane assembly of a compressor, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vane assembly of a compressor, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a compressor having adjustable vanes, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0020] 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 noted 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.

[0021] As used herein, the terms “approximately,”“generally,” and “substantially,” and so forth, are intended to convey that the property value being described may be within a relatively small range of the property value, as those of ordinary skill would understand. For example, when a property value is described as being “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “substantially similar” to) a given value, this is intended to mean that the property value may be within + / −5%, within + / −4%, within + / −3%, within + / −2%, within + / −1%, or even closer, of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being “substantially parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, and so forth, this is intended to mean that the given feature is within + / −5%, within + / −4%, within + / −3%, within + / −2%, within + / −1%, or even closer, to having the described nature, such as being parallel to another feature, being perpendicular to another feature, and so forth. Further, it should be understood that mathematical terms, such as “planar,”“slope,”“perpendicular,”“parallel,” and so forth are intended to encompass features of surfaces or elements as understood to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, and should not be rigidly interpreted as might 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 related tolerances) using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, a surface having a “slope” is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be oriented at an angle (e.g., incline) with respect to a point of reference using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system including a vapor compression system (e.g., vapor compression circuit) having a compressor. In operation, the compressor may pressurize a working fluid within 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 a pressure of the working fluid, further cooling the working fluid. From the expansion device, the cooled working fluid may be directed to an evaporator, where the working fluid may be placed in a heat exchange relationship with a cooling fluid to cool the cooling fluid. The working fluid may then be directed from the evaporator back to the compressor.

[0023] The compressor may include an impeller configured to pressurize and circulate a working fluid through components of the HVAC&R system. For example, during operation of the compressor, 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 into a diffuser, where kinetic energy of the working fluid is converted to pressure energy to increase the pressure of the working fluid. For instance, a cross-sectional area of the diffuser may be less than a cross-sectional area of an intake of the compressor. Thus, the working fluid may be forced into a smaller volume at the diffuser to pressurize the working fluid. Certain types of diffusers may include vanes to facilitate operation of the compressor. As an example, the vanes may further reduce the cross-sectional area through which the working fluid flows into the diffuser. Thus, the vans would increase pressurization of the working fluid. As another example, the vanes may guide the working fluid to flow in a more efficient manner through the diffuser. For instance, the vanes may direct or re-direct the working fluid to flow along a passage of the diffuser. As a result, the working fluid may flow more directly or readily through the diffuser instead of, for example, impinging or deflecting off surrounding walls of the diffuser. In this manner, the vanes may enable more efficient operation of the compressor as compared to diffusers without vanes.

[0024] Unfortunately, during some flow conditions, the vanes may inhibit flow of the working fluid through the compressor and reduce efficiency of the compressor. For example, at higher flows of the working fluid (e.g., a volumetric flow rate or a flow speed of the working fluid through the diffuser that is above a threshold value, such as a value associated with a sonic boundary condition), the vanes may block or impede the flow of working fluid through the diffuser and / or cause a choke condition in which the working fluid flow discharged by the compressor is reduced. Therefore, the compressor may operate more inefficiently to discharge the working fluid at higher flows.

[0025] Thus, it is presently recognized that enabling efficient operation of the compressor at higher flows of the working fluid, while providing increased efficiency at other flow conditions (e.g., lower flow rates) of the working fluid, may improve overall operation of the compressor. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a compressor including vanes that may be adjustably positioned within a diffuser passage of the compressor. For example, the vanes may be coupled to a vane plate, and the vane plate may be moved relative to the diffuser to adjust the extension of the vanes within the diffuser, such as based on the flow (e.g., flow rate) of the working fluid through the diffuser. In some embodiments, the compressor may include or be communicatively coupled to a control system configured to cause movement of the vane plate. The control system may adjust the position of the vane plate to adjust a position of the vanes within the diffuser, such as based on received sensor data indicative of the flow rate (e.g., a volumetric flow rate), the flow speed (e.g., a flow velocity), or other flow condition of the working fluid through the diffuser. For instance, the control system may adjust the vane plate to move the vanes farther into the diffuser in response to a determination that the sensor data is indicative of low flow (e.g., a low flow rate) of the working fluid, thereby enabling increased pressurization of the working fluid to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor at low flow of the working fluid. The control system may also adjust the vane plate to retract the vanes from the diffuser in response to a determination that the sensor data is indicative of higher flow (e.g., a high flow rate) of the working fluid, thereby enabling increased flow of the working fluid through the diffuser to enable more efficient operation of the compressor at higher flow conditions (e.g., a flow rate above a threshold) of the working fluid. As such, movement of the vanes, as effectuated by the control system, may improve efficient operation of the compressor at different flow conditions of the working fluid.

