Enclosure assembly for machines

Abstract

A system includes a first machine assembly, a second machine assembly, and an enclosure. The enclosure includes a first wall having a plurality of louvers, and a partition that partitions the enclosure into a first chamber in which the first machine assembly is disposed and a second chamber in which the second machine assembly is disposed. A system includes a first hydrogen compressor assembly configured to compress hydrogen, a second hydrogen compressor assembly configured to compress hydrogen, a turbine assembly, and an enclosure. The enclosure includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall, the second side wall and the fourth side wall extending between the first side wall and the third side wall. A first partition and a second partition extend between the first side wall and the third side wall that partitions the enclosure.

Description

ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR MACHINESCROSS REFEERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date from Italian Application No. 102024000015313, filed July 3, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The use of hydrogen as a fuel source has gained traction in recent years. For example, hydrogen may be reacted with oxygen in a fuel cell to produce mechanical energy. In order for hydrogen to be useful as a fuel source, the hydrogen must be compressed. A quieter, safer hydrogen compression system is desirable.SUMMARY

[0003] An embodiment of a system comprising a first machine assembly, a second machine assembly, and an enclosure comprising a first wall comprising a plurality of louvers, and a partition that partitions the enclosure into a first chamber in which the first machine assembly is disposed and a second chamber in which the second machine assembly is disposed.

[0004] An embodiment of a system comprising a first hydrogen compressor assembly configured to compress hydrogen, a second hydrogen compressor assembly configured to compress hydrogen, a turbine assembly, and an enclosure comprising a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall, the second side wall and the fourth side wall extending between the first side wall and the third side wall, a first partition and a second partition extending between the first side wall and the third side wall that partitions the enclosure into a first chamber in which the first compressor assembly is disposed, a second chamber in which the turbine assembly is disposed, and a third chamber in which the second compressor assembly is disposed, wherein at least the first side wall and the third side wall comprises a plurality of louvers.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0006] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system including a hydrogen compression system according to one or more embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a hydrogen compression system according to one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an enclosure for a hydrogen compression system according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 shows a top view of an enclosure for a hydrogen compression system according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of an enclosure for a hydrogen compression system according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a partition according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a partition according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the enclosure of Fig. 3 taken at VIII- VIII.

[0014] Figures 9 A and 9B show an example of a louver according to one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

[0016] Referring to Figure 1, a system 10 according to one or more embodiments includes a hydrogen compression system 11 and a controller 13 operatively connected to the hydrogen compression system 11. While Figure 1 shows the controller 13 outside of the hydrogen compression system 11, the controller 13 may be part of the hydrogen compression system 11. The controller 13 may be a single controller or multiple controllers. The controller 13 may include processing circuitry that may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that stores and / or executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. The controller 13 may control one or more elements of the hydrogen compression system 11.

[0017] Referring to Figure 2, the hydrogen compression system 11 defines an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. In Figure 1, the hydrogen compression system 11 is shown schematically along the Z-axis. As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen compression system 11 may include a first compressor assembly 20, a turbine assembly 30, and a second compressor assembly 40. The first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40 may include a centrifugal compressor or any other compressor known in the art. The turbine assembly 30 may include a steam turbine or any other turbine known in the art. The turbine assembly 30 may include a turbine that is powered by a power source, e.g., steam, to rotate. The turbine assembly 30 may drive the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40. For example, the turbine assembly 30 may include a first shaft assembly 51 operably coupled to the first compressor assembly 20 to rotate a compressor of the first compressor assembly 20 to compress hydrogen, and / or the turbine assembly 30 may include a second shaft assembly 53 operably coupled to the second compressor assembly 40 to rotate a compressor of the second compressor assembly 40 to compress hydrogen. The controller 13 may control the first compressor assembly 20, the turbine assembly 30, and / or the second compressor assembly 40.

