U.S. patent application number 16/514639 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-23 for dual drive co-rotating spinning scroll compressor or expander.
The applicant listed for this patent is Air Squared, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nathan D. Nicholas, John P.D. Wilson.
Application Number | 20200025199 16/514639 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69162353 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200025199 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; John P.D. ; et
al. |
January 23, 2020 |
DUAL DRIVE CO-ROTATING SPINNING SCROLL COMPRESSOR OR EXPANDER
Abstract
A dual-drive co-rotating scroll device includes a housing; a
first scroll rotatably mounted within the housing via a first
cylindrical extension and a first plurality of bearings, and having
a first axis of rotation; and a second scroll rotatably mounted
within the housing via a second cylindrical extension and a second
plurality of bearings, and having a second axis of rotation
different than the first axis of rotation. At least one of the
first cylindrical extension and the second cylindrical extension
may comprise a plurality of permanent magnets and operate as a
rotor of a first motor. An Oldham ring may be positioned between
the first scroll and the second scroll and configured to maintain a
relative angular position between the first scroll and the second
scroll.
Inventors: |
Wilson; John P.D.; (Denver,
CO) ; Nicholas; Nathan D.; (Westminster, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Air Squared, Inc. |
Broomfield |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69162353 |
Appl. No.: |
16/514639 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62699536 |
Jul 17, 2018 |
|
|
|
62816715 |
Mar 11, 2019 |
|
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62834157 |
Apr 15, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04C 29/02 20130101;
F04C 2240/402 20130101; F04C 29/0085 20130101; F04C 29/0057
20130101; F04C 18/023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04C 18/02 20060101
F04C018/02; F04C 29/00 20060101 F04C029/00; F04C 29/02 20060101
F04C029/02 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS
[0002] This invention was made with government support under
DE-AR0000648 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The
government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A scroll device comprising: a housing; a first scroll rotatably
mounted within the housing via a first cylindrical extension and a
first plurality of bearings, the first scroll having a first axis
of rotation; a second scroll rotatably mounted within the housing
via a second cylindrical extension and a second plurality of
bearings, the second scroll having a second axis of rotation
different than the first axis of rotation; wherein at least one of
the first cylindrical extension and the second cylindrical
extension comprises a plurality of permanent magnets and operates
as a rotor of a first motor; and an Oldham ring positioned between
the first scroll and the second scroll and configured to maintain a
relative angular position between the first scroll and the second
scroll.
2. The scroll device of claim 1, wherein the first motor is
operably connected to the first scroll and a second motor is
operably connected to the second scroll.
3. The scroll device of claim 2, further comprising a controller
for controlling an operating speed of the first motor and of the
second motor.
4. The scroll device of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of
bearings comprises a first bearing positioned proximate a first end
of the first cylindrical extension and a second bearing positioned
proximate an opposite end of the first cylindrical extension.
5. The scroll device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a
scroll housing, a scroll plate secured to the scroll housing, a
motor housing secured to the scroll plate, and an endplate secured
to the motor housing.
6. The scroll device of claim 5, wherein the scroll housing
comprises a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical
portion, the first and second cylindrical portions having offset
axes.
7. The scroll device of claim 5, wherein the scroll plate
comprising a working fluid inlet and the endplate comprises a
working fluid outlet.
8. The scroll device of claim 1, further comprising an oil sump for
lubricating the Oldham ring.
9. The scroll device of claim 1, wherein the Oldham ring comprises
a metallic portion and a non-metallic portion.
10. The scroll device of claim 9, wherein the non-metallic portion
is replaceable.
11. A co-rotating scroll device comprising: a housing; a first
scroll rotatably mounted within the housing and having a first axis
of rotation; a second scroll rotatably mounted within the housing
and having a second axis of rotation offset from the first axis of
rotation; a motor; and a drive shaft having a third axis of
rotation equidistant from the first axis of rotation and the second
axis of rotation, the drive shaft configured to transmit torque
from the motor to each of the first scroll and the second
scroll.
12. The co-rotating scroll device of claim 11, wherein the drive
shaft transmits torque to each of the first scroll and the second
scroll via a plurality of gears.
13. The co-rotating scroll device of claim 11, wherein the drive
shaft transmits torque to each of the first scroll and the second
scroll via a plurality of belts and pulleys.
14. The co-rotating scroll device of claim 11, wherein when the
motor operates at a first rotational speed, the first scroll and
the second scroll are configured to rotate at a second rotational
speed different than the first rotational speed.
15. The co-rotating scroll device of claim 11, wherein the motor is
liquid cooled.
16. The co-rotating scroll device of claim 11, wherein the motor is
connected to the drive shaft via a jaw coupling.
17. A scroll turbopump comprising: a housing defining a working
fluid inlet and a working fluid outlet; a first scroll rotatably
mounted within the housing; a first scroll extension mounted to the
first scroll and extending from the first scroll into the working
fluid inlet; an inducer shaft extending from the first scroll into
the first scroll extension, the inducer shaft coaxial within the
first scroll; an inducer rotor mounted to the inducer shaft within
the first scroll extension; a second scroll rotatably mounted
within the housing; a second scroll extension mounted to the second
scroll; a set of first gears, each one of the set of first gears
mounted to one of the first and second scroll extensions; a set of
second gears, each one of the set of second gears mounted to a
drive shaft having an axis of rotation equidistant from an axis of
rotation of the first scroll and the second scroll; and a turbine
operably connected to the drive shaft.
18. The scroll turbopump of claim 17, wherein the turbine comprises
turbine blades secured to the drive shaft.
