Turbomachines with Decoupled Collectors
AssigneeConcepts NREC, LLC
InventorsKevin Fairman, Song Xue
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Turbomachines such as air dynamometers are disclosed that include a radial outflow compressor and gas collector. In some examples, the gas collector is designed as a separate component that is coupled to the machine, such as coupled to a frame. In some examples, the collector and frame are intentionally spaced and coupled at discrete points to minimize the transfer of mechanical and thermal energy therebetween. Aspects of the present disclosure also include turbomachines that include at least one impeller bypass flow path for the direct transfer of air between ambient and a location in the collector downstream of the impeller blades. In some examples, such flowpath(s) may allow for the inflow of external ambient air into the collector.
Claims24
A turbomachine, comprising:
- a compressor including an impeller having a plurality of blades, the impeller rotatably supported by a frame;
- and
- a collector coupled to the frame and fluidly coupled to the impeller to collect air discharged by the impeller;
- wherein the collector is supported by the frame independently of the compressor.
A turbomachine, comprising:
- a compressor including an impeller having a plurality of blades, the impeller rotatably supported by a frame;
- and
- a collector coupled to the frame and operably coupled to the impeller to collect air discharged by the impeller;
- wherein the turbomachine includes at least one impeller bypass flow path for the direct transfer of air between ambient and a location within the collector downstream of the impeller blades.
A method of manufacturing a turbomachine including a collector, a frame, and a compressor having an impeller, the impeller having a plurality of impeller blades, the method comprising:
- providing mechanical and thermal attenuation between the collector, compressor, and frame by independently supporting the collector and compressor by the frame, to minimize, during operation, the transfer of mechanical and thermal energy between the collector and compressor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.