Liquid Cooling of a Scroll Device with Liquid Supply Through Integrated Rotary Unions

The present application claims the benefit of and priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/636,028, filed on Apr. 18, 2024, entitled “LIQUID COOLING OF A SCROLL DEVICE WITH LIQUID SUPPLY THROUGH INTEGRATED ROTARY UNIONS,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety, for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

The present disclosure relates to scroll devices such as compressors, expanders, or vacuum pumps, and more particularly to scroll devices with liquid cooling.

Scroll devices have been used as compressors, expanders, pumps, and vacuum pumps for many years. In orbiting scroll devices, an orbiting scroll rotates eccentrically while a fixed scroll remains fixed. In a co-rotating or spinning scroll device, two opposing scrolls with misaligned scroll shafts co-rotate. In such devices, a motor turns a shaft that causes the orbiting scroll to orbit eccentrically within the fixed scroll. The eccentric orbit forces a gas through and out of pockets created between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll, thus creating a vacuum in a container in fluid communication with the scroll device. An expander operates with the same principle, but with expanding gas causing the orbiting scroll to orbit in reverse and, in some embodiments, to drive a generator. When referring to compressors, it is understood that a vacuum pump can be substituted for a compressor and that an expander can be an alternate usage when the scrolls operate in reverse from an expanding gas.

Scroll devices may include a first scroll having a first involute and a second scroll having a second involute that is nested in, or engaged with, the first involute. In the case of a scroll compressor, the working fluid moves from a periphery (e.g., an inlet) of the first involute and the second involute towards the center (e.g., a discharge port, or outlet, etc.) of the first involute and the second involute through increasingly smaller pockets, generating compression of the working fluid. Similar principles apply for a scroll vacuum pump and/or a scroll expander configuration.

Currently there are no liquid cooled co-rotating scroll devices being produced due to the difficulty of transmitting fluid from the stationary housing to the rotating scrolls (which generate most of the heat). Conventional co-rotating scrolls have typically been air cooled using fins on the back side of the scrolls. The major disadvantage to this approach is that it is highly reliant on the temperature of the gas surrounding the cooling fins. Also, for co-rotating scroll devices with a closed/semi-hermetic/hermetic housing, the gas that exchange heat with the cooling fins is trapped and can become hot over time.

Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for supplying liquid coolant to the scroll instead of relying on air/fin cooling, which results in the scroll temperature being much cooler and more predictable. This can lead to durability and efficiency improvements. More specifically, liquid coolant may be supplied through the scroll shafts through integrated rotary unions. In some embodiments, at least one rotary union is provided for each scroll/scroll shaft combination.

The term “scroll device” as used herein may refer to scroll compressors, scroll vacuum pumps, and similar mechanical devices. The term “scroll device” as used herein may also encompasses scroll expanders, with the understanding that scroll expanders absorb heat rather than generating heat, such that the various aspects and elements described herein for cooling scroll devices other than scroll expanders may be used for heating scroll expanders (e.g., using warm liquid).

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

Numerous additional features and advantages are described herein and will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following Detailed Description and in view of the figures.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Further, the present disclosure may use examples to illustrate one or more aspects thereof. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the use or listing of one or more examples (which may be denoted by “for example,” “by way of example,” “e.g.,” “such as,” or similar language) is not intended to and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The ensuing description provides embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the described embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described herein with reference to drawings that may be schematic illustrations of idealized configurations.

Scroll devices generate heat during operation, for example, when compressing or pumping a working fluid. The higher the pressure ratio, the higher the temperature of the compressed working fluid. The heat from the increasing temperature of the compressed working fluid transfers to the various components of the scroll device (e.g., involutes, bearings, shafts, etc.). Subjecting the components of a scroll device to increasing temperatures can cause damage, premature failure, and/or generally decrease the effective life of the components of the scroll device. Accordingly, the scroll device should be cooled to ensure the components of the scroll device are maintained within a reasonable temperature ranger. In the case of co-rotating scroll devices, this cooling is accomplished by blowing cool or ambient air over the scroll device components. On the other hand, scroll type expanders may experience a drop in temperature due to an expansion of the working fluid, which may result in reduced overall power output. As a result, scroll type expanders may be insulated to limit the temperature drop and corresponding decrease in power output.