[0018] The hydrogen compression system 11 may comprise a base assembly 70 and an enclosure 100 disposed on the base assembly 70 or off baseplate. The base assembly 70 may include structures operably connected to the first compressor assembly 20, the turbine assembly 30, and / or the second compressor assembly 40. For example, the base assembly 70 may flow hydrogen into and / or out of the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40. The base assembly 70 may also include a floor 110 on which the first compressor assembly 20, the turbine assembly 30, and / or the second compressor assembly 40 may be mounted.

[0019] Hydrogen may flow into the first compressor assembly 20 through a first compressor inlet 21 and be discharged via a first compressor outlet 22, and / or may flow into the second compressor assembly 40 through a second compressor inlet 41 and be discharged via a second compressor outlet 42. Steam or gas may flow into the turbine assembly 30 through a turbine inlet 31 and be discharged through turbine outlet 32.

[0020] A second piping assembly 63 may be operably connected to or pass through the base assembly 70 to / from the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40. The second piping assembly 63 may include inlet piping 63a and outlet piping 63b. Lubricants may flow into the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40 through the inlet piping 63a of the second piping assembly 63.Lubricants used by the first compressor assembly 20, the turbine assembly 30, and / or the second compressor assembly 40 may flow out of the first compressor assembly 20, the turbine assembly 30, and / or the second compressor assembly 40 through the outlet piping 63b of the second piping assembly 63.

[0021] The enclosure 100 is shown in Figures 3-8. The enclosure 100 may include a first side wall 111, a second side wall 113, a third side wall 115, a fourth side wall 117, and a top wall 119. While the enclosure 100 is shown as a rectangular structure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the enclosure 100 may take any shape known in the art. As shown in Figures 1 and 4-7, the enclosure 100 may include a first partition 151 and / or a second partition 155. The first partition 151 may extend between the first side wall 111 and the third side wall 115. The first partition 151 may extend from the floor 110 towards the top wall 119. The first partition 151 may extend partially to the top wall 119 or may extend all the way to the top wall 119. The second partition 155 may extend between the first side wall 111 and the third side wall 115. The second partition 155 may extend from the floor 110 towards the top wall 119. The second partition 155 may extend partially to the top wall 119 or may extend all the way to the top wall 119.

[0022] A first chamber 220 may be defined by the first side wall 111, the first partition 151, the third side wall 115, the fourth side wall 117, the floor 110, and the top wall 119. A second chamber 230 may be defined by the first side wall 111, the first partition 151, the third side wall 115, the second partition 155, the floor 110, and the top wall 119. A third chamber 240 may be defined by the first side wall 111, the second side wall 113, the third side wall 115, the second partition 155, the floor 110, and the top wall 119. The first compressor assembly 20 may be disposed within the first chamber 220, the turbine assembly 30 may be disposed within the second chamber 230, and / or the second compressor assembly 40 may be disposed within the third chamber 240. The first partition 151 may partition the first chamber 220 from the second chamber 230, and / or the second partition 155 may partition the third chamber 240 from the second chamber 230.

[0023] Referring to Figures 4-7, the first partition 151 may include a first planar portion 152 that is planar in shape and arranged substantially perpendicular to the X-axis, and a first protruding portion 153 that protrudes from the first planar portion 152 towards the second chamber 230. The second partition 155 may include a second planar portion 156 that is planar in shape and arranged substantially perpendicular to the X-axis, and a second protruding portion 157 that protrudes from the second planar portion 156 towards the secondchamber 230. The first protruding portion 153 and the second protruding portion 157 may protrude toward each other along the X-axis.

[0024] The first partition 151 may include one or more first openings 154 through which components of the first compressor assembly 20, the turbine assembly 30, and / or a structure extending between the first compressor assembly 20 and the turbine assembly 30 may pass. For example, the first shaft assembly 51 (see Figure 1) may pass through one of the one or more first openings 154 open along the X-axis. Each of the first openings 154 may be sealed such that the first partition 151 prevents or limits fluid communication between the first chamber 220 and the second chamber 230. The first partition 151 may be formed of steel, e.g., a steel sheet. The first partition 151 may form a fluid seal between the first chamber 220 and the second chamber 230.

