Intake arrangement for a compressor

Abstract

A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a compressor comprising an inlet port and a suction chamber assembly configured to direct a working fluid to the inlet port of the compressor. The suction chamber assembly includes an external shell defining an internal volume, where the external shell includes a shell inlet configured to direct the working fluid into the internal volume, and an inner conduit extending within the internal volume of the external shell. The inner conduit includes an inlet end and an outlet end. the inner conduit extends along a longitudinal axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the inlet end is disposed within the internal volume, the inlet end is configured to receive the working fluid from the internal volume, and the outlet end is configured to direct the working fluid into the inlet port of the compressor.

Description

INTAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR A COMPRESSORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 530.445, entitled “INTAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR A COMPRESSOR;’ filed August 2. 2023. 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 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] Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems, such as chiller systems and / or other 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 HVAC&R system. The HVAC&R system may include a working fluid circuit having one or more heat exchangers configured to place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with an additional fluid (e.g., cooling fluid, conditioning fluid, water) in order to condition (e.g., heat and / or cool) the additional fluid. The HVAC&R system may deliver the additional fluid to conditioning equipment and / or a conditioned environment serviced by the HVAC&R system.

[0004] The working fluid circuit may also include one or more compressors to drive flow of the working fluid along the working fluid circuit. For example, the working fluid may be directed along the working fluid circuit from a first heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) to the compressor, and the compressor may drive flow of the working fluid along the working fluid circuit to a second heat exchanger (e.g., acondenser). Unfortunately, working fluid circuits of existing HVAC&R systems may direct flow of the working fluid to the compressor in a manner that may cause inefficient operation of the compressor and / or may induce premature wear and degradation on components of the compressor.SUMMARY

[0005] 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.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a suction chamber assembly configured to direct a working fluid from a heat exchanger of the HVAC&R system to a compressor of the HVAC&R system. The suction chamber assembly includes an external shell defining an internal volume, where the external shell includes a shell inlet configured to direct the working fluid into the internal volume, and an inlet conduit configured to extend linearly from the heat exchanger to the shell inlet of the external shell, where the inlet conduit is configured to direct the working fluid from the heat exchanger to the internal volume. The suction chamber assembly also includes an inner conduit disposed at least partially within the internal volume of the external shell. The inner conduit includes an inlet end and an outlet end, the inner conduit extends linearly from the inlet end to the outlet end, the inlet end is disposed within the internal volume, and the outlet end is configured to direct the working fluid into the compressor.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a compressor comprising an inlet port and a suction chamber assembly configured to direct a working fluid to the inlet port of the compressor. The suction chamber assembly includes an external shell defining an internal volume, where the external shell includes a shell inlet configured to direct the working fluid into the internal volume, and an inner conduit extending within the internal volume of the external shell. The inner conduit includesan inlet end and an outlet end, the inner conduit extends along a longitudinal axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the inlet end is disposed within the internal volume, the inlet end is configured to receive the working fluid from the internal volume, and the outlet end is configured to direct the working fluid into the inlet port of the compressor.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes an external shell defining an internal volume, where the external shell includes a shell inlet configured to direct a working fluid into the internal volume, an inner conduit disposed at least partially within the internal volume of the external shell, and an inlet conduit configured to extend from a heat exchanger of the HVAC&R system to the external shell along a vertical axis. The inner conduit includes a central axis, an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow path extending linearly from the inlet end to the outlet end along the central axis, the inlet end is disposed within the internal volume, and the outlet end is configured to direct the working fluid into an inlet port of the compressor along the central axis. The inlet conduit is configured to direct the working fluid from the heat exchanger and into the internal volume between the inlet end and the outlet end, relative to the central axis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building that may utilize a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system in a commercial setting, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an embodiment of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of a portion of a vapor compression system, illustrating a suction chamber assembly of the vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a suction chamber assembly of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematic an embodiment of a suction chamber assembly of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematic an embodiment of a suction chamber assembly of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0018] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a suction chamber assembly of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be 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 implementationspecific 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 bea 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 understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[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) withrespect to a point of reference using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, such as a chiller system or other vapor compression system. More specifically, present embodiments include a vapor compression system having a suction chamber assembly configured to enable flow of a working fluid into a compressor of the vapor compression system in a more uniform manner (e.g., with a more uniform flow pattern, with reduced vortices, more linear flow). As a result, the compressor may operate more efficiently and / or with improved performance across a wider range of operating capacities of the compressor and / or the HVAC&R system. Additionally, present embodiments of the suction chamber assembly enable reduced entrainment of liquid working fluid (e.g.. liquid droplets, liquid carry-over) within vapor working fluid directed into the compressor, which may further improve efficiency and / or performance of the compressor across a wide range of operating capacities. The present techniques may also enable a reduction in wear and / or degradation of components of the compressor.

[0023] As described in detail below, a suction chamber assembly in accordance with the present techniques may include an external shell and an inner conduit disposed within the external shell. The external shell may be fluidly coupled to a heat exchanger and may be configured to receive a flow of working fluid from a heat exchanger of the vapor compression system, and the flow of working fluid may flow within the external shell and into the inner conduit. As the working fluid flows within the external shell, liquid working fluid may be separated from vapor working fluid and may collect at a base of the external shell. Meanwhile, the vapor working fluid may flow from a chamber defined by the external shell into the inner conduit disposed within the external shell. In this way, the suction chamber assembly may enable a reduction in an amount of liquid working fluid directed into the compressor via the inner conduit.

[0024] The inner conduit may have a generally linear configuration and / or a generally straight configuration that is configured to direct a flow of working fluid into an inlet of the compressor in a generally linear and / or straight direction (e.g., with reduced curve or bend in direction). In other words, the inner conduit is configured togenerate a more purely linear flow of working fluid that is directed into the inlet of the compressor, particularly as compared to existing components traditionally incorporated in vapor compression systems to direct a working fluid into a compressor. In this way, undesired distortion of the working fluid received by the inlet of the compressor is reduced, which enables more efficient operation of the compressor across a wide range of operating capacities of the compressor.