Conventional co-rotating scrolls have been air cooled using cooling fins arranged on the back side of each of the scrolls (e.g., the side of the scrolls opposite the involutes). At least one major disadvantage to this air-cooling approach is that the cooling is completely dependent on the temperature of the gas (e.g., air, etc.) surrounding the cooling fins. Moreover, for co-rotating scroll devices with a closed, semi-hermetic, and/or hermetic housing, the gas or air that exchanges heat with the cooling fins is trapped and can become hot over time.

It is with respect to the above issues and other problems that the embodiments presented herein were contemplated.

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to co-rotating scroll devices with integrated rotary cooling systems. In some embodiments, the integrated rotary cooling system supplies liquid coolant to portions of the scroll device rather than relying on air cooling. The integrated rotary cooling system described herein provides a liquid cooled scroll device, which ensures the scroll temperatures are much cooler and more predictably controlled than in an air cooled scroll device. This liquid cooling of the scroll device leads to durability and efficiency improvements of the scroll device. In some embodiments, the liquid cooling of the scroll device may be provided by supplying liquid coolant through the scroll shafts via integrated rotary unions. In some embodiments, at least one rotary union is provided for each scroll/scroll shaft combination of the co-rotating scroll device.

Referring now to, a scroll deviceis shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The scroll devicemay correspond to a co-rotating scroll device. However, it should be appreciated that the scroll devicecan be an orbiting scroll device in other embodiments. As shown, the scroll deviceincludes a first scrollA having a first involuteA and a second scrollB having a second involuteB. The first involuteA and the second involuteB are nested together, or enmeshed with one another. Relative motion of the first involuteA and/or the second involuteB causes working fluid to be trapped within pockets formed between the first involuteA and the second involuteB. These pockets continuously move the working fluid toward the center of the first involuteA and the second involuteB as the first involuteA and the second involuteB move relative to one another. During co-rotation, these pockets also decrease in size, thus compressing the working fluid (e.g., for scroll devices that are configured as scroll compressors, etc.). In scroll expanders, the first involuteA and/or the second involuteB may rotate in reverse such that the pockets are caused to increase in size.

Features of the scroll devicemay be described in conjunction with a coordinate system. The coordinate system, as shown in the figures, includes three-dimensions comprising an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the coordinate systemmay be used to define planes (e.g., the XY-plane, the XZ-plane, and the YZ-plane) of the scroll device. These planes may be disposed orthogonal, or at 90 degrees, to one another. While the origin of the coordinate systemmay be placed at any point on or near the components of the scroll device, for the purposes of description, the axes of the coordinate systemare always disposed along the same directions from figure to figure. In some examples, reference may be made to dimensions, angles, directions, relative positions, and/or movements associated with one or more components of the scroll devicewith respect to the coordinate system. For example, the width of the scroll devicemay be defined as a dimension along the X-axis of the coordinate system, the height of the scroll devicemay be defined as dimension along the Y-axis of the coordinate system, and the length of the scroll devicemay be defined as a dimension along the Z-axis of the coordinate system. In some embodiments, the coordinate systemmay be used to identify dimensions, angles, or relative positions of portions of subcomponents of the scroll device.

In some embodiments, the scroll devicemay be a part of a larger scroll device assembly including one or more housings, fans, connections, mount surfaces, etc. As illustrated in, the scroll deviceis configured as a co-rotating scroll device including a housing extending a length from the first endto the second end. The housing comprises a housing(e.g., a scroll housing configured as a hollow cylindrical body), a first bearing housingA attached to a first end of the housing, and a second bearing housingB attached to a second end of the scroll device. The first and second bearing housingsA,B may be attached to the housingby one or more fasteners(e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, pins, tab-in-slot connections, etc., and/or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the first bearing housingA and/or the second bearing housingB may form portions of the housing. The scroll deviceextends a length from a first endof the scroll deviceto a second endof the scroll device. In some embodiments, the housingmay comprise a hollow interior space that is sealed or closed by the first bearing housingA and/or the second bearing housingB.