[0025] The second partition 155 may include one or more second openings 158 through which components of the turbine assembly 30, the second compressor assembly 40, and / or a structure extending between turbine assembly 30 and the second compressor assembly 40 may pass. For example, the second shaft assembly 53 (see Figure 1) may pass through one of the one or more second openings 158 open along the X-axis. Each of the second openings 158 may be sealed such that the second partition 155 prevents fluid communication between the third chamber 240 and the second chamber 230. The second partition 155 may be formed of steel, e.g., a steel sheet. The second partition 155 may form a fluid seal between the second chamber 230 and the second chamber 240.

[0026] The first side wall 111 may include an opening 125 through which piping for the turbine assembly 30 may pass to allow working fluids to flow into and / or out of the turbine assembly 30. As a non-limiting example, piping for feeding steam into the turbine assembly 30 may pass through the opening 125, while piping for removing steam from the turbine assembly 30 may be within the base assembly 70 or the floor 110.

[0027] The hydrogen compression system 11 may comprise a first piping assembly 61 that passes through the first side wall 111 and / or the third side wall 115 and having an inlet 62a outside of the second chamber 230 and an outlet 62b within the second chamber 230. A blower 161 may be disposed on the first piping assembly 61. The outlet 62b may be positioned proximate to a lower end of the second chamber 230 such that forced air from the blower 161 enters the second chamber 230 proximate to a lower portion thereof. The blower 161 may be a fan or any other blower known in the art.

[0028] The controller 13 may control the blower 161. Sensors 165 may be disposed within the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240. Thesensors 165 may be operably connected to the controller 13. The sensors 165 may be configured to detect hydrogen within the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240 or outside of enclosure 100 and transmit data indicating the presence or absence of hydrogen within the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240 to the controller 13. If the controller 13 receives data indicating absence of hydrogen within the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240, the controller 13 may control the blower 161 to be OFF. If the controller 13 receives data indicating presence of hydrogen within the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240, the controller 13 may control the blower 161 to be ON. While the enclosure 100 may be structured such that natural convection creates a flow of air into the second chamber 230 via the first side wall 111 and the third side wall 115 and out of the second chamber 230 via the top wall 119, when the presence of hydrogen is detected within the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240 by the sensor 165, the blower 161 may be turned on to generate forced flow of air into the second chamber 230 and out of the top wall 119, the first side wall 111, and / or the third side wall 115.Alternatively or additionally, the blower 161 may blow an inert gas and / or a cooling medium into the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240.

[0029] Additionally, a fire fighting system 166 may be disposed within the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240. The fire fighting system 166 may be operably connected to the controller 13. The fire fighting system 166 may include, as non-limiting examples, fire extinguishers and / or liquid jets.

[0030] During operation of the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40, hydrogen should be contained within the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40 such that the first chamber 220 and the third chamber 240 should not have any hydrogen therein outside of the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40. However, if hydrogen were to leak out of the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40, the hydrogen should be prevented from entering the second chamber 230, as the turbine assembly 30 may run at a high temperature close to an ignition temperature of hydrogen, risking ignition of the hydrogen. Thus, in case of a leak, the first partition 151 and the second partition 155 are structured to keep any hydrogen that leaks from the first compressor assembly 20 and / or the second compressor assembly 40 from entering the second chamber 230. However, in case hydrogen were to enter the second chamber 230, the sensor 165 may detect the presence of hydrogen in the second chamber 230 and transmit data indicating the presence of hydrogen tothe controller 13, the controller 13 may determine whether the data indicating the presence of hydrogen indicates a level of hydrogen exceeding a predetermined threshold, and the controller 13 may control the blower 161 to be ON to generate a forced flow of air to remove the hydrogen from the second chamber 230 before ignition has a chance to occur. Thus, the system 10 includes multiple levels of safety measures to prevent hydrogen ignition. The sensor 165 may additionally or alternatively detect a temperature within the second chamber 30, and the controller 13 may control the blower 161 to be ON to generate a forced flow of air when the second chamber 30 reaches a predetermined temperature threshold for forced convection cooling when the temperature within the second chamber 30 exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. The level of hydrogen exceeding the predetermined threshold or the temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature threshold may be nonlimiting examples of a predetermined condition for turning the blower 161 ON. The controller 13 may further turn the one or more of the fire fighting systems 166 ON if the predetermined condition is met.