19. The scroll turbopump of claim 17, wherein when the drive shaft
rotates at a first speed, the first scroll and second scroll rotate
at a second speed different than the first speed.
20. The scroll turbopump of claim 17, wherein the drive shaft is
rotatably mounted within the housing by a plurality of bearings.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/699,536, filed Jul. 17, 2018 and entitled
"Dual Drive Co-Rotating Spinning Scroll Compressor or Expander";
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/816,715, filed Mar. 11,
2019 and entitled "Dual Drive Co-Rotating Spinning Scroll
Compressor or Expander"; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 62/834,157, filed Apr. 15, 2019 and entitled "Dual Drive
Co-Rotating Spinning Scroll Compressor or Expander." The entirety
of each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by
reference herein for all purposes.
FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to scroll devices such as
compressors, expanders, or vacuum pumps, and more particularly to
dual drive co-rotating scroll devices.
BACKGROUND
[0004] A typical scroll compressor generally provides two scrolls
to compress or pressurize fluid such as liquids and gases. A
traditional orbiting scroll compressor design has one scroll which
is fixed and a second scroll that orbits relative to the fixed
scroll, without rotating.
[0005] Similarly, a typical scroll expander generally provides two
scrolls that are used to convert energy from expanding gas into
rotational energy. A traditional orbiting scroll expander design
has one scroll which is fixed and a second scroll that orbits
relative to the fixed scroll, without rotating.
[0006] In known scroll compressors, two co-rotating scrolls may be
coupled with one another by way of idler shafts and/or a metal
bellows.
SUMMARY
[0007] Co-rotating scroll compressor devices according to some
embodiments of the present disclosure utilize a novel compressor
design and operate at higher speeds than traditional orbiting
scroll compressors. The two scroll housings have an offset center,
resulting in a similar relative motion between the scrolls as in an
orbiting scroll design. However, the higher operating speeds allow
for a reduction in overall size when compared to a traditional
orbiting design.
[0008] Idler shaft bearing failures and/or bellow failures limit
the lift of traditional scroll compressors that utilize idler
shafts and/or a bellows. Moreover, in scroll compressor designs
that use a bellows, it can be challenging to keep the desired
phasing of the two scrolls relative to one another.
[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure may address one or
more of these and/or other drawbacks of the prior art.
[0010] Although one or more aspects of the present disclosure may
be illustrated with respect to a scroll compressor or a scroll
expander, the present disclosure is generally applicable to and
includes any type of scroll device, without limitation.
[0011] The term "scroll device" as used herein refers to scroll
compressors, scroll vacuum pumps, scroll expanders, and similar
mechanical devices. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that basic modifications may need to made to aspects of
the present disclosure to enable usage of the present disclosure
with scroll expanders, which basic modifications are well within
the knowledge and skill of a person of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0012] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are
open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in
operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A,
B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and
C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in
the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or
class of elements, such as X.sub.1-X.sub.n, Y.sub.1-Y.sub.m, and
Z.sub.1-Z.sub.o, the phrase is intended to refer to a single
element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements
selected from the same class (e.g., X.sub.1 and X.sub.2) as well as
a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g.,
Y.sub.1 and Z.sub.o).
[0013] The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that
entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at
least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be
noted that the terms "comprising", "including", and "having" can be
used interchangeably.
[0014] It should be understood that every maximum numerical
limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include
each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if
such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein.
Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure
is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as
an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were
expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout
this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower
numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as
if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written
herein.
[0015] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a
part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the
present disclosure. The drawings are not to be construed as
limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described
examples.
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a co-rotating dual motor
scroll device according at least some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 1B is a side view of a co-rotating dual motor scroll
device according to at least some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 1C is a side cross-sectional view of a co-rotating dual
motor scroll device according to at least some embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of a scroll housing of a dual motor
scroll device according to at least some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a scroll device
according to at least some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a co-rotating
single motor scroll device with gear drive according to at least
some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a co-rotating single motor
scroll device with belt drive according to at least some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a co-rotating single motor
scroll device with belt drive according to at least some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a co-rotating single
motor scroll device with belt drive according to at least some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a turbine-driven spinning
scroll device according to at least some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a
turbine-driven spinning scroll device according to at least some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a turbine-driven
spinning scroll device according to at least some embodiments of
the present disclosure; and
[0029] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a controller according to at
least some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] 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 figures. 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.
[0031] A dual drive co-rotating scroll device 100 is shown in FIGS.
1A-1C. As described in more detail below, the scroll device 100
specifically utilizes two motors to drive the scrolls thereof and
to keep the appropriate phasing of the two scrolls. A feedback
device (comprising one or more sensors) and controller are used to
control the phasing of both motors. The purpose of the co-rotating
scroll device 100 is to compress any gaseous operating fluid (or
pump any liquid operated fluid), although the design of the scroll
device 100 can be utilized for any co-rotating scroll compressor,
expander or pump. Additionally, the design can be operated oil free
or have oil entrained in the operating fluid.
[0032] The scroll device 100 comprises a single, central, scroll
housing 104. The scroll housing 104 comprises two cylindrical
portions 104A and 104B. The cylindrical portion 104A has an axis
106A, and the cylindrical portion 104B has an axis 106B that is
offset from the axis of the cylindrical portion 104A. A scroll
plate 108 is secured to each cylindrical portion 104A, 104B with a
plurality of bolts 112 or other mechanical fasteners. The scroll
housing 104 and each scroll plate 108 may be made, for example, of
aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or any other metal or metal alloy. In
some embodiments, the scroll housing 104 may alternatively be made
of composite or another non-metallic material.