[0026] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an environment for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 for a typical commercial setting. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller) that supplies a 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 which circulates air through the building 12. The air distribution system can 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 that is connected to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14 by conduits 24. The heat exchanger in 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 mode of operation of the HVAC&R system 10. The HVAC&R system 10 is shown with a separate air handler on each floor of building 12, but in other embodiments, the HVAC&R system 10 may include air handlers 22 and / or other components that may be shared between or among floors.

[0027] FIGS. 2 and 3 are embodiments of the vapor compression system 14 that can be used in the HVAC&R system 10. The vapor compression system 14 may circulate a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) through a circuit starting with a compressor 32. The circuit may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve(s) or device(s) 36, and a liquid chiller or an evaporator 38. The vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 that has an analog to digital (A / D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, a non-volatile memory 46, and / or an interface board 48.

[0028] Some examples of fluids that may be used as working fluids (e.g., refrigerants) in the vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerants, for example, R-410A, R-407, R-134a, R-1234ze, R1233zd, R-32, hydrofluoro olefin (HFO), “natural” refrigerants like ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, or hydrocarbon based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable working fluid. In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may be configured to efficiently utilize working fluids having a normal boiling point of about 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at one atmosphere of pressure, also referred to as low pressure working fluids, versus a medium pressure working fluid, such as R-134a. As used herein, “normal boiling point” may refer to a boiling point temperature measured at one atmosphere of pressure.

[0029] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSDs) 52, a motor 50, the compressor 32, the condenser 34, the expansion valve or device 36, and / or the evaporator 38. The motor 50 may drive the compressor 32 and may be powered by a variable speed drive (VSD) 52. The VSD 52 receives alternating current (AC) power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an AC power 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 or direct current (DC) power source. The motor 50 may include any type of motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

[0030] The compressor 32 compresses a 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 to a working fluid liquid in the condenser 34 due to thermal heat transfer with the cooling fluid. The liquid working fluid from the condenser 34 may flow through the expansion device 36 to the 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, which supplies the cooling fluid to the condenser 34.

[0031] The liquid working fluid delivered to the evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another cooling fluid (e.g., conditioning fluid), 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 the liquid working fluid to a 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 cooling fluid of the evaporator 38 (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable fluid) enters the evaporator 38 via return line 60R and exits the evaporator 38 via supply line 60S. The evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the cooling fluid in the tube bundle 58 via thermal heat transfer with the working fluid. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 can include a plurality of tubes and / or a plurality of tube bundles. In any case, the vapor working fluid exits the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 by a suction line to complete the cycle.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic of the vapor compression system 14 with an intermediate circuit 64 incorporated between condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate circuit 64 may have an inlet line 68 that is 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 lower 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 vaporize, and thus, the intermediate vessel 70 may be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from the first expansion device 66.

[0033] Additionally, the intermediate vessel 70 may provide for further expansion of the liquid working fluid because of a pressure drop experienced by the liquid working fluid when entering the intermediate vessel 70 (e.g., due to a rapid increase in volume experienced when entering the intermediate vessel 70). The vapor in the intermediate vessel 70 may be drawn by the compressor 32 through a suction line 74 of the compressor 32. In other embodiments, the vapor in the intermediate vessel may be drawn to an intermediate stage of the compressor 32 (e.g., not the suction stage). The liquid that collects in the intermediate vessel 70 may be at a lower enthalpy than the liquid working fluid exiting the condenser 34 because of the expansion in the expansion device 66 and / or the intermediate vessel 70. The liquid from intermediate vessel 70 may then flow in line 72 through a second expansion device 36 to the evaporator 38.

[0034] It should be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be incorporated with embodiments of the vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R systems. For example, the present techniques may be incorporated with any HVAC&R system having a compressor, such as the compressor 32. It should be noted that the systems and methods described herein may be incorporated with any suitable embodiment of the compressor 32 and / or of the HVAC&R system 10.