The scroll deviceincludes a plurality of bearings(e.g., sealed ball bearings, unsealed ball bearings, roller bearings, thrust bearings, bushings, etc.) that are disposed inside the first bearing housingA and the second bearing housingB.

At the first endof the scroll device, the bearingssupport a first scroll shaftA that is configured to rotate about a first shaft axisA. The first scroll shaftA is interconnected and rotationally fixed to the first scrollA. In one embodiment, the first scroll shaftA may be fastened to the first scrollA via a plurality of fasteners. In any event, as the first scroll shaftA rotates about the first shaft axisA, the first scrollA rotates about the first shaft axisA. The rotation may be identical and synchronized between the first scroll shaftA and the first scrollA (e.g., such that one rotation of the first scroll shaftA corresponds to one rotation of the first scrollA). Although the first scroll shaftA and the first scrollA are rotationally fixed to one another, the first scroll shaftA and the first scrollA are allowed to rotate about the first shaft axisA relative to the first bearing housingA. Stated another way, the first bearing housingA and housingare stationary, rotationally fixed, or unmoving (e.g., relative to the first shaft axisA), and the first scroll shaftA and the first scrollA are configured to rotate about the first shaft axisA inside the first bearing housingA and the housing, respectively. A first fluid portA may be attached to the first bearing housingA at the first endof the scroll device. Depending on the operation of the scroll device, the first fluid portA may be configured to convey a working fluid into or out of scroll device(e.g., via the gas discharge channelof the first scroll shaftA). In one embodiment, the first fluid portA may correspond to a working fluid (e.g., gas) exit port.

At the second endof the scroll device, the bearingssupport a second scroll shaftB that is configured to rotate about a second shaft axisB. The second scroll shaftB is interconnected and rotationally fixed to the second scrollB. In one embodiment, the second scroll shaftB may be fastened to the second scrollB via a plurality of fasteners. In any event, as the second scroll shaftB rotates about the second shaft axisB, the second scrollB rotates about the second shaft axisB. The rotation may be identical and synchronized between the second scroll shaftB and the second scrollB (e.g., such that one rotation of the second scroll shaftB corresponds to one rotation of the second scrollB). Although the second scroll shaftB and the second scrollB are rotationally fixed to one another, the second scroll shaftB and the second scrollB are allowed to rotate about the second shaft axisB relative to the second bearing housingA. Stated another way, the second bearing housingA and housingare stationary, rotationally fixed, or unmoving (e.g., relative to the second shaft axisB), and the second scroll shaftB and the second scrollB are configured to rotate about the second shaft axisB inside the second bearing housingA and the housing, respectively. A second fluid portB may be attached to the second bearing housingB at the second endof the scroll device. Depending on the operation of the scroll device, the second fluid portB may be configured to convey a working fluid into or out of scroll device. In some embodiments, the working fluid may enter the second fluid portB and be compressed via the first and second scrollsA,B and exit the first fluid portA. In one embodiment, the working fluid may enter the first fluid portA and be compressed via the first and second scrollsA,B and exit the second fluid portB. In some embodiments, the working fluid may enter the third fluid portC and be compressed via the first and second scrollsA,B and exit through the first fluid portA or through the second fluid portB. In some cases, inlet gas may enter from a port either on the side of the housingor axially through a flat face of a bearing housing(e.g., first bearing housingA, second bearing housingB, etc.).