[0025] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heating, ventilating, 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) configured to supply a chilled liquid (e.g., a conditioning fluid), which may be used to cool the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 configured to supply a warm liquid to heat the building 12. The vapor compression system 14, also referred to herein as a chiller, may circulate a w orking fluid (e.g., refrigerant) that is cooled by a cooling fluid (e.g., a liquid, such as water) in a condenser of the vapor compression system 14, and that is heated by a conditioning fluid (e.g., a liquid, such as water) in an evaporator of the vapor compression system 14. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid may be provided by a cooling tower which cools the cooling fluid via, for example, heat transfer with ambient air. The conditioning fluid, cooled by the working fluid as noted above, may be utilized to cool an air flow provided to conditioned spaces of the building 12.

[0026] The HVAC&R system 10 may also include an air distribution system which circulates air through the building 12. The air distribution system may 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 the conditioning fluid (e.g., chilled liquid, such as water) 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 the 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 schematics of embodiments of the vapor compression system 14 (e.g., chiller, chiller system) 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 (e.g., working fluid circuit, refrigerant circuit) starting with a compressor 32, such as a centrifugal compressor. The circuit may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve(s) or device(s) 36, and an evaporator 38 (e.g., a liquid chiller). 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 nonvolatile 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 working fluids, for example. R-410A. R-407, R-134a. hydrofluoro olefin (HFO). “natural” working fluids like ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, or hydrocarbon-based working fluids, water vapor, or any other suitable working fluid. Other possible working fluids that may be circulated through the vapor compression system 14 include R-123, R-514A, R-1224yd, R-1233zd, R-134a. R- 1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1311, and R-32. 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 the 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 (e.g., electric motor) that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, aninduction 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 and 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 a conditioning fluid, which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in the condenser 34. For example, the conditioning fluid may be cooled by the working fluid in the evaporator 38, and then the conditioning fluid may be utilized in the building 12 to condition (e.g., cool) an air flow provided to condition a space in the building 12. 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 load 62 (e.g., a cooling load). The conditioning 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 the return line 60R and exits the evaporator 38 via the supply line 60S. The evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the conditioning fluid in the tube bundle 58 via thermal heat transfer with the working fluid. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 may 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 an embodiment of the vapor compression system 14 with an intermediate circuit 64 incorporated between the condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate circuit 64 may have an inlet line 68 that isdirectly 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 working fluid may vaporize, and thus, the intermediate vessel 70 may be used to separate the vapor working fluid from the liquid working fluid received from the first expansion device 66.

[0033] Additionally, the intermediate vessel 70 may provide for further and / or partial expansion of the liquid working fluid due to 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 working fluid 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 working fluid in the intermediate vessel 70 may be drawn to an intermediate stage of the compressor 32 (e.g., not the suction stage). The liquid working fluid that collects in the intermediate vessel 70 may be at a lower enthalpy than the liquid working fluid exiting the condenser 34 due to expansion of the working fluid at the expansion device 66 and / or in the intermediate vessel 70. The liquid working fluid from intermediate vessel 70 may then flow through line 72 and 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 the vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R systems. For example, the present techniques may be incorporated with any suitable HVAC&R system having a compressor (e.g., a centrifugal compressor), such as the compressor 32. The discussion below' describes the present techniques incorporated with embodiments of the vapor compression system 14 configured as a chiller system.However, it should be noted that the systems and methods described herein may be incorporated with other embodiments of the HVAC&R system 10 (e.g., a heat pump system, a refrigeration system, etc.).

[0035] As discussed above, a vapor compression system may include a compressor (e.g., compressor 32, centrifugal compressor) configured to circulate a working fluid along a working fluid circuit of the vapor compression system. For example, the compressor may receive the working fluid from a first heat exchanger (e.g., evaporator 38) disposed along the working fluid circuit and may discharge the working fluid toward a second heat exchanger (e.g., condenser 34) disposed along the working fluid circuit. As mentioned above, existing components traditionally- incorporated in vapor compression systems to direct a working fluid form a heat exchanger to a compressor may induce or permit generation of undesirable flow characteristics of the working fluid as the working fluid is directed to the compressor. For example, existing systems may include one or more pipes or conduits (e.g., elbow conduit, curved pipe) that define a curved flow path extending from a heat exchanger to an inlet of the compressor. As the working fluid flows along the curved flow path from the heat exchanger to the inlet of the compressor, flow of the working fluid may be split into multiple vortices, which creates a non-uniform and / or distorted flow of the working fluid that enters the compressor. As will be appreciated, less uniform and / or more distorted flow of the working fluid entering the compressor may contribute to less efficient operation and reduced capacity range of the compressor and the vapor compression system. Furthermore, existing systems, such as systems having a conduit (e.g., elbow conduit) defining a curved flow path extending from a heat exchanger to an inlet of the compressor, may be more susceptible to liquid carry over (e.g., entrainment of liquid working fluid, liquid droplets) in the working fluid directed into the compressor, which may cause less efficient operation and / or premature wear and degradation of components of the compressor.

[0036] Accordingly, present embodiments are directed to a suction chamber assembly (e g., intake arrangement) for a compressor of a vapor compression system that is configured to enable more uniform (e.g., more axially aligned with an inlet of the compressor) and / or more turbulent flow of working fluid into the compressor. The suction chamber assembly is particularly configured to introduce a more linear(e.g., straight, unidirectional) flow of the working fluid into an inlet of the compressor, which may enable more efficient operation of the compressor, including more efficient operation across a wider range of operating capacities. Additionally, present embodiments of the suction chamber assembly enable reduced entrainment of liquid working fluid (e.g., liquid droplets, liquid carry-over) within vapor working fluid directed into the compressor, which may further improve efficiency of the compressor, as well as enable a reduction in wear and / or degradation of components of the compressor.