[0035] As mentioned above, the present disclosure is directed to a compressor having a diffuser and an adjustable vane assembly configured to adjust a position of vanes within the diffuser. A control system may be configured to actuate the adjustable vane assembly to move the vanes and adjust an amount by which the vanes extend within the diffuser (e.g., within a diffuser passage). For example, the control system may be configured to move the vanes farther into the diffuser in response to a determination that a flow of working fluid through the diffuser is low (e.g., below a threshold flow speed, below a threshold flow rate). Thus, the vanes may reduce a cross-sectional area within the diffuser and enable increased pressurization of the working fluid during low flow of the working fluid. The control system may also be configured to retract the vanes from the diffuser, thereby reducing an amount by which the vanes extend within the diffuser, in response to a determination that the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser is high (e.g., above the threshold flow speed, above the threshold flow rate). As such, the vanes may enable increased flow of the working fluid through the diffuser during higher flow (e.g., above a threshold flow speed, above a threshold flow rate) of the working fluid, for example, to avoid a choke condition in the diffuser. In this manner, the control system may operate to position the vanes relative to the diffuser in a more suitable manner (e.g., based on the flow of the working fluid) to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor.

[0036] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compressor 150 (e.g., the compressor 32), which may be utilized with an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 10 (e.g., vapor compression system 14). The compressor 150 includes an impeller 152 coupled to a shaft 154. The shaft 154 may rotate about a rotational axis 156, such as via operation of a motor 158, thereby causing the impeller 152 to rotate about the rotational axis 156. Rotation of the impeller 152 may draw the working fluid from an evaporator (e.g., the evaporator 38), into the compressor 150 along a first flow direction 160 (e.g., along the rotational axis 156) via an inlet 157 of the compressor 150, and through the impeller 152. Rotation of the impeller 152 may impart forces onto the working fluid to direct the working fluid in a second flow direction 162 (e.g., crosswise to the rotational axis 156) through a diffuser 164 (e.g., a diffuser passage) of the compressor 150 to enable pressurization of the working fluid. The diffuser 164 may have a reduced cross-sectional area (e.g., relative to that of the inlet 157) to convert kinetic energy of the working fluid to pressure energy, thereby increasing the pressure of the working fluid. The diffuser 164 may direct the pressurized working fluid to a volute 166 of the compressor 150 and from the volute 166 to a condenser (e.g., the condenser 34) for heat exchange with a fluid, such as a cooling fluid.

[0037] In some embodiments, the compressor 150 may include one or more pre-rotation vanes (PRVs) 168 that may adjust an amount (e.g., a volumetric flow rate) of the working fluid directed through the compressor 150, such as into the impeller 152. As an example, the PRVs 168 may be adjusted between an open position that enables increased flow of working fluid directed to the impeller 152 and a closed position that enables reduced flow of working fluid directed to the impeller 152. Indeed, the PRVs 168 may be actuated to any position of a plurality of positions between the open position and the closed position, in some embodiments. Additionally, the compressor 150 may include a variable geometry diffuser (VGD) 170 (e.g., VGD ring) configured to adjust a flow rate (e.g., a volumetric flow rate), a flow speed (e.g., a flow velocity), a discharge pressure, a volumetric ratio, and / or another parameter of the working fluid directed through the diffuser 164. For instance, 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 and into the diffuser 164 to reduce the cross-sectional area of the diffuser 164 (e.g., cross-sectional area in a direction of the rotational axis 156), thereby reducing the flow rate, increasing the flow speed, and / or increasing the discharge pressure of the working fluid. The VGD ring 170 may also be retracted from the diffuser 164 to be positioned within (e.g., fully within) the recess 172. In this way, 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, reducing the flow speed, and / or reducing the discharge pressure of the working fluid.

[0038] 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 the diffuser 164 (e.g., 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 openings. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 172 is formed within the first base plate 174, and the VGD ring 170 is therefore disposed within (e.g., engages with) the first base plate 174. Accordingly, the VGD ring 170 may be adjusted to extend toward the second base plate 176 to position the VGD ring 170 within the diffuser 164. In additional or alternative embodiments, the recess 172 may be formed within the second base plate 176, and the VGD ring 170 may be disposed within and / or engage with the second base plate 176. In such embodiments, the VGD ring 170 may be adjusted to extend toward the first base plate 174 to position the VGD ring 170 within the diffuser 164.