[0033] Turning briefly to FIG. 2, in addition to utilizing a
plurality of bolts 112 or other mechanical fasteners to secure the
scroll plates 108 to the scroll housing 104, in some embodiments a
sets of dowel pins are used to ensure the proper positioning of
each scroll plate 108 relative to the scroll housing 104, and thus
to achieve fine control over the relative distance between the two
orbiting scroll axes 106A and 106B. More specifically, because the
fasteners 112 that mate the scroll plates 108 to the scroll housing
104 do not fully constrain the position of the scroll plates 108
(and of the rotational axes 106A and 106B of the orbiting scrolls
160 and 164), a pair of locating dowel pins may be inserted into
one of the sets of dowel pin receptacles 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D,
114E, 114F. The dowel pin receptacles 114 have offset positions,
such that moving the dowel pins from one set of receptacles 114 to
another set of receptacles 114 will slightly adjust the position of
the scroll plate 108 relative to the scroll housing 104, and thus
of the corresponding scroll 160 or 164 and its axis of rotation
106A, 106B. As shown in FIG. 2, the dowel pin receptacles 114 may
be arranged to alternate with the fasteners 112 around the edge of
the scroll plate 108 and scroll housing 104.
[0034] Each pair of dowel pin receptacles 114 may be disposed along
a line that passes through the center of the scroll plate 108, and
the distance between each pair of dowel pin receptacles 114 along
that line may be offset slightly relative to the distance between
an adjacent pair of dowel pin receptacles 114. For example, one
pair of dowel pin receptacles 114 may be five hundredths of an inch
closer to each other, or farther away from each other, than an
adjacent pair of dowel pin receptacles 114.
[0035] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1C, each scroll plate 108 is
stepped, so as to comprise a raised portion 192. The raised portion
192 may beneficially allow the volume enclosed within the scroll
housing 104 and the scroll plate 108 to be increased, and/or may
beneficially give the scroll plate 108 sufficient thickness for the
machining therein of, for example, any structural features needed
to support the internal components of the scroll device 100 and/or
of any cooling channels or other desired internal features. The
raised portion 192 also comprises a first aperture 176 and a second
aperture 180. The first aperture 176 enables electrical wires to
extend from an encoder located within the housing 104 to a
controller positioned outside of the housing 104. The second
aperture 180 may be used as a working fluid inlet. In some
embodiments, however, a radial filter may separate (or be
positioned over the joint between) the two cylindrical portions
104A, 104B of the housing, and the scroll device 100 may receive
working fluid through the radial filter.
[0036] On each side of the scroll device 100, a plurality of bolts
120 secure a motor housing 116 and a motor mount 196 to the scroll
plate 108 on that side of the scroll device 100, with a flange of
the motor mount 196 positioned between the scroll plate 108 and a
flange of the motor housing 116. The motor housing 116 is
substantially cylindrical, with a first portion 116A proximate the
scroll plate 108 and having a first outer diameter, and a second
portion 116B distal from the scroll plate 108 and having a second
outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. An aperture
188 is provided in the second portion 116B. In some embodiments,
motor coolant may be routed to and/or from the motor 146 via the
aperture 188. The motor 146 may utilize, for example, liquid
cooling to remove heat therefrom.
[0037] The larger second outer diameter of the second portion 116B
provides sufficient thickness for the motor housing 116 to receive
a plurality of bolts 128, which are used to secure an endplate 124
to the motor housing 116. The endplate 124 covers the end of the
motor housing 116 that is distal from the scroll plate 108. Two
apertures 132 and 136 are provided in the endplate 124. Wires may
extend through the aperture 132 to provide electricity and/or
control signals to the motor 146 positioned inside the motor
housing 116 from a battery and/or controller positioned outside of
the motor housing 116. The aperture 136 is a working fluid
outlet.
[0038] Like the scroll housing 104, the motor housing 116, the
motor mount 196, and the endplate 124 may be made, for example, of
aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or any other metal, metal alloy,
composite, or other suitable non-metallic material. In some
embodiments, at least the motor mount 196, and possibly also one or
more of the scroll housing 104, the scroll plate 108, the motor
housing 116, and the endplate 124, is made of a non-magnetic metal
to avoid interfering with the operation of the motor 146.
[0039] Although the scroll device 100 is illustrated as utilizing a
specific number of bolts 112 spaced at a specific angular interval,
a specific number of bolts 120 also spaced at a specific angular
interval, and a specific number of bolts 128 also spaced at a
specific angular interval, embodiments of the present disclosure
may comprise more or fewer bolts 112, 120, and/or 128, which may be
spaced at greater or smaller angular intervals than the angular
intervals illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. Additionally, in some
embodiments, mechanical fasteners other than bolts may be used to
secure the scroll plate 108 to the scroll housing 104, and/or to
secure the motor housing 116 and the motor mount 192 to the scroll
plate 108, and/or to the secure the endplate 124 to the motor
housing 116. Also in some embodiments, adjacent ones of the scroll
housing 104 (or a cylindrical portion 104A, 104B thereof), the
scroll plate 108, the motor mount 196, the motor housing 116, and
the endplate 124 may be integrally formed, or may be formed
separately and then permanently attached to each other (via welding
or otherwise).
[0040] FIG. 1C provides a side cross-sectional view of the scroll
device 100. The scroll housing 104, scroll plate 108, bolts 112,
motor mount 196, motor housing 116, bolts 120, endplate 124, and
bolts 128 are all shown in FIG. 1C. Also visible in FIG. 1C are the
apertures 132, 136, 176, and 180.