[0037] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of a vapor compression system 100 (e.g., chiller system, water-cooled chiller, vapor compression system 14, HVAC&R system) including a portion of a working fluid circuit 102 of the vapor compression system 100. It should be appreciated that the vapor compression system 100 (e.g., working fluid circuit 102) may be an embodiment of the vapor compression system 14 described above and may include elements similar to those described above, such as the compressor 32, the condenser 34, the expansion device 36, the evaporator 38, and so forth. In the illustrated embodiment, the vapor compression system 100 includes a compressor 104 (e.g., compressor 32, centrifugal compressor) and an evaporator 106 (e.g., evaporator 38, heat exchanger). In accordance with present techniques, the vapor compression system 100 (e.g.. working fluid circuit 102) also includes a suction chamber assembly 108 (e.g., intake arrangement, working fluid circuit portion, pipe-in-pipe arrangement) configured to generate and direct a more uniform flow of working fluid from the evaporator 106 to the compressor 104. To facilitate the following discussion, the vapor compression system 100 and components thereof (e.g.. suction chamber assembly 108) may be described with reference to a longitudinal axis or direction 110. a vertical axis or direction 1 12, and a radial axis or direction 1 14 (e.g., lateral axis or direction).

[0038] As mentioned above, the suction chamber assembly 108 is configured to enable improved flow (e g., more uniform flow, more turbulent flow, more linear flow) of a working fluid from the evaporator 106 to the compressor 104 of the vapor compression system 100. To this end, the suction chamber assembly 108 includes an external shell 116 (e.g., outer housing, outer pipe, casing, body, container) defining aninternal volume 118 (e.g., chamber, interior volume) configured to receive a flow of working fluid via a shell inlet 120 (e.g., opening, inlet port, aperture) formed in the external shell 116. The flow of working fluid may be directed from the evaporator 106 to the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116 via an inlet conduit 122 (e.g., suction conduit, suction pipe, linear pipe) extending from the evaporator 106 (e.g., a shell or housing of the evaporator 106) to the external shell 116 at the shell inlet 120. Therefore, working fluid discharged by the evaporator 106 may flow through the inlet conduit 122 and into the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116 via the shell inlet 120. It should be appreciated that, the inlet conduit 122 may be considered as a component of the suction chamber assembly 108, a component of the working fluid circuit 102, a separate component, or any combination thereof.

[0039] The suction chamber assembly 108 also includes an inner conduit 124 (e.g., inner pipe, suction pipe, inlet pipe, linear conduit, straight pipe) disposed at least partially within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116. For example, the inner conduit 124 may be suspended within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116, as described in further detail below. As indicated by arrow 126. working fluid directed into the internal volume 118 may flow within the external shell 116 and, in some instances, may flow circumferentially around (e.g., about the longitudinal axis 110) the inner conduit 124. In some applications and / or operations of the suction chamber assembly 108, the external shell 116 may induce an at least partially swirling flow (e.g., about the longitudinal axis 110) of the working fluid within the internal volume 118.

[0040] As shown, the inner conduit 124 includes an inlet end 128 (e.g., a first end) and an outlet end 130 (e.g.. a second end), opposite the inlet end 128. The inlet end 128 is disposed within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116 and is configured to receive working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) flowing within the internal volume 118, as indicated by arrows 132. As described further below, the outlet end 130 of the inner conduit 124 may be disposed internal to the external shell 116 (e.g., within the internal volume 118), or the outlet end 130 may be disposed external to the external shell 116. In any case, the outlet end 130 is fluidly coupled to an inlet port 134 of the compressor 104. The inlet port 134 may be coupled to and / or may be formed as a component of a housing 136 of the compressor 104, and the outletend 130 may be attached to the compressor 104 (e.g., housing 136) via any suitable technique, such as via a flanged connection 138.

[0041] As indicated by arrow 140, the inner conduit 124 is configured to direct flow of the working fluid in a generally linear direction (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 110) from the inlet end 128 to the outlet end 130 and into the compressor 104 via the inlet port 134. In other words, the inner conduit 124 may be generally aligned and / or coaxial with the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 110). In this way, the suction chamber assembly 108 may generate a more uniform and / or less distorted flow of the working fluid that enters the compressor 104 via the inlet port 134. The compressor 104 may therefore operate more efficiently. Additionally, in some instances, the more uniform flow of working fluid directed into the compressor 104 may obviate the use of certain components that may otherwise be incorporated with the compressor 104 to rectify non-uniform and / or distorted flow of working fluid received by the compressor 104. For example, embodiments of the compressor 104 incorporated with the suction chamber assembly 108 may not include pre-rotation vanes (PRVs) that would otherwise increase costs and complexity associated with manufacture, operation, and / or maintenance of the vapor compression system 100.

[0042] The suction chamber assembly 108 may also enable a reduction in an amount of liquid working fluid directed into the compressor 104 via the inlet port 134. As mentioned above, the suction chamber assembly 108 may initially receive a flow of the working fluid from the evaporator 106 via the inlet conduit 122 configured to direct the working fluid through the shell inlet 120 and into the internal volume 118. In some instances, the working fluid discharged from the evaporator 106 may be a vapor working fluid with liquid working fluid (e.g., liquid droplets) entrained therein. As the working fluid flows (e.g., swirls, circulates) within the internal volume 118, such as about the inner conduit 124 and / or about the longitudinal axis 110, liquid working fluid (e.g., liquid droplets) entrained, suspended, and / or otherwise carried within vapor working fluid may become separated from the vapor working fluid. For example, liquid working fluid and / or liquid droplets within the vapor working fluid may fall, such via force of gravity, in a downward direction (e.g., along vertical axis 112) within the internal volume 118.