[0039] The compressor 150 may also include an adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vane assembly) that may further facilitate operation of the compressor 150 to pressurize the working fluid. Indeed, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may enable more efficient operation of the compressor 150 across 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 vanes 180 configured to extend into the diffuser 164. The vanes 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 pressurization of the working fluid. Additionally or alternatively, the vanes 180, when positioned within the diffuser 164, may guide (e.g., direct, re-direct) flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. For instance, the vanes 180 may direct the working fluid flow along the diffuser 164 and avoid impingement of the working fluid against the first base plate 174 and / or against the second base plate 176. In some embodiments, the vanes 180 may induce and / or facilitate a flow of the working fluid in a swirling motion or pattern (e.g., about the rotational axis 156). Thus, the working fluid may flow more readily, directly, and / or efficiently through the diffuser 164. The first base plate 174 may include slots or openings that enable extension of the vanes 180 through the first base plate 174 and into the diffuser 164. In other words, a position of the vanes 180 may be adjusted relative to the first base plate 174 and relative to the diffuser 164 to adjust an amount by which the vanes 180 extend into the diffuser 164.

[0040] The vanes 180 may be coupled to a vane plate 182 (e.g., a third ring plate, vane support ring, vane support plate) of the adjustable vane assembly 178. For instance, the vanes 180 may be machined from the vane plate 182 (e.g., broached, laser cut, cut via electrical discharge machining), casted with the vane plate 182, mechanically secured to the vane plate 182 (e.g., via welding, via an adhesive), or otherwise attached to the vane plate 182 to fix (e.g., attach) the vanes 180 and the vane plate 182 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 a 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 rotational axis 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 (e.g., a second linear direction, along the rotational axis 156, away from the second base plate 176), opposite the first direction 184, to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164. As will be appreciated, movement of the vane plate 182 may move the vanes 180 within and / or through the slots of the first base plate 174 to adjust the position of the vanes 180 relative to the diffuser 164.

[0041] As an example, at lower flows of the working fluid (e.g., a flow rate of the working fluid below a threshold value and / or a flow speed of the working fluid below a threshold value), the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated to extend the vanes 180 into and / or further into the diffuser 164 to increase pressurization of the working fluid, thereby increasing efficiency of the compressor 150. However, at higher flows of the working fluid (e.g., a flow rate of the working fluid above the threshold value and / or a flow speed of the working fluid above the threshold value), the vanes 180 positioned within and / or further within the diffuser 164 may block flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. In some instances at higher flows of the working fluid, the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 may reduce the flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164 relative to the flow of the working fluid through the inlet 157 and thereby reduce discharge of the working fluid from the 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 flows of the working fluid. For this reason, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164 at higher flows of the working fluid.

[0042] In some embodiments, a control system 188 (e.g., an automation controller, an electronic controller, a programmable controller, a cloud computing system, control circuitry), which may be a component of and / or communicatively coupled to the compressor 150, may operate the compressor 150, such as to adjust a position of the vanes 180 relative to the diffuser 164. 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 processing circuitry 192. The memory 190 may include volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disc drives, solid-state drives, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions (e.g., processor-executable instructions) that, when executed, control (e.g., adjust) operation of the compressor 150 and / or the adjustable vane assembly 178. The processing circuitry 192 may be configured to execute the instructions stored on the memory 190. As an example, the 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.

[0043] The control system 188 may be communicatively coupled to an actuator 194 (e.g., one or more actuators, linear actuator, rotational actuator) and may instruct the actuator 194 to move the vane plate 182 relative to the diffuser 164, thereby driving movement of the vanes 180 relative to the diffuser 164. For example, the control system 188 may instruct the actuator 194 to cause movement of the vane plate 182 in the first direction 184 and / or in 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 working fluid (e.g., through the diffuser 164) and transmit sensor data to the control system 188 indicative of the parameter. For example, the parameter may include a detected flow speed, a detected flow rate, an operating mode (e.g., of the compressor 150, of an HVAC&R system in which the compressor 150 is incorporated), a rotational speed of the impeller 152, energy consumption of the compressor 150 (e.g., of the motor 158), a time of operation of the compressor 150, another suitable parameter, a position of the vanes 180 relative to the first base plate 174, a position of the vanes 180 relative to the second base plate 176, or any combination thereof. The control system 188 may receive the sensor data and, in response, determine whether to enable (e.g., cause) an adjustment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 based on the sensor data.