[0041] Inside the volume formed by the scroll housings 104 and the
scroll plates 108 are two opposing scrolls 160 and 164, each
comprising an involute 160A and 164A, respectively. Relative motion
of the involutes 160A and 164A causes working fluid to be trapped
within pockets formed between the two involutes 160A and 164A.
These pockets continuously move the working fluid toward the center
of the involutes 160A and 164A as the involutes 160A and 164A move
relative to each other. The pockets also decrease in size, thus
compressing the working fluid (for scroll devices that, like the
scroll device 100, are scroll compressors). To prevent leakage of
working fluid from inside these pockets, tip seals 172 are provided
along the distal edge of each involute 160A and 164A. More
specifically, a tip seal 172A is provided along the edge of the
involute 160A that is proximate the scroll 164 (such that the tip
seal 172A contacts the scroll 164), and another tip seal 172B is
provided along the edge of the involute 164A that is proximate the
scroll 160 (such that the tip seal 172B contacts the scroll
160).
[0042] The scroll 160 is secured to a cylindrical extension 162
that extends away from the scroll 164 and inside the motor housing
116 proximate the scroll 160. Similarly, the scroll 164 is secured
to a cylindrical extension 166 that extends away from the scroll
160 and inside the motor housing 116 proximate the scroll 164. Each
of the cylindrical extensions 162 and 166 is rotatably supported
within one of the motor housings 116 by two bearings 152 and 156,
one positioned proximate a first end of the cylindrical extensions
162 and 166 and another positioned proximate a second end opposite
the first end of the cylindrical extensions 162 and 166. The
cylindrical extensions 162 and 166 therefore support the scrolls
160 and 164, respectively, within the scroll housings 104.
[0043] Also within each motor housing 116 is an electric motor 146,
comprising a stator 144 and a rotor 148. Each stator 144 is secured
to the adjacent motor mount 196. Each rotor 148 comprises a
plurality of permanent magnets, and is secured to one of the
cylindrical extensions 162 and 166. The stator may comprise, for
example, an electromagnet that, when energized, creates a magnetic
field that interacts with the permanent magnets of the rotor 148
and causes the rotor 148 to spin. The cylindrical extensions 162
and 166 thus act as the shaft of the electric motors 146.
[0044] One or more sensors 118 is positioned between the scroll 160
and the scroll plate 108 adjacent thereto, as well as between the
scroll 164 and scroll plate 108 adjacent thereto. The sensors 118
may be Hall effect sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, or
any other suitable sensors. The sensors 118 may be or comprise an
encoder. Although illustrated herein as positioned between the
scroll 160 and the scroll plate 108, in other embodiments, the
sensors 118 may be positioned proximate the motor 146, or proximate
the cylindrical extensions 162 and 166. The sensors 118 are used as
feedback devices to sense the angular position and/or speed of the
scrolls 160 and 164 (or of the motors 146, or of the cylindrical
extensions 162 and 166), and to communicate information
corresponding to the angular position and/or speed of the scrolls
160 and 164 to a controller 500, which is described in detail below
in connection with FIG. 11.
[0045] During operation of the scroll device 100, uncompressed
working fluid (for a scroll compressor) is received into the scroll
housing 104 (and thus into the volume surrounding the scrolls 160
and 164) via the apertures 180 in the scroll plates 108. The
working fluid is drawn into pockets that form between the involutes
160A and 164A, as described above, as the scrolls 160 and 164 move
relative to each other. Compressed working fluid exits the pockets
at or near the center volume 186 formed by the involutes 160A and
164A. The center volume 186 is in fluid communication with the
internal volume 184 of the cylindrical extensions 162 and 166
(e.g., via one or more apertures in the scrolls 160 and 164), which
internal volumes 184 are in fluid communication with the apertures
136 adjacent thereto, respectively. The apertures 136, then, are
discharge ports to which hoses, pipes, or other conduits may be
secured and utilized to route compressed working fluid to a desired
location.
[0046] Throughout the scroll device 100, seals 174 are used to
prevent leakage of working fluid through the joints between
adjacent components of the scroll device 100. For example, a seal
174 is positioned between the motor mount 196 and the scroll plate
108, and another seal 174 is positioned proximate thereto, between
the motor housing 116 and the motor mount 196. Similarly, a seal
174 is utilized between the motor housing 116 and the motor mount
196 proximate the endplate 124, and another seal 174 is positioned
between the motor mount 196 and the endplate 124. Further, a seal
174 is positioned between the scroll housing 104 and each scroll
plate 108. These and other seals 174 may be seated inside
corresponding grooves or channels. The seals 174 may be dynamic
O-rings, dynamic gaskets, radial lip seals, labrynth seals,
bushings, or any other seals useful for preventing leakage of a
fluid through a joint between two components. Further, the seals
174 may be made of compressed non-asbestos fiber,
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), rubber, other non-metallic
materials, or any combination thereof; metal (whether a pure metal,
a metal alloy, or a combination of metals or metal alloys); or a
combination of non-metallic materials and metal. Some of the seals
174 may be made of one material or combination of materials, and
others of the seals 174 may be made of a different material or
combination of materials. Each seal 174 may be selected to provide
a needed or desired level of impermeability, compressibility, creep
resistance, resilience, chemical resistance, temperature
resistance, anti-stick properties, and anti-corrosion properties.
Because different scroll devices 100 may be used with different
working fluids, the seals 174 may be selected based on the
particular application intended for the scroll device 100 in which
the seals 174 will be installed.