[0031] The enclosure 100 may include an enclosure support frame 130. The enclosure support frame 130 may include a plurality of first comer beams 137 extending along the Z-axis, a plurality of second corner beams 138 extending along the X-axis, and a plurality of third corner beams 139 extending along the Y-axis. One end of the first corner beams 137 may be mounted on the base assembly 70. The second corner beams 138 and the third comer beams 139 may extend between the first comer beams 137. The enclosure support frame 130 may further include a plurality of first support beams 131 mounted on the extending along the Z-axis, and a plurality of first crossbeams 132 extending between the first support beams 131 along the X-axis or along the Y-axis. The first corner beams 137, the second corner beams 138, the first support beams 131, and the first crossbeams 132 may define a part of the first side wall 111 and the third side wall 115. The first comer beams 137, the third corner beams 139, the first support beams 131, and the first crossbeams 132 may define a part of the second side wall 113 and the third side wall 117.

[0032] The enclosure support frame 130 may include a plurality of second support beams 135 extending between the second corner beams 138 along the Y-axis and a plurality of second crossbeams 136 between the second support beams 135 along the X-axis. The second corner beams 138, the third comer beams 139, the second support beams 135, and the second crossbeams 136 may define a part of the top wall 119.

[0033] The first side wall 111 and the third side wall 115 may include a plurality of access doors 129 for accessing the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and or thethird chamber 240. Although not shown, the second side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 117 may also include one or more access doors 129 for accessing the first chamber 220 and / or the third chamber 240. The first side wall 111 and / or the third side wall 115 may include a piping support panel 128 that supports the first piping assembly 61. The first piping assembly 61 may pass through the piping support panel 128. One or more or each of the first side wall 111, the second side wall 113, the third side wall 115, and the fourth side wall 117 may include a plurality of louvers 121. The louvers 121 of the first side wall 111 and / or the third side wall 115 may extend along the X-axis. The louvers 121 of the second side wall 113 and / or the fourth side wall 117 may extend along the Y-axis. The louvers 121 may extend between the first comer beams 137, the first support beams 131, the piping support panels 128, and the access doors 129. Figures 9A and 9B show a non-limiting example of the louvers 121. The louvers 121 may be formed of metal, plastic, rubber, wood, or any combination thereof. Each of the louvers 121 may include a front panel 121a, a rear panel 121b, an upper panel 121c, and a lower panel 121d. As a non-limiting example, the front panel 121a, the rear panel 121b, the upper panel 121c, and / or the lower panel 121d may be formed of steel sheets, e.g., steel sheet having thickness between 3mm and 6mm. The lower panel 121d may be a perforated or stretched panel. One or more sound absorbing materials 121e may be disposed in a space defined by the front panel 121a, the rear panel 121b, the upper panel 121c, and the lower panel 121d. As a non-limiting example, the one or more sound absorbing materials 121e may include mineral wool, e.g., mineral wool having density that is equal to or greater than 60kg / m3. The louvers 121 may extend at one or more oblique angles with respect to a horizontal plane, and flowpaths 121 f may be defined between adjacent louvers 121. As a non-limiting example, the oblique angles may be between 15 and 60 degrees.

[0034] The louvers 121 may function as acoustic dampers to decrease the volume of the noise escaping the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240, while allowing ventilation of the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240 through the flowpaths 121f. The first side wall 111, the second side wall 113, the third side wall 115, and / or the fourth side wall 117 may further include ventilation openings 128 near the top portion thereof to provide additional ventilation.

[0035] The top wall 119 may include a plurality of baffles 123 extending between the third support beams 138 and / or the second support beams 135. Although not shown, the baffles 123 may extend between the second crossbeams 136. As shown in Figure 7, the baffles 123 may be disposed on baffle frames 124 which are supported by second cornerbeams 138, the third corner beams 139, the second support beams 135 and / or the second crossbeams 136. Each of the baffles 123 may be plate-shaped structures extending along the Z-axis. The baffles 123 may function as acoustic dampers to decrease the volume of the noise escaping the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240, while allowing ventilation of the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240.