[0043] The vapor working fluid may continue flowing (e g., swirling) within the internal volume 118 and may flow toward the inlet end 128 of the inner conduit 124, as described above (e.g., via a suction force generated by the compressor 104). Liquid working fluid separated from vapor working fluid within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116 may collect at a base portion 142 of the external shell 116. For example, the suction chamber assembly 108 may include one or more drain ports 144 formed in the external shell 116 and / or fluidly coupled to the internal volume 118. Each drain port 144 may be associated with a corresponding drain conduit 146 (e.g., drain tube, drain pipe). In some embodiments, the one or more drain conduits 146 may be configured to direct the liquid working fluid collected within the external shell 116 to another portion or component of the vapor compression system 100, such as to the evaporator 106. In this way, the suction chamber assembly 108 may enable separation of liquid working fluid from vapor working fluid before the vapor working fluid is directed into the compressor 104, which may enable improved performance of the compressor 104, as well as enhanced longevity of the compressor 104 and / or components thereof.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the suction chamber assembly 108. As similarly described above, the suction chamber assembly 108 includes the external shell 116 defining the internal volume 118 and the inner conduit 124 disposed at least partially within the internal volume 118. The suction chamber assembly 108 also includes the inlet conduit 122 extending from the evaporator 106 to the external shell 116 (e.g., the shell inlet 120) to fluidly couple the evaporator 106 to the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116 and enable flow of working fluid from the evaporator 106 to the suction chamber assembly 108. Additional features of the suction chamber assembly 108 are described below.

[0045] The external shell 116 defining the internal volume 118 may be formed by multiple components secured to one another, in some embodiments. For example, the external shell 116 may include a main body 160 extending generally along the longitudinal axis 110, and the main body 160 may include a first end 162 (e.g., first longitudinal end) and a second end 164 (e.g., second longitudinal end), opposite the first end 162. The main body 160 may be a generally cylindrical component (e.g., pipe, tube), in some embodiments. The external shell 116 also includes an end cap166 (e.g., cover) secured to the first end 162 of the main body 160 and an end plate 168 secured to the second end 164 of the main body 160. The main body 160, the end cap 166, and the end plate 168 may cooperatively define and / or enclose the internal volume 118. In some embodiments, the end cap 166 may have a generally hemispherical geometry or configuration (e.g., extending from a plane defined by the vertical axis 112 and the radial axis 114), while the end plate 168 may have a generally planar geometry or configuration (e.g., extending within a plane defined by the vertical axis 112 and the radial axis 114). However, in other embodiments, the end cap 166 and / or the end plate 168 may have another suitable geometry. For example, the end cap 166 may define one or more (e.g., two) Gaussian-shaped (e.g., curved) surfaces, such as a revolving Gaussian curve facing the internal volume 118. In another example, the end cap 166 may define a portion of an internal cardioid surface (e.g.. partial cardioid surface, partial internal cardioid surface) having a vertex or cusp generally aligned with a central axis (e.g., longitudinal axis 110) of the main body 1 0. As will be appreciated, such a configuration may promote flow of vapor working fluid from the internal volume 118 into the inner conduit 124 at the inlet end 128.

[0046] As described above, the inner conduit 124 includes the inlet end 128 and the outlet end 130. The inlet end 128 is disposed within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116 and defines an inlet 170 (e.g.. port, opening, aperture) configured to receive working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) flowing and / or swirling within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116. The inlet 170 is disposed between the shell inlet 120 and the first end 162 of the main body 160, relative to the longitudinal axis 110. The outlet end 130 defines an outlet 172 (e.g., port, opening, aperture) configured to direct the working fluid into the compressor 104 via the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104. Accordingly, the outlet end 130 of the inner conduit 124 is configured to be fluidly coupled to the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104. For example, the outlet end 130 of the inner conduit 124 may include a flange 174 (e.g., mounting flange, mounting surface) configured to be secured to the compressor 104 (e.g., housing 136) or other component fluidly coupled to the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104. For example, the flange 174 may enable attachment of the inner conduit 124 to the compressor 104 via nuts and bolts, w elds, another suitable fastening technique, or any combination thereof. In the illustratedembodiment, the outlet end 130 including the flange 174 is disposed external to the external shell 116. Thus, the inner conduit 124 extends through the end plate 168 (e.g., through an opening or aperture formed in the end plate 168), such that the inner conduit 124 includes a first portion disposed within the internal volume 118 and a second portion disposed external to the internal volume 1 18. However, in other embodiments, an entirety or a substantial entirety of the inner conduit 124 may be disposed within the external shell 116. In such embodiments, the inner conduit 124 may include the flange 174 that is generally aligned with the end plate 168 and / or the compressor 104 (e.g., housing 136) may include a flange, wall, or other mounting structure configured to enable securement of the compressor 104 to the external shell 116 (e.g., end plate 168) and / or the inner conduit 124 (e.g., flange 174).

[0047] Similar to the main body 160 of the external shell 116, the inner conduit 124 (e.g., a body of the inner conduit 124) may have a generally cylindrical shape or configuration and may extend linearly along the longitudinal axis 110. Additionally or alternatively, the inner conduit 124 may include another geometry, shape, and / or configuration. In any case, the inner conduit 124 defines a flow path 176 extending from the inlet 170 to the outlet 172 of the inner conduit 124. As shown, the flow path 176 extends generally linearly (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 110) from the inlet 170 to the outlet 172. In other words, the flow path 176 defined by the inner conduit 124 may not include curves, bends, elbows, or other arcuate portions (e.g.. defined by the inner conduit 124) that may induce or cause more non-uniform flow of the working fluid through the inner conduit 124.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the external shell 116 (e.g., main body 160) and the inner conduit 124 are each oriented generally along the longitudinal axis 110. More particularly, the external shell 116 and the inner conduit 124 are generally assembled in a coaxial and / or concentric arrangement, such that the external shell 116 and the inner conduit 124 share a central axis 178 (e g., a common central axis, extending along longitudinal axis 110). The central axis 178 of the external shell 116 and the inner conduit 124 (e g., suction chamber assembly 108) is also aligned and / or coaxial with a central axis 180 of the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104. Thus, the inner conduit 124 and / or the flow path 176 are also aligned (e.g., coaxial) with the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104. Therefore, the linear flow of working fluiddirected through the inner conduit 124 along the flow path 176 may be introduced into the compressor 104 via the inlet port 134 as a generally linear flow of working fluid that is more uniform (e.g., with a more uniform flow field and / or velocity profile).