[0047] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a scroll
device such as the scroll device 100 may comprise an Oldham ring
(positioned around the circumference of the involutes 160A, 164A of
the scrolls 160 and 164) to help maintain proper phasing of the two
scrolls 160, 164. In such embodiments, the Oldham ring may be
provided as a failsafe (e.g., to ensure proper phasing even if the
motors 146, as controlled by the controller 500, fail to do so).
Regardless of whether the Oldham ring is utilized as a primary or
backup phasing device, the Oldham ring may be made of aluminum or
another relatively light metal or other lightweight but
sufficiently strong material so as to minimize imbalance/vibration
resulting from the Oldham ring. In some embodiments, inserts made
of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), PTFE, Torlon, or other
wear-resistant plastics suitable for use as a lubricant may be used
in portions of the Oldham ring that contact the scrolls 160 and
164, whether as replaceable inserts or otherwise. Use of such
inserts beneficially prevents wear on the remaining portions of the
Oldham ring (which may be made, for example, of metal), and also
allows for replacement of the inserts once they are sufficiently
worn without having to replace the entire Oldham ring.
[0048] Additionally, the scroll device 100 may comprise an oil sump
168 in the bottom of the housing 104, in which oil sump 168 oil is
provided for lubrication of the Oldham ring during operation of the
scroll device 100.
[0049] While Oldham rings may be used in some embodiments of the
present disclosure, other embodiments of the present disclosure do
not utilize Oldham rings.
[0050] Also in some embodiments, and as noted above, the housing
104 may comprise one or more apertures extending entirely or
partially around a circumference thereof (e.g., positioned in
between the first cylindrical portion of the housing 104 and the
second, offset cylindrical portion of the housing 104). A radial
mesh filter may be positioned over or within the aperture(s). Inlet
air or working fluid may then be drawn into the volume enclosed by
the housing 104 and the scroll plates 108 (and then into the
pockets formed by the involutes 160A and 164A) via the radial mesh
filter and the aperture(s), with the radial mesh filter
beneficially filtering out dust or other particles that would
otherwise be ingested into the scroll device 100 together with the
working fluid.
[0051] In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3,
permanent magnets 147 may be attached to the scrolls 160 and 164
(e.g., to or proximate the circumference of the scrolls 160 and
164), thus enabling the scrolls 160 and 164 to act as the rotor(s)
of an electric motor 149. An electric motor stator 145 may then be
placed to around the scrolls 160 and 164 (and the permanent magnets
147 attached thereto), thus creating a direct drive system for the
scrolls 160 and 164.
[0052] In a variation of the foregoing embodiments, the permanent
magnets may be attached to the scrolls 160 and 164 on a surface
opposite the surface that comprises the involutes 160A and 164A,
respectively. The stator may then be provided on a surface of the
respective scroll plate 108 facing the surface of the scrolls 160
and 164 that comprise the permanent magnets, so as to provide an
axial flux motor for causing rotation of the scrolls 160 and 164.
Because the diameter of the central shaft (and thus of a working
fluid output aperture within the central shaft) is limited in an
axial flux motor, such motors are best used on low flow rate scroll
devices.
[0053] Also in some embodiments, the motors 146 or a direct drive
motor 149 as described above (and/or a controller of any of the
foregoing) may use back emf to determine the angular position of
the motor(s), after which the motor(s) may be driven at precisely
the right voltage to maintain proper alignment between the scroll
160 and the scroll 164.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 4, a scroll device 200 according to some
embodiments of the present disclosure utilize a gear system to
transmit rotational force from the motor to the scrolls. The scroll
device 200 comprises a housing 202, within which two scrolls 204A,
204B are mounted on bearings 220, 224, thus enabling the scrolls
204A, 204B to rotate relative to the housing 202. Each scroll 220,
224 is fixedly secured to a drive gear 208, which extends around a
circumference of the scroll 220, 224. A motor 240 is secured to the
housing 202 via a housing extension 252. The motor 240 is connected
to a drive shaft 216 via a jaw coupling 236. The drive shaft 216 is
supported within the housing by two bearings 228. Two drive gears
212 are mounted to the drive shaft 216, with each drive gear 212
positioned to engage a corresponding drive gear 208. A plurality of
fasteners 244, 248 are used to secure various components of the
scroll device 200 in position. Additionally, dynamic seals 232 are
utilized to reduce leakage of working fluid from the working fluid
passageways formed by the scrolls 204A, 204B.
[0055] As with the scrolls 160, 164 of the scroll device 100, each
scroll 204A, 204B of the scroll device 200 comprises an involute
206A, 206B, respectively. The motion of the involutes 206A, 206B
relative to each other results in the formation of pockets in
between the involutes 206A, 206B. Working fluid within these
pockets is compressed as the size of the pocket is continuously
decreased, again due to the motion of the involutes 206A, 206B
relative to each other. Tip seals 260A, 260B on the involutes 206A,
206B, respectively, prevent working fluid from escaping the pockets
through the joint between each involute 206A, 206B, and the
opposite scroll 204B, 204A, respectively.
[0056] In operation, the motor 240 spins the drive shaft 216, thus
causing the drive gears 212 to rotate. The drive gears 212 transmit
torque to the drive gears 208, the rotation of which results in the
rotation of the scrolls 204A, 204B to which they are affixed. Using
the gears 208, 212 beneficially allows the motor 240 to be located
away from the scrolls 204A, 204B, and facilitates the provision of
large working fluid outlets 256. This, in turn, enables the scroll
device 200 to be utilized in applications where a high flow rate is
needed. Use of the drive shaft 216 and the gears 208, 212
beneficially enables the use of a single motor to drive both of the
scrolls 204A, 204B, which may helpfully reduce cost and eliminate
the need for complex sensor and/or controller systems used to
ensure proper alignment of scrolls in a dual-motor system.