Since the scroll deviceis configured as a co-rotating scroll device, the first shaft axisA is parallel to, but offset from, the second shaft axisB. For example, while the first shaft axisA and the second shaft axisB are shown disposed running in a direction parallel to the Z-axis, the first shaft axisA may be offset a distance from the second shaft axisB in the Y-axis direction and/or the X-axis direction. This offset (e.g., eccentric offset) between the first shaft axisA and the second shaft axisB causes the first involuteA and the second involuteB to co-rotate in a spiral fashion (e.g., as a scroll device). In some embodiments, the first scrollA and the second scrollB may be coupled together via a co-rotation couplingdisposed in the housing. For instance, the co-rotation couplingmay be interconnected to the first scrollA via a first set of coupling pinsand the co-rotation couplingmay be interconnected to the second scrollB via a second set of coupling pins. The connection shown inbetween the first scrollA and the co-rotation coupling, in the YZ-plane may be the same as the connection between the second scrollB and the co-rotation couplingin the XZ-plane (not shown). In one embodiment, the co-rotation couplingmay correspond to an offset coupling. The co-rotation couplingmay include a first set of flexible connections between the first scrollA and the co-rotation couplingand a second set of flexible connections between the second scrollB and the co-rotation coupling. The co-rotation couplingmay control a rotation speed to be synchronized between the first scrollA and the second scrollB while still allowing the first scrollA to rotate about the first shaft axisA and the second scrollB to rotate about the second shaft axisB. The rotation speed may be controlled to be the same for the first scrollA and the second scrollB.

In some embodiments, the arrangement of the first bearing housingA, the first scroll shaftA, the bearings, and/or other components at the first endof the scroll devicemay be the same as, or be a mirrored version of, the second bearing housingB, the second scroll shaftB, the bearings, and/or other components at the second endof the scroll device. In one embodiment, one or more components of the scroll devicemay be identical or mirrored about a midplane of the scroll device. This identical or mirrored arrangement may provide at least some benefits associated with the manufacturing of the scroll devicewhen compared to conventional scroll devices. For example, a scroll deviceusing identical components at the first endand the second endmay require fewer discrete (e.g., left-handed, right-handed, etc.) parts that need to be manufactured, cataloged, tracked, and inventoried. This approach can decrease manufacturing costs and complexity when compared to tracking multiple discrete parts that are different from one another.

In some embodiments, the scroll devicemay include a motor. The motormay be arranged at least partially inside the housing. The motormay include a rotorand a statorthat are connected to a power source (not shown) via an electrical interconnection. As power is supplied from the power source via the electrical interconnection, the rotoris caused to rotate about the stator. As illustrated in, the rotoris attached to the second scrollB and the statoris attached to the second bearing housingB. Stated another way, the motorcauses the second scrollB to rotate about the second shaft axisB. This rotation of the second scrollB causes the first scrollA to rotate by transferring rotational motion from the second scrollB to the first scrollA via the co-rotation coupling.

Turning to, cross-sectional detail views of the integrated rotary cooling system for the scroll deviceare shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the integrated rotary unionand the cooling system at the first endof the scroll deviceis shown, it should be appreciated that the second endof the scroll devicemay include the same integrated rotary union. In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a cooling system that provides liquid cooling of a scroll device(e.g., co-rotating scroll device) by transferring a cooling fluid (e.g., coolant) through the scroll shaftsA,B using integrated rotary unions. One rotary unionmay be used for each scroll/scroll shaft combination (e.g., a first scrollA and a first scroll shaftA and a second scrollB and a second scroll shaftB). In some embodiments, the integrated rotary unionmay be same, or similar, at the first endand the second endof the scroll device. For the sake of brevity, the cooling system and integrated rotary unionat the first endof the scroll deviceis described below, but it should be appreciated that the same, or similar, arrangement may be arranged at the second endof the scroll device. The integrated rotary unionis configured to transmit coolant through a sealed fluid flow pathrunning from an inflow channelA of the housing (e.g., the first bearing housingA) to a shaft inflow channelA of the first scroll shaftA, through a scroll coolant channelthe first scrollA, through a shaft outflow channelB of the first scroll shaftA, and to an outflow channelB of the housing (e.g., the first bearing housingA).

