Refrigerant compressor including resonator configured to attenuate noises of different compressors

Abstract

A refrigerant compressor may include a resonator configured to attenuate noise. The resonator may be arranged adjacent, or downstream of, an outlet of the refrigerant compressor. The resonator may include a first set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with the refrigerant compressor, and the resonator may further include a second set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with another refrigerant compressor. The other refrigerant compressor exhibits a different structural configuration, or is configured to work with a different type of refrigerant, relative to the refrigerant compressor.

Description

REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR INCLUDING RESONATOR CONFIGURED TO ATTENUATE NOISES OF DIFFERENT COMPRESSORSRELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 678,088, filed August 1, 2024, the entirety of which is herein incorporate by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Refrigerant compressors are used to circulate refrigerant in a chiller via a refrigerant loop. Refrigerant loops are known to include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The compressor compresses the fluid, which then travels to the condenser, which in turn cools and condenses the fluid. The refrigerant then goes to the expansion device, which decreases the pressure of the fluid, and to the evaporator, where the fluid is vaporized, completing a refrigeration cycle.SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, including: a resonator configured to attenuate noise, wherein the resonator is arranged adjacent, or downstream of, an outlet of the refrigerant compressor, wherein the resonator includes a first set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with the refrigerant compressor, wherein the resonator includes a second set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with another refrigerant compressor exhibiting a different structural configuration, or configured to work with a different type of refrigerant, relative to the refrigerant compressor.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein the first set of grooves is upstream of the second set of grooves.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein at least some grooves within the first set increase in depth incrementally moving downstream, and at least some grooves within the second set increase in depth incrementally moving downstream.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein an upstream-most groove in the first set exhibits a largest depth and a smallest width relative each of the other grooves of the first and second sets.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein each of the grooves extends continuously about a circumference of a surface of the resonator.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein each of the grooves is axially spaced-apart from one another.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein each of the grooves is machined into a radially inner surface of a section of the resonator.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein each of the grooves is configured to attenuate noise of a unique frequency relative to the other grooves.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein each groove exhibits a unique depth relative to the other grooves.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein the grooves exhibit incrementally increasing depths moving downstream.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein an upstream-most one of the grooves exhibits a first width and the remaining grooves exhibit a common width greater than the first width.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein the first and second sets of grooves include the same quantity of grooves.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein the first and second sets of grooves include different quantities of grooves.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein: the resonator includes an outer section and an inner section spaced-apart radially inward of the outer section, the outer section includes the first and second sets of grooves, and the inner section includes additional grooves.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein the inner section includes a ring spaced-apart radially inward of the outer section, and a cone spaced-apart radially inward of the ring.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein the grooves of the inner section substantially match a configuration of the grooves of the outer section.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein the resonator is integrally formed into a housing of the refrigerant compressor.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, including: a resonator configured to attenuate noise, wherein the resonator is arranged adjacent, or downstream of, an outlet of the refrigerant compressor, wherein the resonator includes a first set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with the refrigerant compressor operating in a first condition, and wherein the resonator includes a second set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with the refrigerant compressor operating in a second condition, wherein the second condition includes a different pressure ratio, capacity, or temperature than the first condition.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein the first and second sets of grooves include different quantities of grooves.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a refrigerant compressor, wherein: the resonator includes an outer section and an inner section spaced-apart radially inward of the outer section, the outer section includes the first and second sets of grooves, and the inner section includes additional grooves substantially matching a configuration of the grooves of the outer section.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a refrigerant system.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of a compressor.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an exterior of the compressor.

[0026] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a resonator.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another resonator.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a refrigerant system 10. The refrigerant system 10 includes a main refrigerant loop, or circuit, 12 in communication with a compressor 14, a condenser 16, an evaporator 18, and an expansion device 20. This refrigerant system 10 may be used in a chiller, for example. In that example, a cooling tower may be in fluid communication with the condenser 16. While a particular example of the refrigerant system 10 is shown, this application extends to other refrigerant system configurations, including configurations that do not include a chiller. For instance, the main refrigerant loop 12 can include an economizer downstream of the condenser 16 and upstream of the expansion device 20.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates, in cross-section, a portion of an example compressor 14.The compressor 14 includes an electric motor 22 having a stator 24 arranged radially outside of a rotor 26. The rotor 26 is connected to a shaft 28, which rotates to drive at least one compression stage 30 of the compressor 14, which in this example includes at least one impeller 32. The compressor 14 may include multiple compression stages.