[0044] As an example, the control system 188 may compare a value (e.g., a detected value) of the parameter to a reference value (e.g., a range of values, a threshold value), which may indicative of a lower flow of the working fluid. In response to a determination that the value of the parameter is indicative of low 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). However, in response to a determination that the value of the parameter is indicative of higher flow of the working fluid (e.g., the value of the parameter is outside of the range of values, the value of the parameter is above the 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 (e.g., detected value) of the parameter to a reference value indicative of a higher flow of the working fluid and may actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178 via the actuator 194 and therefore adjust a position of the vanes 180 based on the comparison. In some embodiments, the control system 188 may determine a target position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., a target amount or distance by which the vanes 180 extend into diffuser 164, a target position of the vanes 180) and actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178 to move the vanes 180 toward the target position via the actuator 194.

[0045] The control system 188 may cause the adjustable vane assembly 178 to move the vanes 180 to a fully extended position (e.g., in which the vanes 180 fully extend into the diffuser 164, an upper extension limit), to a fully retracted position (e.g., in which the vanes 180 do not extend into the diffuser 164, a lower extension limit), and / or any intermediate position (e.g., a partially extended position, a partially retracted position) between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. As an example, the fully extended position may include a position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180) in which the vanes 180 extend from the first base plate 174 to within a threshold distance (e.g., an offset) away from the second base plate 176 (e.g., to form a threshold amount of clearance between the vanes 180 and the second base plate 176, to abut the second base plate 176). In other words, in the fully extended position, the vanes 180 may extend from the first base plate 174 and into the diffuser 164 by an upper threshold amount. The fully retracted position may include a position of the vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180) in which the vanes 180 (e.g., tips or distal ends of the vanes 180) are 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 against 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 (e.g., in the first direction 184) toward the diffuser 164 to block movement of the adjustable vane assembly 178 past or beyond the fully extended position (e.g., in the first direction 184).

[0046] The sensor 196 (e.g., a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, a position sensor) may also detect a parameter indicative of the position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180), such as an amount by which the vanes 180 extend into the diffuser 164 (e.g., extend from the first base plate 174). For example, the parameter may include a distance between the vanes 180 (e.g., a tip or distal end of one or more of the vanes 180) and the second base plate 176 (e.g., along the rotational axis 156), a length of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 (e.g., in the first direction 184), a position of the vane plate 182 (e.g., relative to the first base plate 174), another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. The sensor 196 may transmit sensor data based on and / or indicative of the parameter to the control system 188. In response to receipt of 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 a position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180), as determined based on the sensor data, toward a target position (e.g., determined based on the flow of the working fluid and / or a desired flow of the working fluid). For instance, to adjust the vanes 180 to be flush with the first base plate 174 (e.g., in the 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 rotational axis 156, crosswise to flow of the 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 rotational axis 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 vanes 180 are fully retracted and / or that tips of the vanes 180 are flush with the first base plate 174 and therefore fully removed from the diffuser 164.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control system 188 may also operate other components of the compressor 150. For example, the control system 188 may be configured to adjust a position of the VGD ring 170 relative to the diffuser 164. In some embodiments, the control system 188 may coordinate positioning of the vanes 180 (e.g., within the diffuser 164) and positioning of the VGD ring 170 (e.g., within the diffuser 164) with one another. For instance, the control system 188 may adjust a position of the vanes 180 based on a position of the VGD ring 170 (e.g., in addition to adjusting the position of the vanes 180 based on the flow of the working fluid), and / or the control system 188 may adjust a position of the VGD ring 170 based on a position of the vanes 180. In some embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the 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 the VGD ring 170 and of the vanes 180 in conjunction with one another. That is, operation of the control system 188 to move the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., vanes 180) via the mechanism may also drive corresponding movement of the VGD ring 170. As an example, the actuator 194 may operate to cause concurrent movement of the VGD ring 170 and of the vanes 180 (e.g., relative to the diffuser 164). Additionally or alternatively, the VGD ring 170 and the vanes 180 may be coupled to separate components, such as separate plates (e.g., ring plates) and / or separate actuators 194, and the control system 188 may adjust each of the components to coordinate movement of the VGD ring 170 and of the vanes 180 with one another. The control system 188 may further be configured to adjust rotation of the impeller 152 via the motor 158, to adjust the position of the PRVs 168, and so forth.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable vane assembly 178 is disposed within (e.g., engages with) the second base plate 176, and the vanes 180 are configured to extend through the second base plate 176, such as via slots or openings formed in the second base plate 176, and into the diffuser 164. Additionally, the VGD ring 170 is disposed within (e.g., engages with) the first base plate 174. Thus, the VGD ring 170 and the adjustable vane assembly 178 are positioned at opposite sides of the diffuser 164. In additional or alternative embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be coupled to (e.g., engage with) the first base plate 174, and the VGD ring 170 may be coupled to (e.g., engage with) the second base plate 176.

