Refrigerant circuit compressor gas bearing feed
US12292219B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2022 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2700/2117
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is described for operating a refrigerant circuit that includes a compressor with a driveshaft and one or more gas bearings for supporting the driveshaft. The method includes operating the refrigerant circuit in a first mode which includes supplying gaseous working fluid compressed by the compressor to the one or more gas bearings of the compressor, and the one or more gas bearings using the compressed gaseous working fluid to support the driveshaft. The method includes operating the refrigerant circuit in a second mode which includes supplying liquid working fluid to the one or more gas bearings of the compressor, and the one or more gas bearings using the liquid working fluid to support the driveshaft. A refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an expander, an evaporator, and a controller configured to selectively operate the refrigerant circuit in a least a first mode and a second mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.