The scroll deviceincludes a first bearing housingA which is stationary (e.g., rotationally fixed). The first bearing housingA includes one or more ports where coolant feed (e.g., coolant in) and return (e.g., coolant out) lines can be interconnected. The coolant moves along a sealed fluid flow path(shown as a sequence of arrows, etc., in) radially inward from the inlet portA, along an inflow channelA, toward a first annulus cavityA disposed between an inner diameter of the first bearing housingA and an outer diameter of first scroll shaftA. This cavity is sealed axially (e.g., along the Z-axis) in both directions (left and right of the inflow channelA) with shaft seals(e.g., a radial shaft seal or lip seal). In some embodiments, the shaft sealsmay correspond to rotary shaft seals, gaskets, or O-rings, that are arranged to seat in a groove or recess disposed in the first bearing housingA and/or the first scroll shaftA. The shaft sealsmay be at least partially compressed between the first bearing housingA and the first scroll shaftA providing a liquid-tight seal therebetween. For example, a portion of the first shaft seal, the second shaft seal, and the third shaft seal simultaneously contacts an outer diameter of the first scroll shaftA and an inner diameter of the first bearing housingA. The shaft sealsallow the first scroll shaftA to rotate relative to the inner diameter of the first bearing housingA while maintaining an axial liquid-tight seal between the first scroll shaftA and the first bearing housingA on either side of the inflow channelA.

The coolant then transfers into a shaft inlet holeA (e.g., a radial cross hole) disposed in the first scroll shaftA. The shaft inlet holeA fluidly connects with a shaft inflow channelA that runs along an axial length (e.g., parallel to the first shaft axisA) of the first scroll shaftA. As the coolant exits the shaft inflow channelA following the fluid flow path(e.g., from left to right), the coolant enters the scroll inflow holeA of the first scrollA. The scroll inflow holeA may correspond to a hole that is arranged to run parallel to the first shaft axisA. The scroll inflow holeA is axially aligned with the shaft inflow channelA. After the coolant enters the scroll inflow holeA, the coolant enters the scroll inflow channelA and flows into the scroll coolant channel. The scroll coolant channelmay be a cavity, ring, or annulus that is disposed within the first scrollA, for example, in a space behind the first involuteA. In this arrangement, the scroll coolant channelon the back of the first scrollA exchanges heat generated from the hot first scrollA and/or second scrollB to the coolant flowing in the scroll coolant channel. The coolant may flow along the fluid flow patharound the first shaft axisA in the annulus of the scroll coolant channelfrom one side of the first scrollA to the other side of the first scrollA (e.g., shown by the dashed lines connecting the arrows of the fluid flow path).

The warmed, or used, coolant may then flow from the scroll coolant channelthrough the scroll outflow channelB and exit the first scrollA via the scroll outflow holeB. This used coolant continues to flow along the shaft outflow channelB (e.g., from right to left). The shaft outflow channelB runs along an axial length (e.g., parallel to the first shaft axisA) of the first scroll shaftA. The shaft outflow channelB is fluidly interconnected with a shaft outlet holeB (e.g., a radial cross hole) disposed in the first scroll shaftA. The shaft outlet holeB is axially aligned (radially) with the outflow channelB and the used coolant flows from the shaft outlet holeB toward a second annulus cavityB disposed between an inner diameter of the first bearing housingA and an outer diameter of first scroll shaftA. The coolant then flows along the outflow channelB and out of the first bearing housingA via the outlet portB. The axes of the inlet portA and the shaft inlet holeA are offset from the axes of the outlet portB and the shaft outlet holeB in the Z-axis direction. In this arrangement, a water-tight seal is provided on either side of the inlet portA and on either side of the outlet portB. Moreover, the shaft sealsprovide a water-tight seal between the inlet portA and the outlet portB along the outer diameter of the first scroll shaftA.

It should be appreciated that the fluid flow pathmay correspond to coolant that flows through the various channels and features of the integrated rotary unionand the cooling system of the scroll device.