[0049] One or more components of the suction chamber assembly 108 may include features and / or may be arranged relative to one another to further enable the functionalities and provide the benefits described herein. For example, the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104 may include an inlet diameter 182 (e.g., a first diameter), and the inner conduit 124 may include a conduit diameter 184 (e.g., second diameter). In some embodiments, the conduit diameter 184 of the inner conduit 124 may be approximately constant from the inlet end 128 (e.g., inlet 170) to the outlet end 130 (e.g., outlet 172). In other embodiments, the conduit diameter 184 of the inner conduit 124 may vary along the longitudinal axis 110 and / or the central axis 178 of the inner conduit 124 at a portion of the inner conduit 124. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end 128 of the inner conduit 124 includes a flared portion 186 (e.g., bell mouth, flared inlet) that extends at least partially radially outward (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 110 and / or the central axis 178). In this way, a cross-sectional area of the inlet 170 of the inner conduit 124 may be increased (e.g., relative to a remainder of the inner conduit 124) to promote more gradual flow of the working fluid from the internal volume 118 into the inner conduit 124 (e.g., flow path 176). to reduce pressure losses in the working fluid, to reduce flow of liquid working fluid (e.g., liquid droplets) from the internal volume 118 into the inner conduit 124, and so forth. The flared portion 186 may extend radially outward in a uniform and / or symmetrical manner, or the flared portion 186 may be asymmetrical (e.g., about the central axis 178).

[0050] In some embodiments, a main body of the inner conduit 124 (e.g., a substantial entirety' of the inner conduit 124, excluding the flared portion 186) may have the conduit diameter 184 that is constant or substantially constant along a length of the inner conduit 124. In other words, the inner conduit 124 may be a generally cylindrical tube with the flared portion 186 (e.g., bell mouth) at the inlet end 128. In any case, the conduit diameter 184 of the inner conduit 124 at the outlet end 130 (e.g., outlet 172) may have a magnitude that is approximately equal to a magnitude of the inlet diameter 182 of the inlet port 134. In this way, a more uniform flow of thew orking fluid may be directed from the inner conduit 124 into the compressor 104 via the inlet port 134.

[0051] The main body 160 of the external shell 116 includes a shell diameter 188 (e.g., third diameter) that is greater than the conduit diameter 184 of the inner conduit 124. Accordingly, with the external shell 116 and the inner conduit 124 arranged concentrically and / or coaxially along the central axis 178, the inner conduit 124 may be generally suspended within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116, and the internal volume 118 may at least partially extend circumferentially about the inner conduit 124. In some embodiments, respective magnitudes of the conduit diameter 184 and the shell diameter 188 may be determined based on one or more operating parameters (e.g., flow parameters) of the compressor 104 and / or the vapor compression system 100 with which the suction chamber assembly 108 is incorporated. For example, respective magnitudes of the conduit diameter 184 and the shell diameter 188 may be determined based on desired and / or expected flow rates of working fluid through the vapor compression system 100 (e.g., compressor 104), desired and / or expected operating capacities of the vapor compression system 100 (e.g., compressor 104), a type of working fluid utilized with the vapor compression system 100, another suitable operating parameter, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, respective magnitudes of the conduit diameter 184 and the shell diameter 188 may be dependent upon one another. In some embodiments, respective magnitudes of the conduit diameter 184 and the shell diameter 188 may be determined such that the respective magnitudes establish, define, and / or satisfy a particular ratio or other relationship. For example, a ratio of the shell diameter 188 to the conduit diameter 184 may be between approximately 1.0 to 3.0, between approximately 1.1 to 2.9, between approximately 1.2 to 2.8, between approximately 1 .3 to 2.7, between approximately 1 .4 to 2.6, between approximately 1 .5 to 2.5, or any other suitable ratio.

[0052] Other dimensions of components of the suction chamber assembly 108 and / or relative dimensions of components of the suction chamber assembly 108 may be determined based on one or more operating parameters (e.g., working fluid flow parameters, working fluid flow conditions) of the compressor 104 and / or the vapor compression system 100 with which the suction chamber assembly 108 isincorporated. In some embodiments, certain dimensions and / or spatial arrangements of one or more components relative to one another may be determined based on other dimensions of the one or more components. For example, a body length 190 of the main body 160 of the external shell 116, a conduit length 192 of the inner conduit 124, and / or a ratio therebetween may be determined based on one or more operating parameters (e.g., flow parameters) of the compressor 104 and / or the vapor compression system 100, based on a magnitude of the inlet diameter 182, based on a magnitude of the conduit diameter 184, based on a magnitude of the shell diameter 188, or any combination thereof. Similarly, an inlet clearance distance 194 extending from the inlet 170 of the inner conduit 124 to a distal end 196 (e.g., apex) of the end cap 166 may be determined based on any one or any combination of the parameters described above. In some embodiments, the inlet clearance distance 194 may be determined based on a ratio between a total shell length 198 of the external shell 116 and an internal conduit length 200 of a portion of the inner conduit 124 disposed internal to the external shell 116. For example, a ratio of the total shell length 198 to the internal conduit length 200 may be between approximately 1.0 to 1.8, between approximately 1.1 to 1.6, between approximately 1.2 to 1.5. or any other suitable ratio. Additionally or alternatively, a magnitude of the inlet clearance distance 194 may be determined based on desired flow parameters of the working fluid within the internal volume 118, flow parameters of the working fluid from the internal volume 118 into the inner conduit 124, a liquid component and / or a vapor component of the working fluid discharged by the evaporator 106. an operating capacity of the compressor 104, another suitable parameter of the working fluid, or any combination thereof.

[0053] As described above, the inlet conduit 122 is configured to direct working fluid from the evaporator 106 to the external shell 1 16 and into the internal volume 118 via the shell inlet 120. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet conduit 122 may be oriented to extend linearly (e.g., completely linearly) from the evaporator 106 to the external shell 116 in an assembled and / or installed configuration of the suction chamber assembly 108. More specifically, the inlet conduit 122 may be arranged such that a central axis 202 of the inlet conduit 122 extends generally along the vertical axis 112. Thus, w orking fluid may be directed through the inlet conduit 122 from the evaporator 106 to the external shell 116 in a generally upward directionalong the vertical axis 112. In some embodiments, the central axis 178 of the external shell 116 and the inner conduit 124 may extend generally horizontally (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 110) in an installed configuration, and the central axis 202 of the inlet conduit 122 extending along the vertical axis 112 may therefore be generally perpendicular to the central axis 178 of the external shell 116 and the inner conduit 124.