[0030] The shaft 28 and impeller 32 are rotatable by the electric motor 22 about an axis A to compress refrigerant F. The terms axial, radial, and circumferential in this disclosure are used relative to the axis A. The shaft 28 may be rotatably supported by a plurality of bearing assemblies, which in some examples are magnetic bearing assemblies.

[0031] During operation of the compressor 14, refrigerant F flows axially toward the impeller 32 and is expelled radially outwardly to a diffuser 34 downstream of the impeller 32. The diffuser 34 is arranged radially between the outlet of the impeller 32 and a volute 40. The volute 40 may be in fluid communication with the condenser 16 or another compression stage of the compressor 14.

[0032] In this disclosure, the compressor 14 includes a resonator configured to attenuate noises corresponding to compressors which are configured structurally differently and / or that work with different refrigerants. Specifically, in use, the compressor 14 will exhibit noises of a particular frequency, or within a particular frequency range, because of its particular structural configuration and the type refrigerant being used. Other compressors which are configured structurally differently (e.g., those that include a different configuration, including a different size or shape, of structural components), or even if those other compressors are configured structurally similarly but use (i.e., work with; compress) a different refrigerant or operate at different capacities, may exhibit noises of different frequencies or different frequency ranges. In this way, a common resonator design can be used with a number of different types of compressors, or compressors using different refrigerants. Further, theresonator can attenuate noises of different frequencies attributed to a compressor operating at a different condition (e.g., a different capacity, pressure ratio, temperature, etc.). In turn, the resonator of this disclosure simplifies inventory management, reduces costs, and enhances efficiency by providing a single, versatile solution that meets multiple needs.

[0033] The resonator is provided adjacent, or downstream, of the outlet of the compressor 14, and may be integrally formed (i.e., machined into) a housing of the compressor 14, or provided as a separate component, among other embodiments. The resonator may be attached to a housing of the compressor, or attached to a pipe connected to the housing of the compressor, as examples.

[0034] With reference to Figure 3, a resonator 42 is shown. The resonator 42 is integrally formed into a housing 44 of the compressor 14 at a location adjacent, and immediately downstream, of the volute 40. The housing 44 may be coupled to a pipe downstream of the resonator 42, which may lead directly to the condenser 16. While shown separate from the volute 40, the housing 44 and volute 40 could be integrally formed. The portion of the housing 44 that is shown defines an outlet of the compressor 14. Again, the resonator 42 does not need to be integrally formed into the housing 44, and can be attached to the housing 44. Further, the resonator 42 could be attached to a pipe, which is directly or indirectly attached to the housing 44.

[0035] Another example resonator 142 is shown in Figure 4. Initially, the resonator 142 is similar to the resonator 42, except that the resonator 142 includes an inner section 160, which is arranged radially inward of an outer section 162. An inner section 160 is not required in all examples. However, when present, the inner section 160 exposes more of the flow within the resonator to the grooves.

[0036] With respect to the outer section 162, the resonator 142 includes grooves 146A-146I. While nine grooves 146A-146I are shown, the resonator 142 could include one ormore sets of grooves, with each set including at least one groove. In this example, the grooves146A-146I extend continuously about a circumference of an axis X, which is a central axis of a flow path radially inward of the grooves 146A-146I. Further, the grooves 146A-146I are axially spaced-apart from one another along the axis X. The grooves 146A-146I are machined- into a radially inner surface 148 of the housing 150 of the resonator 142 that establishes the outer section 162, in this example. If the resonator 142 is formed integrally with the housing 44, then the grooves 146A-146I would be machined-into the housing 44. The radially inner surface 148 provides a radially outer boundary of a flow path of fluid F expelled from the volute 40, in this example.

[0037] Each of the grooves 146A-146I is configured to attenuate noise of a different frequency, namely a frequency that is unique relative to the other grooves. In an example, a set including at least two of the grooves (i.e., grooves 146A-146D) may be configured to attenuate noises known to correspond to compressors using a particular refrigerant, while a set including at least two other grooves (i.e., grooves 146E-146I) may be configured to attenuate noises known to correspond to compressors using another type of refrigerant.