shows an isometric view of a scroll assemblyof a scroll deviceincluding flexible coolant transfer conduitsA,B forming a portion of the cooling fluid flow pathof the scroll deviceaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain components and features of the scroll devicethat are the same as those described in conjunction with the scroll devicemay be designated by the same, or similar, reference numerals as used in conjunction with the description of the scroll deviceand, as such, detailed description of those components and features is omitted. In one embodiment, the scroll deviceshown in, only requires one integrated rotary unionto allow cooling of the entire scroll device, including the first scrollA and the second scrollB. For example, the integrated rotary uniondescribed in conjunction withmay be used at the first endof the scroll deviceand the coolant may be directed to the scroll coolant channelof the second scrollB via coolant transfer conduitsA,B. In some embodiments, the coolant transfer conduitsA,B may correspond to flexible coolant tubes (e.g., hollow tubing, etc.) that are fluidly connected at a first end to the scroll coolant channelof the first scrollA and at a second end to the scroll coolant channelof the second scrollB. The first coolant transfer conduitA is arranged in fluid communication with the scroll coolant channelof the first scrollA and with the scroll coolant channelof the second scrollB. The second coolant transfer conduitB is arranged in fluid communication with the scroll coolant channelof the second scrollB and with the scroll coolant channelof the first scrollA. The flexible coolant transfer conduitsA,B between the first scrollA and the second scrollB may bend or flex slightly as the scrolls rotate over a full 360 degrees. The geometry and material selection of the coolant transfer conduitsA,B may allow for repeated cyclic bending without fatigue failure. The coolant transfer conduitsA,B arranged between the first scrollA and the second scrollB may be fluidly interconnected, or plumbed, in parallel or in series.

In one embodiment, as coolant enters the shaft inlet holeA of the first scroll shaftA, the coolant may follow the same path along the channels described in conjunction with FIGS.C andD into the scroll coolant channelof the first scrollA (shown by the sequential arrows in). Once inside the scroll coolant channelof the first scrollA, the coolant may enter the first coolant transfer conduitA and flow into the scroll coolant channelof the second scrollB. Rather than including an integrated rotary unionat the second endof the scroll device, the coolant may be moved in the scroll coolant channelof the second scrollB and the warmed, or used, coolant may then flow into the second coolant transfer conduitB and back to the scroll coolant channelof the first scrollA. Once returned to the scroll coolant channelof the first scrollA, the used coolant may exit the first scroll shaftA and the first bearing housingA (not shown in), via the same path along the channels described in conjunction with.

Referring now to, a cross-sectional detail view is shown illustrating an arrangement of the scroll deviceincluding one or more aftercooler devicesA-C according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The one or more after cooler devicesA-C may correspond to any device that is used to cool the gas compressed by the scroll device. The one or more after cooler devicesA-C may operate in accordance with heat transfer principles (e.g., between air and water) and reduce the temperature of the gas exiting the scroll device(e.g., condensing water vapor present in the gas, etc.). For example, one or more aftercooler devicesA-C can be added to the scroll deviceto remove heat from the high temperature discharge gas (e.g., working fluid) as it leaves the scroll device. Integrating one or more aftercooler devicesA-C in the scroll devicemay provide a number of advantages including, but in no way limited to, lowering the temperature of the discharged gas and preventing damage to downstream components (e.g., from excess heat from the discharge gas). The heat exchange process offered by the aftercooler devicesA-C may be provided near the cooling channels on the back side of the first scrollA and/or the second scrollB, inside the first scroll shaftA and/or the second scroll shaftB, and/or as a separate component attached to a portion of the scroll device(e.g., the first fluid portA, the first bearing housingA, the housing, etc., and/or combinations thereof). As illustrated in, a first aftercoolerA is arranged adjacent to the first fluid portA with a portion of the first aftercoolerA arranged in the path of the gas exiting the gas discharge channelof the first scroll shaftA. In one embodiment, a second aftercoolerB may be arranged inside the gas discharge channelof the first scroll shaftA. As the working fluid (e.g., gas) exits through the gas discharge channel, the second aftercoolerB cools the working fluid based on heat transfer principles associated with aftercooler devices. In some embodiments, a third aftercoolerC may be arranged behind the first involuteA and/or the second involuteB to cool the temperature of the first scrollA and/or the second scrollB.

In one embodiment, an integrated air-to-liquid heat exchanger may also be integrated on the inlet of the scroll deviceto pre-cool the incoming gas before compression (e.g., disposed on the second endof the scroll device). This arrangement may help improve efficiency and lower the overall temperatures of the scroll deviceduring operation.