[0049] As shown, the vanes 180 may extend from the second base plate 176 and into the diffuser 164. As such, 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 cause the vanes 180 to move through the slots of the second base plate 176 to adjust the position of the vanes 180 within and / or relative to the diffuser 164. For example, the control system 188 may operate to move the vane plate 182 in the second direction 186 in response to lower flows of the working fluid (e.g., as indicated by received sensor data) to enable more efficient pressurization of the working fluid at lower flows of the working fluid. Additionally, the control system 188 may operate to move the vane plate 182 in the first direction 184 at higher flows of the working fluid (e.g., as indicated by received sensor data) to increase flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164 at higher flows of the working fluid. Such movement of the vane plate 182 may include positioning the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vanes 180) at a fully extended position (e.g., in which distal ends or tips of the vanes 180 are positioned at or within a threshold distance of the first base plate 174), a fully retracted position (e.g., in which distal ends or tips of the vanes 180 are flush with the second base plate 176), and / or any intermediate position (e.g., a partially extended position, a partially retracted position) between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 of the compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable vane assembly 178 is in an 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 an 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.

[0051] The base plate 224 may include slots or openings 228 formed therethrough, and the vanes 180 may extend through the slots 228 to enable 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 encircle, surround, and / or capture one of the vanes 180 and block working fluid flow through the slots 228 (e.g., between the base plate 224 and the vanes 180). In this way, working fluid flow through the diffuser 164 is facilitated, while enabling movement of the vanes 180 along and / or within the slots 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 vanes 180 and / or to the base plate 224 to reduce friction between the vanes 180 and the base plate 224 at the slots 228 to facilitate movement of the vanes 180 within the slots 228. Additionally or alternatively, an abradable (e.g., aluminized) coating may be applied to the vanes 180 and / or the base plate 224 to enable sliding abutment between the vanes 180 and the base plate 224, thereby blocking flow of working fluid through the slots 228. The abradable coating may readily wear off as a result of abrasion caused by contact between the vanes 180 and the base plate 224 to facilitate relative movement between the vanes 180 and the base plate 224. In this way, relative movement between the vanes 180 and the base plate 224 may be enabled (e.g., via the actuator 194 operated by the control system 188) while reducing flow of working fluid through the slots 228.

[0052] Each of the vane plate 182 and the base plate 224 may have a circular configuration with a center axis 230 (e.g., a common central axis) extending through a respective center 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, as shown, in an assembled configuration. That is, the center axes 230 may align with one another in the assembled configuration. Each of the vane plate 182 and the base plate 224 may also form a respective opening 232, which may align 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 of 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 geometry (e.g., a rectangular configuration, a triangular configuration, an irregular configuration). Indeed, the vane plate 182 and the base plate 224 may have different configurations or geometries from one another.

