Abstract: A counter-rotating supersonic compressor. A first subsonic rotor includes a plurality of unshrouded impulse rotor blades operating at sub-sonic conditions. A second, supersonic rotor includes a fixed second rotor portion and an adjustable second rotor portion. The fixed second rotor portion includes a plurality of supersonic passageways having converging-diverging sidewalls, and internal boundary layer bleed passageways. The adjustable second rotor portion includes a plurality of centerbodies which are disposed in the supersonic passageways. Helical movement (circumferential and axial) movement of the adjustable second rotor portion with respect to the fixed second rotor portion enables upstream and downstream movement of the centerbodies in the supersonic passageways. This movement facilitates ease of supersonic startup, and automatic adjustment for changes in operation conditions, such as pressure, temperature, or mass flow rate of a working fluid such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A counter-rotating supersonic compressor. A first subsonic rotor includes a plurality of unshrouded impulse rotor blades operating at sub-sonic conditions. A second, supersonic rotor includes a fixed second rotor portion and an adjustable second rotor portion. The fixed second rotor portion includes a plurality of supersonic passageways having converging-diverging sidewalls, and internal boundary layer bleed passageways. The adjustable second rotor portion includes a plurality of centerbodies which are disposed in the supersonic passageways. Helical movement (circumferential and axial) movement of the adjustable second rotor portion with respect to the fixed second rotor portion enables upstream and downstream movement of the centerbodies in the supersonic passageways. This movement facilitates ease of supersonic startup, and automatic adjustment for changes in operation conditions, such as pressure, temperature, or mass flow rate of a working fluid such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method of continuously compressing gas in a supersonic compressor. A gas compressor system is provided. The gas compressor may include a two rotor low pressure stage and a two rotor high pressure stage. The two rotor low pressure stage and the two rotor high pressure stage each have a first rotor with subsonic blades and a second rotor with supersonic compression passageways. The supersonic passageways each include a helically adjustable centerbody and boundary layer bleed passageways. The compressor continuously compresses inlet gas to provide a first compressed gas stream. That stream is cooled, then fed to the low pressure inlet of the high pressure stage, and compressed to provide a second compressed gas stream. For part load operation, the rotating speeds are higher than the nominal design rotating speed for full mass flow operation.