Abstract: A heat pump system includes a refrigerant circuit. First and second heat exchangers are arranged in the refrigerant circuit. A flow reversing device selectively changes a direction of flow in the refrigerant circuit between the first and second heat exchangers. A centrifugal compressor is arranged in the fluid circuit and has first and second impellers arranged in series relative to one another to provide a desired compressor pressure ratio. In one example, the centrifugal compressor mounts the first and second impellers on opposing ends of a shaft. The first and second impellers respectively include first and second stage inlets and outlets. One example desired compressor pressure ratio of at least 10:1 corresponds to a second stage outlet pressure to a first stage inlet pressure. A first diffuser is arranged at the first stage outlet, and the first diffuser is a variable geometry diffuser.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal compressor. In a first example, the compressor includes a first impeller provided in a main refrigerant flow path, a second impeller provided in the main refrigerant flow path downstream of the first impeller, and a recirculation flow path. In the first example, the recirculation flow path is provided between a first location and a second location along the main refrigerant flow path. The first location is downstream of the second location, and the second location is downstream of the first impeller. In a second example, the compressor includes an impeller provided in a main refrigerant flow path, and a recirculation flow path provided between a first location and a second location along the main refrigerant flow path. In the second example, the recirculation flow path includes a recirculation volute. Further disclosed is a method for operating a centrifugal compressor.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing assembly includes a lamination stack with coil apertures extending between opposing sides. A continuous unitary insulation layer is overmoulded onto the opposing sides and within the coil apertures providing a coil aperture lining. The insulation layer includes a wall within the coil aperture adjoining coil aperture lining and bisecting the coil aperture into first and second openings. A coil portion is disposed in each of the first and second openings and electrically isolated from one another by the wall. The magnetic bearing assembly is arranged in a refrigerant compressor that includes an electric motor rotationally configured to rotationally drive an impeller via a shaft. A controller is in communication with the magnetic bearing and configured to energize the coils and provide a magnetic field rotationally supporting the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method to enhance thrust load capacity in a rotor-bearing system. The load-enhancing device comprises a stator and a rotor arranged in such as way as to achieve a magnetic thrust load capacity enhancement by employing at least one permanent magnet, which produces an attracting force or an expulsing force between the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method to enhance thrust load capacity in a rotor bearing system. The load-enhancing device comprises a stator and a rotor arranged in such as way as to achieve a magnetic thrust load capacity enhancement by employing a number of permanent magnets, which produce an attracting force of an expulsing force between the rotor and the stator.