Airend having a lubricant flow valve and controller

An apparatus comprising:

• an airend having a rotating mechanical component configured to compress a working fluid;
• a bearing configured to support the rotating mechanical component;
• a lubrication system including a passage configured to convey lubricant, the lubrication system configured to lubricate the bearing and the rotating mechanical component to provide cooling and lubrication;
• a lubricant flow valve in fluid communication with the passage and configured to regulate flow of lubricant through the passage to a plurality of bearings and the rotating mechanical component, the lubricant flow valve having first open position and a second open position, the first open position configured to deliver a flow of lubricant greater than a flow of lubricant associated with the second open position, wherein the first open position is associated with a loaded condition of the airend, and the second position is associated with an unloaded condition of the airend;
• a controller configured to regulate the flow of lubricant through the lubricant flow valve by activating the lubricant flow valve to transition from the first position to the second position as a function of the operational state of the airend, wherein the controller is configured to regulate flow of lubricant through the lubricant flow valve on the basis of the operational state of the airend including discharge pressure of the airend;
• and
• a thermal control valve configured to regulate temperature of the lubricant prior to being delivered to the lubricant control valve.