[0053] The vanes 180 may extend obliquely relative to the opening 232 (e.g., relative to a tangential portion of the opening 232 adjacent to a corresponding vane 180) to facilitate flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. For example, the vanes 180 may have a geometry configured to guide the working fluid to flow along a particular direction through the diffuser 164 to cause the working fluid to flow more readily 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 non-continuous segments. In any case, the vanes 180 (e.g., a plurality of vanes 180) may be coupled to (e.g., integrally formed with) the vane plate 182 and may be arrayed circumferentially (e.g., about the center axis 230) about the vane plate 182.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 of the compressor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable vane assembly 178 is in a retracted position 250 (e.g., a fully retracted position). The vane plate 182 may be moved (e.g., translated) away from the base plate 224 to transition the adjustable vane assembly 178 from the extended position 220 to the retracted position 250. In the retracted position 250, a tip 252 (e.g., distal end) of each vane 180 may be approximately flush with a surface 254 (e.g., a diffuser facing surface, a surface at the second side 226) of the base plate 224. In this manner, the surface 254 and the vanes 180 may cooperatively form a substantially continuous or flat plane (e.g., surface) at the second side 226 of the base plate 224. Such relative positioning of the surface 254 and the vanes 180 may reduce disruption of the flow of working fluid through the diffuser 164 (e.g., disrupted flow otherwise caused by flow of the working fluid within spaces or cavities defined by the slots 228 exposed to the diffuser 164, disrupted flow otherwise caused by contact between the working fluid and the vanes 180 extending within the diffuser 164), thereby enabling more efficient flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. Additionally, the position of the vanes 180 within the slots 228 in the retracted position 250 may block working fluid flow through and / or into the slots 228, thereby further improving efficient flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the 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 sub-system or component of the adjustable vane assembly 178. For example, the actuation assembly 270 may include mounts 272 (e.g., connectors, pins, bolts, nuts) to which the vane plate 182 is coupled. Each mount 272 is coupled to a respective linkage 274 (e.g., a piston, a gear assembly, a slider) configured to move the mount 272, thereby driving movement of the vane plate 182 and the vanes 180. The linkages 274 each include a cam 276 disposed within a respective groove 278 of a drive ring 280. The grooves 278 are formed in an outer circumference 282 of the drive ring 280 and extend along the outer circumference 282 at a slope or angle. To actuate the adjustable vane assembly 178, the drive ring 280 may be rotated, such as via operation of the actuator 194. As the drive ring 280 rotates, the cams 276 may translate along the grooves 278, which may force translation of the linkages 274 along the center axis 230 of the vane plate 182. In this way, the vane plate 182 and therefore the vanes 180 may be translated 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 draw or retract the vanes 180 out of the diffuser 164.

[0056] In some embodiments, the actuator 194 may be configured to cause actuation of the actuation assembly 270 in response to a control signal output by the control system 188. For instance, the actuator 194 may be configured to cause the actuation assembly 270 to extend the vane plate 182 and the vanes 180 (e.g., to insert the vanes 180 farther into the diffuser 164) and / or to retract the vane plate 182 and the vanes 180 (e.g., to retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164), such as relative to the actuation assembly 270. In certain embodiments, the VGD ring 170 may also be coupled to the actuation assembly 270 (e.g., via separate mounts and / or linkages, couple to the drive ring 280), and the actuator 194 or an additional actuator may cause the VGD ring 170 to move via the actuation assembly 270. Thus, the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the VGD ring 170 may both be coupled to the actuation assembly 270 to facilitate coordinated (e.g., simultaneous) adjustment of the adjustable vane assembly 178 and the VGD ring 170.

[0057] Further, it should be appreciated that other embodiments of the adjustable vane assembly 178 may include and / or may be actuated via other embodiments of the actuation assembly 270. For example, the actuation assembly 270 may be, or may include, a linear actuation mechanism configured to utilize linear motion to drive actuation of the 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 the actuation assembly 270 may include a hydraulic mechanism (e.g., a hydraulic actuator, a hydraulic piston), a magnetic mechanism (e.g., a magnetic actuator), a pneumatic actuator (e.g., a pneumatic actuator, a pneumatic piston), a motor, a spring, another suitable type of mechanism or actuator, or any combination thereof.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 300 for operating the compressor 150, in accordance with the present techniques. As will be appreciated, one or more steps of the method 300 may be performed by the control system 188. For example, executable instructions may be stored on the memory 190, and the processing circuitry 192 may execute the instructions to perform the method 300. At block 302, a parameter associated with a flow of working fluid is determined. The parameter may include a flow speed of the working fluid (e.g., through the compressor 150), a flow rate of the working fluid, an operating mode of the compressor 150, a rotational speed of the impeller 152, energy consumption associated with the compressor 150, a time of operation of the compressor 150, a pressure of the working fluid (e.g., within the compressor 150), a temperature of the working fluid, another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. The parameter may be received as sensor data from the sensor 196.

