Gas compressor with reduced energy loss

A gas compressor, comprising:

• a substantially hollow cylindrical drum having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end affixed to a shaft configured to rotate the drum, the drum including a compression channel assembly defining a plurality of compression channels, each compression channel extending from an opening at a common pressure zone toward an interior surface of the drum distal to an axis of rotation, the drum being configured to draw gas external to the drum into the common pressure zone;
• and
• a static vane return assembly positioned adjacent the compression channel assembly and having an outlet to the common pressure zone, wherein the static vane return assembly is configured not to rotate with the drum, the static vane return assembly including at least one vane extending from an inlet at an outer circumference of the static vane return to the common pressure zone through which at least fluid is channeled to the common pressure zone,
• wherein rotation of the drum causes a fluid inside the drum to form an annular lake having a fluid level, wherein when the fluid level reaches the inlet of the at least one vane, fluid is drawn from the annular lake through the at least one vane and into the common pressure zone where the fluid is forced into the opening of each compression channel, wherein gas in the fluid within each compression channel is compressed as it travels from the common pressure zone toward the interior surface, wherein the pressurized gas is separated from liquid in the fluid prior to leaving the compression channel assembly, and wherein the liquid is returned to the annular lake.