Turning to, a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating an integrated motor cooling system is shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The scroll devicemay include an electric motorand a motor controllerfor rotating the first scrollA and/or the second scrollB. Liquid cooling may be supplied to one or more components of the motor(e.g., the statorand/or the rotor) and the motor controller. For example, coolant can be routed inside the housingto supply coolant to a hot motor statoras well as one or more heat sink surfaces on the motor controller. In some embodiments, the liquid coolant directed to these components may be routed from the fluid flow pathusing one or more flexible tubes or fluid conduit channels (e.g., stator cooling channels, etc.).

Throughout the present disclosure, various embodiments have been disclosed. Components described in connection with one embodiment are the same as or similar to like-numbered components described in connection with another embodiment.

Any of the steps, functions, and operations discussed herein can be performed continuously and automatically.

While the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.

The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been described in relation to scroll devices and gland seat assemblies. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should, however, be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.

Throughout the present disclosure, various embodiments have been disclosed.

Components described in connection with one embodiment are the same as or similar to like-numbered components described in connection with another embodiment. Further, where the meaning of the term “about” as used herein may not otherwise be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the term “about” should be interpreted as meaning within plus or minus five percent of the stated value.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with one embodiment, it is submitted that the description of such feature, structure, or characteristic may apply to any other embodiment unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the description. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease, and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights, which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Exemplary aspects are directed to a co-rotating scroll device, comprising: a housing extending a length from a first end of the co-rotating scroll device to a second end of the co-rotating scroll device; a first scroll comprising a first involute disposed in the housing; a first scroll shaft comprising a first shaft axis, wherein the first scroll shaft is rotationally fixed to the first scroll, wherein the first scroll is configured to rotate about the first shaft axis relative to the housing; a second scroll comprising a second involute disposed in the housing; a second scroll shaft comprising a second shaft axis, wherein the second scroll shaft is rotationally fixed to the second scroll, wherein the second scroll is configured to rotate about the second shaft axis relative to the housing, wherein the first involute and the second involute are enmeshed with one another, wherein the first shaft axis is parallel to and offset from the second shaft axis; and an integrated rotary union arranged between the housing and the first scroll shaft, wherein the integrated rotary union is configured to transmit coolant through a sealed fluid flow path running from an inflow channel of the housing to a shaft inflow channel of the first scroll shaft, through a scroll coolant channel of the first scroll, through a shaft outflow channel of the first scroll shaft, and to an outflow channel of the housing.

Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: a second integrated rotary union arranged between the housing and the second scroll shaft, wherein the second integrated rotary union is configured to transmit a second coolant through a second sealed fluid flow path running from a second inflow channel of the housing to a shaft inflow channel of the second scroll shaft, through a scroll coolant channel of the second scroll, through a shaft outflow channel of the second scroll shaft, and to a second outflow channel of the housing. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: a second integrated rotary union arranged between the housing and the second scroll shaft, wherein the second integrated rotary union is configured to transmit a second coolant through a second sealed fluid flow path running from a second inflow channel of the housing to a shaft inflow channel of the second scroll shaft, through a scroll coolant channel of the second scroll, through a shaft outflow channel of the second scroll shaft, and to a second outflow channel of the housing. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: a first shaft seal arranged on a first side of the inflow channel of the housing; a second shaft seal arranged on a second side of the inflow channel of the housing, wherein the first shaft seal is offset a first axial distance from the second shaft seal defining a first sealed space between the first shaft seal and the second shaft seal; and a third shaft seal arranged on a first side of the outflow channel of the housing, wherein the third shaft seal is offset a second axial distance from the first shaft seal defining a second sealed space between the third shaft seal and the first shaft seal, and wherein a portion of the first shaft seal, the second shaft seal, and the third shaft seal simultaneously contacts an outer diameter of the first scroll shaft and an inner diameter of the housing. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein at least one of the first shaft seal, the second shaft seal, and the third shaft seal is configured as a rotary shaft seal. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the inflow channel of the housing is arranged orthogonal to the shaft inflow channel of the first scroll shaft, and wherein the outflow channel of the housing is arranged orthogonal to the shaft outflow channel of the first scroll shaft. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: a first bearing arranged inside the housing; and a second bearing arranged inside the housing, wherein the first bearing is offset from the second bearing by a first axial distance, wherein the inflow channel of the housing and the outflow channel of the housing are arranged in a space between the first bearing and the second bearing, and wherein the first bearing and the second bearing rotationally support the first scroll shaft about the first shaft axis. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the first scroll comprises a scroll inflow hole and a scroll inflow channel arranged between the shaft inflow channel of the first scroll shaft and the scroll coolant channel of the first scroll. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the first scroll comprises a scroll outflow channel and a scroll outflow hole arranged between the scroll coolant channel of the first scroll the shaft outflow channel of the first scroll shaft. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the housing comprises: a scroll housing comprising a hollow interior space; and a bearing housing attached to the scroll housing at the first end of the co-rotating scroll device, wherein the bearing housing closes the hollow interior space at the first end of the co-rotating scroll device, and wherein the integrated rotary union is formed at an inner diameter of the bearing housing and an outer diameter of the first scroll shaft. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: a first coolant transfer conduit extending from the first scroll to the second scroll, wherein the first coolant transfer conduit is arranged in fluid communication with the scroll coolant channel of the first scroll and with a scroll coolant channel of the second scroll; and a second coolant transfer conduit extending from the second scroll to the first scroll, wherein the second coolant transfer conduit is arranged in fluid communication with the scroll coolant channel of the second scroll and with the scroll coolant channel of the first scroll, and wherein the sealed fluid flow path extends through the first coolant transfer conduit and the second coolant transfer conduit. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: an aftercooler device arranged at least partially in a working fluid path of the co-rotating scroll device, the working fluid path comprising at least one of the shaft inflow channel of the first scroll shaft, a gas discharge channel of the first scroll shaft, and a fluid exit port of the co-rotating scroll device.