[0038] In the embodiment of Figure 4, each of the grooves 146A-146I exhibits a unique depth relative to the other grooves 146A-146I, and the depth of each groove 146A-146I corresponds to the frequency of noise that the groove is configured to attenuate. As fluid passes through the resonator 142, some of that fluid enters grooves 146A-146I, and the sound waves inside the grooves 146A-146I interfere with the incoming sound waves from the fluid flow, leading to destructive interference and a reduction in the overall amplitude of the sound waves. The resonator 142 may be referred to as a noise attenuator.

[0039] In this example, the grooves 146A-146I exhibit depths D1-D9, respectively, measured radially, beginning from the radially inner surface 148 of the housing 150 at alocation immediately adjacent a respective groove, in a direction perpendicular to axis X. Each of the grooves 146A-146I exhibits a rectangular cross-sectional shape, in this example.

[0040] The grooves 146A-146I increase incrementally in depth D1-D9 moving downstream, in this example. In other examples, the depths do not follow an incrementally increasing sequence. Grooves 146A-146I each also exhibit a unique depth relative to each of the other grooves 146A-146I, in this example.

[0041] The grooves 146A-146I each exhibit a common width Wi, with one exception, in this example, which is that the groove 1461 exhibits a width W2, which is less than width Wi. While one groove 1461 exhibits a width different than the others, one or more of the grooves 146A-146I could exhibit unique widths.

[0042] The range of noise frequencies targeted by the above-discussed arrangement corresponds to the noises generated based on the speeds, capacity, etc., corresponding to refrigerant compressors, as opposed to other types of compressors, such as those associated with turbochargers, which operate at significantly higher speeds, among other differences.

[0043] The resonator 142 further includes an inner section 160, which is arranged radially inward of the outer section 162. The inner section 160 includes a ring 164 spaced-apart radially inward of the outer section 162, and a cone 166 spaced-apart radially inward of the ring 164. Tn particular, the radially outer surface 168 of the ring 164 is spaced-apart from the radially inner surface 148 of the outer section 162 such that fluid can flow between radially outer surface 168 and radially inner surface 148 to interface with the grooves of the outer section 162. Further, a radially inner surface 172 of the ring 164 is spaced-apart radially from the cone 166 such that fluid can flow between the cone 166 and the radially inner surface 172 to interface with grooves of the ring 164. In this example, the ring 164 includes grooves 174A- 174H. The grooves 174A-174H increase incrementally in depth moving from the volute 140 toward the outlet of the compressor 14 and exhibit common widths. Grooves 174A-174Hsubstantially match the configuration of grooves 146A-146H. One or more of the widths of the grooves 174A-174H could be unique to the other grooves 174A-174H, however. Further, while eight grooves 174A-174H are shown, a different number of grooves could be provided, such as a quantity and configuration substantially matching that of grooves 146A-146I.

[0044] The cone 166 is not required in all examples. The cone 166, if present, and the ring 164 may be supported by one or more radially projecting lugs, which project radially inward from radially inner surface 148.

[0045] Providing the inner section 160 with the same groove arrangement as the outer section 162 breaks up the fluid passing through resonator 142 into smaller volumes, which increases the likelihood and ability of fluid to interact with one or more of the grooves. In this regard, while one inner section with an additional, dedicated set of grooves is shown, there could be additional inner sections, such as one or more sections radially inward of inner section 160, each with an additional, dedicated set of grooves.

[0046] When present, the ring 164 and cone 166 exhibit curved leading and trailing edges. Further, a radial dimension of the cone 166 increases moving toward the outlet of the compressor 14, in this example.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates another resonator 242. The resonators 142, 242 include like components, including a like groove arrangement, except where described. The resonator 242 includes like components relative to the resonator 142, preappended with a “2” instead of a “1.”

[0048] With respect to the outer section 262, the resonator 242 includes grooves 246A-246I. While nine grooves 246A-246I are shown, the resonator 242 could include one or more sets of grooves, with each set including at least one groove. Here, a first set 290 including grooves 246A-246E is configured to attenuate noises known to correspond to compressorsusing a R134a, while a second set 292 including grooves 246F-246I are configured to attenuate noises known to correspond to compressors using R1234ze.