[0057] Additionally, the use of gears 208, 212 allows the scroll
device 200 to benefit from mechanical advantage. More specifically,
by adjusting the size of the gears 208 relative to the gears 212,
mechanical advantage may be beneficially utilized to obtain the
desired scroll rotation speed while allowing the motor 240 to
operate at a different (perhaps more efficient) speed, and/or to
enable a less-powerful (and likely cheaper) motor 240 to be used
than would be required with a 1:1 drive ratio. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in some embodiments, the scroll device 200 may utilize a
1:1 drive ratio.
[0058] Except to the extent described or shown otherwise, the
various components of the scroll device 200 may be the same as or
similar to corresponding components of the scroll device 100. For
example, the housing 202 may be made of any of the same materials
as the housing 104, and the tip seals 260A, 260B may be the same as
or similar to the tip seals 172A, 172B.
[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, a dual-drive co-rotating scroll
device 300 comprises a housing 304, a working fluid inlet 308, a
working fluid outlet 312, and a coupling 316. The housing 304
comprises a first portion 304A, a second portion 304B, a third
portion 304C, and a fourth portion 304D. The coupling 316 may be
integral with the housing 304 (or more specifically with the
housing portion 304A), or the coupling 316 may be manufactured
separately from the housing 304 and then secured to the housing 304
with one or more fasteners, as shown. A motor 320 is also secured
to the housing 304, and is operably connected to a drive shaft 352
within the housing. One or more wires 324 for powering and/or
controlling the motor 320 may extend from the motor 320 to a power
source and/or controller (not shown).
[0060] Within the scroll device 300, two scrolls 356A, 356B are
each supported by a plurality of bearings 332. Each scroll 356A,
356B comprises an involute 358A, 358B, respectively. Each involute
358A, 358B further comprises a tip seal 360A, 360B, with the tip
seal 360A of the involute 358A positioned in between the involute
358A and the scroll 356B, and the tip seal 360B of the involute
358B positioned in between the involute 358B and the scroll
356A.
[0061] A main pulley 348 is secured around a circumference of the
scroll 358A, with another main pulley 348 secured around a
circumference of the scroll 358B. Secondary pulleys 344 are secured
to the drive shaft 352 at positions aligned with the positions of
the main pulleys 348. A belt 340 connects the main pulley 348 and
the secondary pulley 344, providing force-transmitting
communication therebetween. A plurality of bearings 328 rotatably
support the drive shaft 352 within the housing 304.
[0062] One or more dynamic seals 336 may be used within the scroll
device 300 to help prevent leakage of the working fluid from the
within the working fluid passages inside the scroll device 300.
Additionally, various fasteners may be used to secure components of
the scroll device 300 in position.
[0063] In operation, the motor 320 causes the drive shaft 352 to
rotate, together with the pulleys 344 affixed thereto. As the
pulleys 344 rotate, the belts 340 transfer torque to the pulleys
348, which in turn cause the scrolls 356A, 356B to which they are
affixed to rotate. As the scrolls rotate, the relative movement of
the involutes 358A, 358B thereof results in compression of the
working fluid, which is drawn into the scroll device 300 via the
inlet 308 and discharged via the outlet 312. A hose, pipe, or other
conduit may be fixedly or removably secured to the coupling 316 for
routing the working fluid from the scroll device 300 to a desired
location.
[0064] Where the working fluid is an incompressible fluid, such
that there is a 1:1 ratio between the inlet volume and the outlet
volume, the inlet 308 and the outlet 312 may be reversed.
Additionally, the scroll device 300 could be modified to utilize
two inlets and/or two outlets to reduce throttling effects and
increase flow rate. For example, an additional aperture could be
provided in the housing 304 (and more specifically, in the housing
portion 304D) adjacent the volume 364, thus enabling the volume 364
to serve as a second outlet (or, if the outlet 312 and inlet 308
are reversed, as a second inlet).
[0065] As with the use of gears 208, 212 in the scroll device 200,
the use of pulleys 344, 348 in the scroll device 300 allows the
scroll device 300 to benefit from mechanical advantage. More
specifically, by adjusting the size of the pulleys 344 relative to
the pulleys 348, mechanical advantage may be beneficially utilized
to obtain the desired scroll rotation speed while allowing the
motor 320 to operate at a different (perhaps more efficient) speed,
and/or to enable a less-powerful (and likely cheaper) motor 320 to
be used than would be required with a 1:1 drive ratio.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in some embodiments, the scroll
device 300 may utilize a 1:1 drive ratio.
[0066] In both the scroll device 200 and the scroll device 300, the
drive shafts 216 and 352, respectively, must remain equidistant
from the center of rotation of each scroll of the scroll device to
maintain an equal rotation speed and thus the needed relative
angular position between the scrolls. In some embodiments, the
drive shafts 216 and 352 may comprise the rotor of the motors 240
and/or 320, respectively, in which event the stator and other
portions of the motor may be centrally mounted positioned around
the drive shaft, in between the gears or pulleys that are also
mounted to the drive shaft.
[0067] Use of a drive shaft and gears or pulleys to transmit power
from the motor to the dual co-rotating scrolls of a scroll device
such as the scroll devices 200 and 300 may beneficially reduce cost
by reducing the number of required motors from two (e.g., in dual
drive co-rotating scroll devices where each scroll is driven by a
separate motor) to one. On the other hand, embodiments that use two
motors (and an Oldham ring to maintain alignment between the
scrolls) may be more robust, as the scroll device can continue to
operate despite the failure of one motor.