[0054] The inlet conduit 122 is generally aligned with (e.g.. coaxial with) the shell inlet 120 formed in the main body 160 of the external shell 116 to enable fluid coupling of the inlet conduit 122 and the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116. In some embodiments, the shell inlet 120 may be formed in the main body 160 such that, in an assembled configuration of the suction chamber assembly 108, the central axis 202 of the inlet conduit 122 (e.g.. of the shell inlet 120) is approximately at a midpoint of the main body 160 (e.g., at a midpoint between the first end 162 and the second end 164) along the longitudinal axis 110. In some embodiments, the inlet conduit 122 may be secured to the external shell 116 such that the inlet conduit 122 is vertically aligned (e.g., along the vertical axis 112) with a center of the external shell 1 16, and the central axis 202 of the inlet conduit 122 intersects with the central axis 178 of the external shell 116 and the inner conduit 124.

[0055] As mentioned above, the suction chamber assembly 108 may function to enable separation of liquid working fluid from vapor working fluid within the external shell 116. In particular, the working fluid directed from the evaporator 106 into the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116 may include liquid working fluid (e.g., liquid droplets) entrained within vapor working fluid (e.g., two-phase mixture), and the liquid working fluid may become separated from the vapor working fluid (e.g.. via force of gravity) as the working fluid flows (e.g., swirls) within the internal volume 118 prior to flowing into the inner conduit 124 (e.g., flow path 176, via inlet 170). Liquid working fluid that separates from vapor working fluid within the internal volume 118 may collect at the base portion 142 of the external shell 116 as described above. To promote desirable discharge of the liquid working fluid from the external shell 116, the external shell 116 may include one or more drain ports 144 formed in the external shell 116 and / or otherwise fluidly coupled to the internal volume 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction chamber assembly 108 includes a first drainport 204 disposed between the shell inlet 120 and the first end 162 of the main body 160 (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 110) and a second drain port 206 disposed between the shell inlet 120 and the second end 164 of the main body 160 (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 110). Thus, the shell inlet 120 and the inlet conduit 122 are disposed between the first drain port 204 and the second drain port 206 (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 110). In other words, the first drain port 204, the shell inlet 120, and the second drain port 206 may be aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis 110.

[0056] To further promote desired discharge of liquid working fluid collected at the base portion 142 of the external shell 116 (e.g., via the drain ports 144), the inlet conduit 122 may extend at least partially through the main body 160 and into the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116. As a result, a lip 208 (e.g.. outlet end) of the inlet conduit 122 may be disposed within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116. As will be appreciated, the lip 208 may block flow of liquid working fluid collected at the base portion 142 of the external shell 116 from flowing into the inlet conduit 122 and back toward the evaporator 106. The liquid working fluid collected at the base portion 142 may instead flow toward the drain ports 144 formed in the base portion 142 of the external shell 116 to flow out of the internal volume 118. The lip 208 of the inlet conduit 122 within the internal volume 118 may also provide an interface (e.g.. a sealing interface) whereby the inlet conduit 122 may be mechanical secured and / or sealed (e.g., via welding) to an inner surface 210 of the external shell 116. The inlet conduit 122 may be mechanically secured and / or sealed (e.g., via welding) to an outer surface 212 of the external shell 116.

[0057] Corresponding drain conduits 146 extend from the drain ports 144, as discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, a first drain conduit 214 extends from the first drain port 204 to the evaporator 106, and a second drain conduit 216 extends from the second drain port 206 to the evaporator 106. In this way, the first drain conduit 214 and the second drain conduit 216 may facilitate flow of liquid working fluid collected within the external shell 1 16 back to the evaporator 106 for heat exchange with another fluid. Additionally, the first drain conduit 214 includes a first valve 218, and the second drain conduit 216 includes a second valve 220. The first valve 218 and the second valve 220 are configured to regulate flow of liquidworking fluid along the first drain conduit 214 and the second drain conduit 216, respectively. In some embodiments, the first valve 218 and the second valve 220 may each be a check valve (e.g., unidirectional valve) configured to enable fluid flow from the internal volume 118 to the evaporator 106 and configured to block fluid flow from the evaporator 106 to the internal volume 118. During operation, a pressure within the evaporator 106 may be lower than a pressure within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116, and a differential between the internal volume 118 and the evaporator 106 may promote and / or facilitate flow of liquid working fluid from the internal volume 118 to the evaporator 106 (e.g.. without use of a dedicated pump).

[0058] The inner conduit 124 may be secured within (e.g., at least partially within) the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116 to maintain a desired orientation of the inner conduit 124 relative to the external shell 116 (e.g., relative to one or more features of the external shell 116). For example, as discussed above, the inner conduit 124 may extend through the end plate 168 of the external shell 116, such that the inner conduit 124 includes a first portion disposed within the internal volume 118 and a second portion disposed external to the internal volume 118. In such embodiments, the end plate 168 may at least partially support the inner conduit 124 (e.g., via welding, via mechanical fasteners) and may at least partially retain the inner conduit 124 in a desired orientation (e.g., relative to external shell 116, relative to the compressor 104). Additionally or alternatively, the suction chamber assembly 108 may include one or more internal supports 222 (e.g., bars, rails, rods, beams, etc.) disposed within the internal volume 118 and configured to secure the inner conduit 124 in a desired orientation. Certain embodiments of the internal supports 222 are described further below.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematic an embodiment of the suction chamber assembly 108 of the vapor compression system 100. The illustrated embodiment includes certain elements and element numbers similar to those described above, such as the external shell 116, the inlet conduit 122, and the inner conduit 124. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner conduit 124 is disposed substantially entirely within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116. In other words, the inlet end 128 and the outlet end 130 of the inner conduit 124 are disposed generally within the internal volume 118 and / or within the external shell1 16. In such embodiments, the outlet end 130 (e.g., outlet 172) may be coupled and / or secured to the end plate 168 of the external shell 116. For example, the outlet 172 may extend generally flush with the end plate 168 (e.g., within a plane generally defined by the vertical axis 112 and the radial axis 114.