[0036] While the drawings show the outlet 62b for the first piping assembly 61 on which the blower 161 is disposed being within the second chamber 230, outlets for piping connected to a blowers may be disposed at the first chamber 220 and / or the third chamber 240 to generate forced air through the first chamber 220 and / or the third chamber 240 when hydrogen is detected.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments, each of the first side wall 111, the second side wall 113, the third side wall 115, and the fourth side wall 117 may be in the range of 2000mm-3000mm. Alternatively, one or more of the first side wall 111, the second side wall 113, the third side wall 115, and the fourth side wall 117 may be less than 2000mm or greater than 3000mm.

[0038] The enclosure 100 as discussed above may include first, second, third, and fourth side walls 111, 113, 115, 117, one or more of which may be formed in part by louvers 121. The enclosure 100 as discussed above may include a top wall 119 which may be formed in part by baffles 123. The louvers 121 and baffles 123 may facilitate natural ventilation while acting as acoustic dampers to reduce noise from the first compressor assembly 20, the turbine assembly 30, and / or the second compressor assembly 40. The hydrogen compression system 11 may further include a blower 161 that generates forced air flow into the second chamber 230 when hydrogen is detected within the first, second, and / or third chambers 220, 230, 240 so as to force hydrogen out therefrom in case of a leak.

[0039] The system 10 as described above may allow driver equipment, e.g., the turbine assembly 30, and driven equipment, e.g., the first and second compressor assemblies 20, 40 on a common shaft line. The system 10 may reduce the amount of equipment, reduce a footprint, reduce power loss, and / or reduce cost.

[0040] The system 10 as described above has an enclosure 100 that functions as an acoustic damper for noise generated by the first compressor assembly 20, the turbine assembly 30, and / or the second compressor assembly 40, while providing effective ventilation for the first chamber 220, the second chamber 230, and / or the third chamber 240to provide sufficient air change rates therethrough. The system 10 may provide a quieter and safer hydrogen compression system 11.

[0041] While the system 10 is discussed above with respect to hydrogen compression, it will be understood that the system 10 may be used in compression systems for any gas that benefits from compression.

[0042] Figures 1-9B may show an emergency fan system, sensors, and / or a fire fighting system according to one or more embodiments.

[0043] Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing disclosure:

[0044] Embodiment 1 : A system comprising a first machine assembly, a second machine assembly, and an enclosure comprising a first wall comprising a plurality of louvers, and a partition that partitions the enclosure into a first chamber in which the first machine assembly is disposed and a second chamber in which the second machine assembly is disposed.

[0045] Embodiment 2: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the louvers are acoustic dampers.

[0046] Embodiment 3 : The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the enclosure further comprises a second wall comprising a plurality of baffles.

[0047] Embodiment 4: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the baffles are acoustic dampers.

[0048] Embodiment 5: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the first wall is a side wall of the enclosure and the second wall is a top wall of the enclosure.

[0049] Embodiment 6: The system as in any prior embodiment, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a predetermined condition within any chamber, a blower configured to blow air, an inert gas, or a cooling medium into the first chamber or the second chamber, and a controller configured to receive data indicating the predetermined condition from the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to turn the blower ON when the predetermined condition is met.

[0050] Embodiment 7 : The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the predetermined condition is a temperature in the any chamber exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0051] Embodiment 8: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the predetermined condition is a level of hydrogen in the any chamber exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0052] Embodiment 9: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the partition forms a fluid seal between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0053] Embodiment 10: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the partition comprises a planar portion and a protruding portion that protrudes from the planar portion towards the second chamber.

[0054] Embodiment 11 : The system as in any prior embodiment, further comprising a base assembly on which the enclosure is mounted.

[0055] Embodiment 12: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the first wall comprises a plurality of support beams between which the plurality of louvers extend.