[0068] Any of the motors described herein may utilize liquid
cooling to remove heat therefrom. The liquid coolant may be routed
around the motor in channels provided in the motor housing (or in
any housing in which the motor is mounted) for that purpose, or the
liquid coolant may be routed around the motor via tubing, hoses, or
any other suitable conduit.
[0069] Turning now to FIGS. 8-10, the present disclosure further
comprises a cryogenic scroll turbopump 400 driven by a turbine 450,
which may utilize a dual gear drive. The scroll turbopump 400
comprises a housing 404, an inlet 408, and an outlet 412. The
turbine 450 comprises a turbine housing 416, a turbine inlet 420,
and a turbine outlet 424.
[0070] Two scrolls 428A and 428B (each secured to a scroll
extension 432A, 432B, respectively) are rotatably mounted within
the housing 404, each via its respective scroll extension 432A,
432B and a plurality of bearings 444. The scroll extension 432A may
be integral with the scroll 428A, or may be fixedly or removably
secured to the scroll 428A. In some embodiments, the scroll
extension 432A may be welded to the scroll 428A, while in other
embodiments the scroll extension 432A may be secured to the scroll
428A via a plurality of mechanical fasteners. The second scroll
extension 432B may also be integral with the scroll 428B, or may be
fixedly or removably secured to the scroll 428B. In some
embodiments, the scroll extension 432B may be welded to the scroll
428B, while in other embodiments the scroll extension 432B may be
secured to the scroll 428B via a plurality of mechanical fasteners.
One or more gaskets or seals (including, for example, dynamic
seals) may be used to prevent leakage of working fluid through
joints between components of the scroll turbopump 400 (and/or
between components of the turbine 450).
[0071] An inducer rotor 440 is mounted to an inducer shaft 436 that
extends through the pump inlet 408, with the inducer shaft 436
coaxial with the scroll 428A. The inducer rotor 440 raises the
inlet pressure of the working fluid to reduce the pressure
differential between the inlet and outlet pressures of the scroll
turbopump 400, which beneficially reduces the amount of cavitation
likely to occur as the working fluid passes through the scrolls
428A, 428B.
[0072] Fixedly mounted to each scroll extension 432A, 432B is a
gear 448, each of which gears 448 is aligned and in contact with a
corresponding gear 452 fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 456. The
drive shaft 456 is rotatably mounted within the housing 404 via a
plurality of bearings 460. The drive shaft 456 extends beyond the
housing 404 and into the turbine 450, where the turbine blades 464
are mounted to the drive shaft 456.
[0073] In operation, high pressure fluid enters the turbine inlet
420 and pushes against the turbine blades 464 as it passes
therethrough before exiting the turbine outlet 424. The force of
the fluid against the turbine blades 464 causes those blades 464,
as well as the shaft 456 to which they are mounted, to rotate at
high angular velocity. As the shaft 456 rotates, the gears 452
mounted thereto also rotate. Because the gears 452 are in
force-transmitting communication with the gears 448, the gears 448
also rotate, thus causing rotation of the scrolls 428A, 428B and of
the impeller shaft 436 and impeller rotor 440. This causes working
fluid to be drawn into the scroll turbopump 400 via the inlet 408,
and discharged from the scroll turbopump 400 via the outlet 412.
The inducer rotor 440 operates to provide an initial pressure
increase to the working fluid, so as to reduce cavitation as the
working fluid enters the volume between the scrolls 428A, 428B and
undergoes a more significant pressure increase.
[0074] With reference to FIG. 11, a controller 500 according to
embodiments of the present disclosure is used control one or more
of the scroll devices described herein. The controller 500 may
comprise a processor 504 configured to receive data from or via one
or more of the memory 508, the sensor interface 516, the electronic
speed control 520, and/or the communication interface 524. The
processor 504 may also be configured to execute instructions stored
in the memory 508, and to generate one or more control signals for
transmission via the communication interface 524.
[0075] The processor 504 may be or be selected from among the
following processors and processor families: Qualcomm.RTM.
Snapdragon.RTM. 800 and 801, Qualcomm.RTM. Snapdragon.RTM. 610 and
615 with 4G LTE Integration and 64-bit computing, Apple.RTM. A7
processor with 64-bit architecture, Apple.RTM. M7 motion
coprocessors, Samsung.RTM. Exynos.RTM. series, the Intel.RTM.
Core.TM. family of processors, the Intel.RTM. Xeon.RTM. family of
processors, the Intel.RTM. Atom.TM. family of processors, the Intel
Itanium.RTM. family of processors, Intel.RTM. Core.RTM. i5-4670K
and i7-4770K 22 nm Haswell, Intel.RTM. Core.RTM. i5-3570K 22 nm Ivy
Bridge, the AMD.RTM. FX.TM. family of processors, AMD.RTM. FX-4300,
FX-6300, and FX-8350 32 nm Vishera, AMD.RTM. Kaveri processors,
Texas Instruments.RTM. Jacinto C6000.TM. automotive infotainment
processors, Texas Instruments.RTM. OMAP.TM. automotive-grade mobile
processors, ARM.RTM. Cortex.TM.-M processors, and ARM.RTM. Cortex-A
and ARM926EJ-S.TM. processors. A processor as disclosed herein may
perform computational functions using any known or future-developed
standard, instruction set, libraries, and/or architecture.