[0060] The illustrated embodiment also includes an embodiment of the internal supports 222 configured to support and retain the inner conduit 124 within the internal volume 118 in a desired orientation (e.g.. coaxial and / or concentric with the external shell 116, aligned along the longitudinal axis 110, aligned with the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104). Specifically, the internal supports 222 include a plurality of radial supports 240 (e.g., bars, rails, rods, beams, links, connectors, braces, struts, etc.) extending radially outward (e.g.. relative to the central axis 178) from an outer surface 242 of the inner conduit 124 to the inner surface 210 of the external shell 116. The radial supports 240 may be attached and / or secured to the outer surface 242 of the inner conduit 124 and to the inner surface 210 of the external shell 116 via welding, adhesive, an interference fit, mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, rivets), or any other suitable technique. As shown, the suction chamber assembly 108 may include three radial supports 240, which may limit and / or substantially mitigate flow losses in the working fluid that may be induced by the radial supports 240. However, other embodiments may include any suitable plurality or number of radial supports 240, such as two, four, five, six, or more radial supports 240. In some embodiments, the radial supports 240 may be spaced generally equidistantly from one another about a circumference of the inner conduit 124 (e.g., about the longitudinal axis 110).

[0061] The radial supports 240 may be positioned at and / or adjacent the inlet end 128 of the inner conduit 124 and may be offset from the flared portion 186 along the longitudinal axis 110. Additionally or alternatively, the radial supports 240 may extends along the longitudinal axis 110 for a portion (e.g., 2 percent, 4 percent, 6 percent, 8 percent, 10 percent) of the internal conduit length 200. Thus, the radial supports 240 may occupy a relatively small amount of space within the internal volume 118 and may therefore induce insubstantial (e.g., negligible) flow losses in the working fluid flowing and / or swirling within the internal volume 118. In some embodiments, one or more of the radial supports 240 may have an outer geometryconfigured as an airfoil shape, which may promote desired flow of the working fluid within the internal volume 118 (e.g., toward the inlet 170 of the inner conduit 124).

[0062] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematic an embodiment of the suction chamber assembly 108 of the vapor compression system 100. The illustrated embodiment includes certain elements and element numbers similar to those described above, such as the external shell 116, the inlet conduit 122, and the inner conduit 124. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner conduit 124 is disposed substantially entirely within the internal volume 118 of the external shell 116, as similarly described above.

[0063] The suction chamber assembly 108 also includes an embodiment of the internal support 222. Specifically, the suction chamber assembly 108 includes a single internal support 260 (e.g., plate, panel, strut, beam, longitudinal support) extending radially outward (e.g., relative to the central axis 178) from the outer surface 242 of the inner conduit 124 to the inner surface 210 of the external shell 116. The single internal support 260 may be attached and / or secured to the outer surface 242 of the inner conduit 124 and to the inner surface 210 of the external shell 116 via welding, adhesive, an interference fit, mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, rivets), or any other suitable technique. In some embodiments, the single internal support 260 may be positioned at an upper portion of the external shell 116 (e.g., the internal volume 1 18) opposite the base portion 142 (e.g., relative to the inner conduit 124 and / or the central axis 178).

[0064] The single internal support 260 is a structure configured to support and retain the inner conduit 124 within the internal volume 118 in a desired orientation (e.g., relative to the external shell 116 and / or components thereof). For example, the single internal support 260 may be a panel or plate (e.g., non-porous plate) formed from metal or other suitable material. In such embodiments, the single internal support 260 may partially or substantially block a continuous swirling flow of the working fluid about an entire circumference of the inner conduit f24 within the internal volume 118. In this way, the single internal support 260 may promote and / or enable flow of vapor working fluid into the inner conduit 124 (e.g., inlet 170) in a more efficient or rapid manner. In other embodiments, the single internal support 260 may be another type of material, such as a perforated plate, a mesh structure, or otherstructure configured to support and retain the inner conduit 124 in a desired orientation within the internal volume 118. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the single internal support 260 extends along the inner conduit 124 (e.g.. along the longitudinal axis 110) for substantially an entire magnitude of the internal conduit length 200. However, in other embodiments, the single internal support 260 may extend along the longitudinal axis 110 and the inner conduit 124 for a portion of the internal conduit length 200 (e.g., 80 percent, 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent). In such embodiments, the single internal support 260 may be positioned in a desired location along the internal conduit length 200. such as centered along the internal conduit length 200 (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 110), at and / or adjacent the inlet end 128, or at another suitable location.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the suction chamber assembly 108 of the vapor compression system 100. The illustrated embodiment includes certain elements and element numbers similar to those described above, such as the external shell 116, the inlet conduit 122, and the inner conduit 124. As described above, in some embodiments, the inner conduit 124 (e.g.. a main body of the inner conduit 124) may have the conduit diameter 184 that is substantially constant along a length of the inner conduit 124 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 110) from the inlet end 128 to the outlet end 130. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner conduit 124 includes a configuration with a variable diameter. For example, the inner conduit 124 may include the inlet end 128 having the flared portion 186 and a first body portion 280 extending from the inlet end 128 (e.g., the flared portion 186) along the longitudinal axis 110. The first body portion 280 may have a first diameter 282 that is substantially constant along the longitudinal axis 110.

[0066] The inner conduit 124 also includes a second body portion 284 (e.g., a tapered portion, a converging portion) extending from the first body portion 280 and along the longitudinal axis 110 to the outlet end 130 (e.g., outlet 172). The second body portion 284 includes a second diameter 286 that varies along the longitudinal axis 110. In particular, the second diameter 286 decreases (e.g., gradually decreases) along the longitudinal axis 110 from the first body portion 280 to the outlet end 130. In any case, the outlet end 130 (e.g.. the outlet 172) of the inner conduit 124 mayinclude an outlet diameter 288 that is substantially similar, substantially equal to, or equal to the inlet diameter 182 of the inlet port 134 of the compressor 104, as similarly described above.