[0049] Each of the grooves within each set 290, 292 exhibits a unique depth relative to the other grooves within that set 290, 292. In this example, the grooves 246A-246I exhibit depths D1-D9, respectively. Each of the grooves 246A-246I exhibits a rectangular cross- sectional shape, in this example. Within set 290, upstream-most groove 246A exhibits a greatest depth Di, with groove 246B exhibiting the smallest depth D2. Then, beginning with groove 242B, the grooves 246B-246D increase incrementally in depth D2-D5 moving downstream. Within set 292, grooves 246E-246I increase incrementally in depth D6-D9 moving downstream. Downstream-most groove 2461 exhibits a depth D9 less than depths Di and D5, in this example.

[0050] The grooves 246A-146I each exhibit a common width Wi, with one exception, in this example, which is that the groove 246A exhibits a width W2, which is less than width W 1. While only one of the grooves 246A-246I exhibits a width different than the others, one or more of the grooves 246A-246I could exhibit unique widths.

[0051] In this example, the ring 264 includes grooves 274A-274H. The grooves 274A-274D substantially mirror grooves 246B-246D in depth and width, while grooves 274E- 274H substantially mirror groove 246E-246I in depth and width, respectively. In this way, the grooves 274A-274D serve to attenuate the same noises as grooves 246B-246D, and grooves 274E-274H serve to attenuate the same noises as grooves 246E-246I. While a groove matching groove 246A is not present on ring 264, one could be added.

[0052] It should be understood that terms such as “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” are used above with reference to the normal operational attitude of the compressor 14. Further, these terms have been used herein for purposes of explanation, and should not be considered otherwise limiting. Terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” and“about” are not intended to be boundary less terms, and should be interpreted consistent with the way one skilled in the art would interpret those terms.

[0053] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0054] One of ordinary skill in this art would understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and non- limiting. That is, modifications of this disclosure would come within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A refrigerant compressor, comprising: a resonator configured to attenuate noise, wherein the resonator is arranged adjacent, or downstream of, an outlet of the refrigerant compressor, wherein the resonator includes a first set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with the refrigerant compressor, wherein the resonator includes a second set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with another refrigerant compressor exhibiting a different structural configuration, or configured to work with a different type of refrigerant, relative to the refrigerant compressor.

2. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1, wherein the first set of grooves is upstream of the second set of grooves.

3. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 2, wherein at least some grooves within the first set increase in depth incrementally moving downstream, and at least some grooves within the second set increase in depth incrementally moving downstream.

4. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 3, wherein an upstream-most groove in the first set exhibits a largest depth and a smallest width relative each of the other grooves of the first and second sets.

5. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the grooves extends continuously about a circumference of a surface of the resonator.

6. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the grooves is axially spaced-apart from one another.

7. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the grooves is machined into a radially inner surface of a section of the resonator.

8. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the grooves is configured to attenuate noise of a unique frequency relative to the other grooves.

9. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1 , wherein each groove exhibits a unique depth relative to the other grooves.

10. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 9, wherein the grooves exhibit incrementally increasing depths moving downstream.

11. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1 , wherein an upstream-most one of the grooves exhibits a first width and the remaining grooves exhibit a common width greater than the first width.

12. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first and second sets of grooves include the same quantity of grooves.

13. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second sets of grooves include different quantities of grooves.

14. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1, wherein:the resonator includes an outer section and an inner section spaced-apart radially inward of the outer section, the outer section includes the first and second sets of grooves, and the inner section includes additional grooves.

15. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 14, wherein the inner section includes a ring spaced-apart radially inward of the outer section, and a cone spaced-apart radially inward of the ring.

16. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 14, wherein the grooves of the inner section substantially match a configuration of the grooves of the outer section.

17. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 1, wherein the resonator is integrally formed into a housing of the refrigerant compressor.

18. A refrigerant compressor, comprising: a resonator configured to attenuate noise, wherein the resonator is arranged adjacent, or downstream of, an outlet of the refrigerant compressor, wherein the resonator includes a first set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with the refrigerant compressor operating in a first condition, and wherein the resonator includes a second set of grooves configured to attenuate noises associated with the refrigerant compressor operating in a second condition, wherein the second condition includes a different pressure ratio, capacity, or temperature than the first condition.

19. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 18, wherein the first and second sets of grooves include different quantities of grooves.

20. The refrigerant compressor as recited in claim 18, wherein: the resonator includes an outer section and an inner section spaced-apart radially inward of the outer section, the outer section includes the first and second sets of grooves, and the inner section includes additional grooves substantially matching a configuration of the grooves of the outer section.

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