[0056] Embodiment 13: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the second wall comprises a plurality of support beams between which the plurality of baffles extend.

[0057] Embodiment 14: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the first machine assembly is a compressor assembly and the second machine assembly is a turbine assembly.

[0058] Embodiment 15: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the turbine assembly is configured to drive the compressor assembly.

[0059] Embodiment 16: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the compressor assembly comprises a centrifugal compressor configured to compress hydrogen, and the turbine assembly comprises a steam turbine.

[0060] Embodiment 17: The system as in any prior embodiment, further comprising a fire fighting system configured to be activated when a predetermined condition is met.

[0061] Embodiment 18: A system comprising a first hydrogen compressor assembly configured to compress hydrogen, a second hydrogen compressor assembly configured to compress hydrogen, a turbine assembly, and an enclosure comprising a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall, the second side wall and the fourth side wall extending between the first side wall and the third side wall, a first partition and a second partition extending between the first side wall and the third side wall that partitions the enclosure into a first chamber in which the first compressor assembly is disposed, a second chamber in which the turbine assembly is disposed, and a third chamber in which the second compressor assembly is disposed, wherein at least the first side wall and the third side wall comprises a plurality of louvers.

[0062] Embodiment 19: The system as in any prior embodiment, wherein the enclosure further comprises a top wall comprising a plurality of baffles.

[0063] Embodiment 20: The system as in any prior embodiment, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a level of hydrogen within the first chamber, the second chamber, or the third chamber, a blower configured to blow air, an inert gas, or a cooling medium into the first chamber, the second chamber, or the third chamber and a controller configured to receive data indicating the level of the hydrogen from the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to turn the blower ON when the level of hydrogen exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0064] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “about”, “substantially” and “generally” are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” and / or “substantially” and / or “generally” can include a range of ± 8% of a given value.

[0065] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (10) characterized by: a first machine assembly (20); and a second machine assembly (40); and an enclosure (100) characterized by: a first wall (111) characterized by a plurality of louvers (121), and a partition (151, 155) that partitions the enclosure (100) into a first chamber (220) in which the first machine assembly (20) is disposed and a second chamber (230) in which the second machine assembly (40) is disposed.

2. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the louvers (121) are acoustic dampers.

3. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the enclosure (100) further comprises a second wall (119) characterized by a plurality of baffles (123).

4. The system (10) of claim 3, wherein the baffles (123) are acoustic dampers.

5. The system (10) of claim 3, wherein the first wall (111) is a side wall of the enclosure (100) and the second wall (119) is a top wall of the enclosure (100).

6. The system (10) of claim 1, further characterized by: a sensor (165) configured to detect a predetermined condition within any chamber (220, 230, 240); a blower (161, 163) configured to blow air, an inert gas, or a cooling medium into the first chamber (220) or the second chamber (230); and a controller (13) configured to receive data indicating the predetermined condition from the sensor (165), wherein the controller (13) is configured to turn the blower (161, 163) ON when the predetermined condition is met.

7. The system (10) of claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is a temperature in the any chamber (220, 230, 240) exceeding a predetermined threshold.

8. The system (10) of claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is a level of hydrogen in the any chamber (220, 230, 240) exceeding a predetermined threshold.

9. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the partition (151, 155) forms a fluid seal between the first chamber (220) and the second chamber (230).

10. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the partition (151, 155) comprises a planar portion (152, 156) and a protruding portion (153, 157) that protrudes from the planar portion (152, 156) towards the second chamber (230).

11. The system (10) of claim 1, further characterized by a base assembly (70) on which the enclosure (100) is mounted.

12. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the first wall (111) comprises a plurality of support beams (131, 135) between which the plurality of louvers (121) extend.

13. The system (10) of claim 3, wherein the second wall (119) comprises a plurality of support beams (131, 135) between which the plurality of baffles (123) extend.

14. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the first machine assembly (30) is a compressor assembly and the second machine assembly (40) is a turbine assembly (30).

15. The system (10) of claim 14, wherein the turbine assembly (30) is configured to drive the compressor assembly (20, 40).

Images