Monolithic rotor and compressor wheel

A microturbine rotor and bearing system, comprising:

• a monolithic compressor component for rotation about a rotor axis defining proximal and distal directions, the monolithic compressor component comprising a compressor shaft defining a rotor core, a compressor wheel disposed distally from the rotor core, and a neck disposed between the rotor core and the compressor wheel, wherein the rotor core connects to the compressor wheel through a welded connection at the neck;
• a monolithic turbine component for rotation about the rotor axis, the monolithic turbine component comprising a turbine shaft and a turbine wheel disposed distally from the turbine shaft, wherein:
• the turbine shaft comprises a proximal end with a female coupling member;
• and
• the compressor component comprises a distal end with a male coupling member that is arranged to mate with the female coupling member;
• a proximal radial bearing disposed proximally from the compressor wheel within which extends a cylindrical proximal radial bearing rotor defined by the compressor shaft, a radius of the proximal radial bearing rotor being equal to a radius of the rotor core;
• a distal radial bearing disposed between the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel within which extends a distal radial bearing rotor defined by the turbine shaft;
• and
• a thrust bearing disposed between the compressor wheel and the distal radial bearing.

A method of manufacturing a rotational component for rotation about a rotor axis defining proximal and distal directions, the method comprising:

• providing a rotor core;
• providing a compressor wheel that is disposed distally from the rotor core;
• and
• welding the rotor core and the compressor wheel together thereby to form a monolithic compressor component comprising the rotor core and the compressor wheel disposed distally from the rotor core, wherein the monolithic compressor component comprises a neck, and wherein the rotor core and the compressor wheel are welded together at the neck.