[0059] 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 extension of the vanes 180 of the adjustable vane assembly 178 within the diffuser 164. For example, in response to a determination that the parameter is indicative of a higher flow of the working fluid, the target position may include reduced extension of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 to enable increased flow of the working fluid through the diffuser 164. In response to a determination that the parameter is indicative of a lower flow of the working fluid, the target position may include increased extension of the vanes 180 within the diffuser 164 to enable increased pressurization of the working fluid. The target position may include a first position in which the vanes 180 are fully retracted from the diffuser 164 (e.g., to position the tips 252 of the vanes 180 flush with a plate (e.g., base plate 224, the first base plate 174, the second base plate 176) through which the vanes 180 extend), a second position in which the vanes 180 are fully extended within the diffuser 164 (e.g., to position the tips 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 vanes 180 extend), and / or an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

[0060] At block 306, the position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be adjusted toward the target position. For example, a control signal may be output to instruct the actuator 194 to move (e.g., translate) the vane plate 182 of the adjustable vane assembly 178 relative to the diffuser 164, such as via actuation of the actuation assembly 270. To retract the vanes 180 from the diffuser 164 (e.g., to move the vane assembly 178 toward the first position), the control signal may cause the actuator 194 to move the vane plate 182 away from the diffuser 164 (e.g., via actuation of the actuation assembly 270). To extend the vanes 180 farther into the diffuser 164 (e.g., to move the vane assembly 178 toward the second position), the control signal may cause the actuator 194 to move the vane plate 182 toward the diffuser 164 (e.g., via actuation of the actuation assembly 270). In some embodiments, the adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated based on sensor data (e.g., received from the sensor 196). The sensor data may indicate a detected position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vanes 180). The adjustable vane assembly 178 may be actuated until a detected position of the adjustable vane assembly 178 (e.g., the vanes 180), as indicated by the sensor data, substantially matches (e.g., is within a threshold value of) the target position.

[0061] As described in detail above, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an adjustable vane assembly including vanes that may be adjustably positioned within a diffuser passage of a compressor. For example, the vanes may be coupled to a vane plate, and the vane plate may 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 the working fluid through the diffuser. The vanes may be adjusted to extend farther into the diffuser passage in response to a determination that a low flow (e.g., a low flow rate) of working fluid is directed through the compressor, thereby enabling increased pressurization of the working fluid to achieve more efficient operation of the compressor at low flow of the working fluid. The adjustable vane assembly may also be actuated to retract the vanes from the diffuser passage in response to a determination that a higher flow (e.g., a high flow rate) of the working fluid is directed through the compressor, thereby enabling increased flow of the working fluid through the diffuser passage to enable more efficient operation of the compressor at higher flow conditions (e.g., a flow rate above a threshold) of the working fluid. As such, movement of the vanes of the adjustable vane assembly may enable more efficient operation of the compressor at different flow conditions of the working fluid.

[0062] While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, such as temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth, without materially 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 varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0063] Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode, or those unrelated to enablement. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

[0064] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

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

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

3. The HVAC&R system of claim 2, wherein the control system is configured to:determine 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; andadjust the position of the vane toward the target position.

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 a determination that the parameter is below a threshold value.

5. 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 a determination that the parameter is above a threshold value.

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

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

8. The HVAC&R system of claim 6, wherein the compressor comprises a base plate extending about the impeller, the base plate partially defines the diffuser passage of the compressor, and the plurality of vanes is configured to extend through the base plate and into the diffuser passage.

9. The HVAC&R system of claim 8, wherein the base plate comprises a plurality of slots formed therein, and 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 coating or an abradable coating.

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

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, wherein the adjustable vane assembly comprises a plurality of vanes configured to extend into a diffuser passage of the compressor, and the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable to adjust a position of the plurality of vanes within the diffuser passage; anda control system configured to:determine a parameter associated with a flow of a working fluid through the compressor; andadjust the position of the plurality of vanes based on the parameter.

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

15. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, wherein the adjustable vane assembly comprises an actuation assembly configured to adjust the position of the plurality of vanes, and the actuation assembly comprises:a plurality of linkages coupled to the vane plate;a drive ring comprising a plurality of grooves formed in an outer circumference of the drive ring; anda plurality of cams, wherein each cam is disposed within a respective groove of the plurality of grooves and is coupled to a respective linkage of the plurality of linkages,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. The HVAC&R system of claim 13, wherein the parameter comprises 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. 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 is disposed within the diffuser passage in the fully extended position, and the plurality of vanes is removed from the diffuser passage in the fully retracted position.

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

19. The compressor of claim 18, wherein the base plate is a first base plate, and the compressor comprises a second base plate disposed opposite the first base plate relative to the first base plate, wherein the adjustable vane assembly is actuatable 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 is substantially flush with the first base plate in the retracted position, and the respective tip of each vane of the plurality of vanes is 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 coating or an abradable coating.

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