Exemplary aspects are directed to a co-rotating scroll device, comprising: a housing extending a length from a first end of the co-rotating scroll device to a second end of the co-rotating scroll device; a first scroll comprising a first involute disposed in the housing; a first scroll shaft comprising a first shaft axis, wherein the first scroll shaft is rotationally fixed to the first scroll, wherein the first scroll is configured to rotate about the first shaft axis relative to the housing; a second scroll comprising a second involute disposed in the housing; a second scroll shaft comprising a second shaft axis, wherein the second scroll shaft is rotationally fixed to the second scroll, wherein the second scroll is configured to rotate about the second shaft axis relative to the housing, wherein the first involute and the second involute are enmeshed with one another, wherein the first shaft axis is parallel to and offset from the second shaft axis; a first integrated rotary union arranged between the housing and the first scroll shaft, wherein the first integrated rotary union is configured to transmit a first coolant through a first sealed fluid flow path running from an inflow channel of the housing to a shaft inflow channel of the first scroll shaft, through a scroll coolant channel of the first scroll, through a shaft outflow channel of the first scroll shaft, and to a first outflow channel of the housing; and a second integrated rotary union arranged between the housing and the second scroll shaft, wherein the second integrated rotary union is configured to transmit a second coolant through a second sealed fluid flow path running from a second inflow channel of the housing to a shaft inflow channel of the second scroll shaft, through a scroll coolant channel of the second scroll, through a shaft outflow channel of the second scroll shaft, and to a second outflow channel of the housing.

Exemplary aspects are directed to a co-rotating scroll device, comprising: a housing; a first scroll positioned in the housing and having a first involute; a second scroll positioned in the housing and having a second involute; and one or more integrated rotary unions configured to transmit coolant from the housing to the first scroll and/or the second scroll.

Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: integrated cooling channels to exchange heat from the first scroll or the second scroll to the coolant. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: at least one flexible tube extending between the first scroll and the second scroll to transfer the coolant between the first scroll and the second scroll. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: an integrated aftercooler positioned on a back side of the first scroll and/or the second scroll, wherein the integrated aftercooler uses the coolant to remove heat from gas discharged by the co-rotating scroll device. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: an integrated aftercooler attached to the housing, wherein the integrated aftercooler uses the coolant to remove heat from a discharge gas. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: an integrated air-to-liquid pre-cooler heat exchanger configured to lower an inlet gas temperature. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: at least one integrated motor cooling channel. Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: at least one integrated motor controller cooling channel.