[0067] As discussed in detail above, present embodiments are directed to a suction chamber assembly configured to enable flow of a working fluid into a compressor of a vapor compression system in a more uniform manner (e.g., with a more uniform flow pattern, with reduced vortices, more linear flow, more axially aligned with an inlet of the compressor). As a result, the compressor may operate more efficiently and / or with improved performance across a wider range of operating capacities of the compressor and / or the HVAC&R system. Additionally, present embodiments of the suction chamber assembly enable reduced entrainment of liquid working fluid (e.g., liquid droplets, liquid carry-over) within vapor working fluid directed into the compressor, which may further improve efficiency and / or performance of the compressor across a wide range of operating capacities. The present techniques may also enable a reduction in wear and / or degradation of components of the compressor.

[0068] While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) 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 invention.

[0069] 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 andtime 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.

[0070] 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

CLAIMS:

1. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: a suction chamber assembly configured to direct a working fluid from a heat exchanger of the HVAC&R system to a compressor of the HVAC&R system, wherein the suction chamber assembly comprises: an external shell defining an internal volume, wherein the external shell comprises a shell inlet configured to direct the working fluid into the internal volume; an inlet conduit configured to extend linearly from the heat exchanger to the shell inlet of the external shell, wherein the inlet conduit is configured to direct the working fluid from the heat exchanger to the internal volume; and an inner conduit disposed at least partially within the internal volume of the external shell, wherein the inner conduit comprises an inlet end and an outlet end, the inner conduit extends linearly from the inlet end to the outlet end, the inlet end is disposed within the internal volume, and the outlet end is configured to direct the working fluid into the compressor.

2. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the inlet conduit is configured to extend linearly along a vertical axis from the heat exchanger to the shell inlet of the external shell.

3. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, comprising the compressor, wherein the compressor comprises an inlet port, the inlet port comprises a first diameter, the outlet end of the inner conduit is fluidly coupled to the inlet port, the outlet end comprises a second diameter, and the first diameter and the second diameter are approximately equal to one another.

4. The HVAC&R system of claim 3, wherein the outlet end is disposed external to the external shell.

5. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the inner conduit extends along a longitudinal axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, and the shell inlet is formed in the external shell between the inlet end and the outlet end, relative to the longitudinal axis.

6. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the inner conduit extends along a longitudinal axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, and the inlet end comprises a flared portion extending at least partially radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis.

7. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the inner conduit is coupled to the external shell via a plurality of supports extending radially outward from the inner conduit to the external shell, relative to a longitudinal axis of the inner conduit.

8. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of supports is secured to the inlet end of the inner conduit.

9. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein the inlet conduit extends at least partially into the internal volume via the shell inlet.

10. The HVAC&R system of claim 9, comprising: a drain port formed in the external shell, wherein the drain port is aligned with the shell inlet along a longitudinal axis of the suction chamber assembly; a drain conduit extending from the drain port to the heat exchanger; and a valve disposed along the drain conduit.

11. The HVAC&R system of claim 10, wherein the valve is a check valve configured to block fluid flow along the drain conduit from the heat exchanger to the internal volume, and the check valve is configured to enable fluid flow along the drain conduit from the internal volume to the heat exchanger.

12. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising:a compressor comprising an inlet port; and a suction chamber assembly configured to direct a working fluid to the inlet port of the compressor, wherein the suction chamber assembly comprises; an external shell defining an internal volume, wherein the external shell comprises a shell inlet configured to direct the working fluid into the internal volume; and an inner conduit extending within the internal volume of the external shell, wherein the inner conduit comprises an inlet end and an outlet end, the inner conduit extends along a longitudinal axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the inlet end is disposed within the internal volume, the inlet end is configured to receive the working fluid from the internal volume, and the outlet end is configured to direct the working fluid into the inlet port of the compressor.

13. The HVAC&R system of claim 12, wherein the external shell comprises a main body extending along the longitudinal axis, the main body comprises a first end and a second end, and the shell inlet is formed at a midpoint of the external shell between the first end and the second end, relative to the longitudinal axis.

14. The HVAC&R system of claim 13, wherein the external shell comprises an end cap secured to the first end and an end plate secured to the second end, and the end cap comprises a hemispherical geometry.

15. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, wherein the inner conduit extends through the end plate, the outlet end is disposed external to the internal volume, and the outlet end is attached to the inlet port of the compressor.

16. The HVAC&R system of claim 12, comprising an inlet conduit attached to the external shell, wherein the inlet conduit is configured to direct the working fluid along a vertical axis from a heat exchanger of the HVAC&R system and into the internal volume via the shell inlet.

17. The HVAC&R system of claim 16, wherein the longitudinal axis is a central axis of the inner conduit, and the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis intersect with one another.

18. The HVAC&R system of claim 12, wherein the external shell and the inner conduit are arranged coaxially along the longitudinal axis.

19. A suction chamber assembly for a compressor of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: an external shell defining an internal volume, wherein the external shell comprises a shell inlet configured to direct a working fluid into the internal volume; an inner conduit disposed at least partially within the internal volume of the external shell, wherein the inner conduit comprises a central axis, an inlet end. an outlet end, and a flow path extending linearly from the inlet end to the outlet end along the central axis, the inlet end is disposed within the internal volume, and the outlet end is configured to direct the working fluid into an inlet port of the compressor along the central axis; and an inlet conduit configured to extend from a heat exchanger of the HVAC&R system to the external shell along a vertical axis, wherein the inlet conduit is configured to direct the working fluid from the heat exchanger and into the internal volume between the inlet end and the outlet end, relative to the central axis.

20. The suction chamber assembly of claim 19, wherein: the inlet end comprises a flared portion extending at least partially radially outward, relative to the central axis, the inner conduit is coupled to the external shell via a plurality of supports extending radially outward from the inlet end of the inner conduit to the external shell, relative to the central axis, the inlet conduit extends at least partially into the internal volume via the shell inlet, and the external shell comprises a drain port configured to discharge liquid working fluid from the internal volume of the external shell.

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