[0076] The memory 508 may be any computer-readable memory capable
of storing data for retrieval by the processor 508. The data may
comprise, for example, instructions for operation of any of the
scroll devices 100, 200, 300, or 400 described herein, or any
similar scroll device, and more particularly for operation of the
electrical components of any such scroll device; instructions for
receiving sensor information from sensors such as the sensors 118,
for evaluating such sensor information, and for generating one or
more control signals based on such sensor information; for
receiving and sending communications via the communication
interface 524; for operating the electronic speed control 520,
whether based on information stored in the memory 508, information
received via the sensor interface 516, information received via the
communication interface 524, or any combination of the foregoing;
and instructions for controlling the power supply 512 to turn on,
turn off, or limit the flow of electricity to a motor or other
electronic component of a scroll device according to embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0077] The power supply 512 may be controllable by the processor
504 and may control the flow of electricity to a motor or other
electronic component of a scroll device according to embodiments of
the present disclosure. The power supply 512 may also act as a
power conditioner, so as to ensure that electricity is provided to
the scroll device at the appropriate voltage level regardless of
load. The power supply 512 may, for example, operate to prevent
voltage spikes from being passed on to the scroll device to which
the controller 500 is connected.
[0078] The sensor interface 516 may comprise a physical and/or
electrical interface for receiving (whether directly or via the
communication interface 524) signals from one or more sensors such
as the sensors 118 within a scroll device to which the controller
500 is connected. The sensor interface 516 may convert any such
signals into a format that may be processed by the processor 504,
and/or may generate one or more signals for transmission to the
processor 504 based on received sensor information. In some
embodiments, the sensor interface 516 is configured for
bi-directional communications with one or more sensors (e.g., when
one or more sensors connected thereto are electronically
controllable or configurable), while in other embodiments the
sensor interface 516 is only configured to receive signals from the
sensors, and not to transmit signals to the sensors.
[0079] The electronic speed control 520, which may be controlled by
the processor 504, controls the speed of the motor or motors of the
scroll device to which the controller 500 is connected. For
controllers 500 controlling dual-motor devices, the electronic
speed control 520 may be used to ensure that each motor is
operating at the appropriate speed to ensure that the scrolls of
the scroll device maintain an appropriate angular position relative
to each other. Also in such embodiments, the controller 500 may
comprise a separate electronic speed control 520 for each motor.
For controllers 500 controlling single-motor devices, the
electronic speed control 520 may be used to maintain a motor speed
that yields the greatest efficiency, or that provides the desired
flow rate of working fluid through the scroll device.
[0080] The communication interface 524 may be a wired or wireless
communication interface, and may comprise hardware (including, for
example, physical ports) and/or software. The communication
interface 524 may be configured to receive signals from a connected
scroll device and/or any component thereof, and to route those
signals to the processor 504, the memory 508, the sensor interface
516, or any other component of the controller 500 to which the
signals are directed. In some embodiments, the communication
interface 524 may be configured to route incoming signals without
any modification of the same, while in other embodiments the
communication interface may be configured to convert incoming
signals from one format to another, so that the signals can be read
by the appropriate component of the controller 500.
[0081] The communication interface 524 may also be configured to
transmit signals generated by or otherwise originating within the
controller 500 or a component thereof. For example, in some
embodiments motor control signals generated by the processor 504
and/or by the electronic speed control 520 may be routed to the
communication interface 524 for transmission to the motor of an
attached scroll device.
[0082] In some embodiments, the communication interface 524 may
also be configured to send and receive signals via a local area
network, a wide area network, the cloud, a server or computer, or
any other device or network. In such embodiments, the communication
interface 524 may enable the controller 500 to be remotely
controlled and/or configured. Also in such embodiments, the
communication interface 524 may enable the controller 500 to
transmit operating information about the controller 500 and/or a
connected scroll device to another device, where the operating
information can be analyzed or otherwise beneficially utilized. The
communication interface 524 may be configured to communicate using
any known protocol or protocols, including, for example, Wi-Fi,
ZigBee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), TCP/IP, WiMax, CDMA,
GSM, LTE, FM, and/or AM. Thus, the communication interface 524 may
comprise one or more radios, one or more antennas, and other
components necessary for communications using these or other known
protocols.
[0083] The present disclosure encompasses a spinning scroll device
utilizing an Oldham ring for phasing.
[0084] The present disclosure encompasses a spinning scroll device
utilizing two motors to maintain phasing of two spinning
involutes.
[0085] The present disclosure encompasses a spinning scroll device
utilizing an oil sump at the bottom of the housing for lubrication
of an Oldham ring during operation.
[0086] The present disclosure encompasses a spinning scroll device
with variable eccentric holes integrated into the housing to change
the radial clearances.
[0087] The present disclosure encompasses a spinning scroll device
utilizing the same housing for both spinning scrolls within the
device.
[0088] The present disclosure encompasses a spinning scroll device
utilizing a mechanical face seal to separate outlet pressure from
inlet pressure.
[0089] The present disclosure encompasses a spinning scroll device
utilizing liquid cooling to remove heat from the motors.
[0090] The present disclosure encompasses a spinning scroll device
with a housing that comprises a radial filter to prevent dust
ingestion.
[0091] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a scroll
device comprising: a housing; a first scroll rotatably mounted
within the housing via a first cylindrical extension and a first
plurality of bearings, the first scroll having a first axis of
rotation; a second scroll rotatably mounted within the housing via
a second cylindrical extension and a second plurality of bearings,
the second scroll having a second axis of rotation different than
the first axis of rotation; wherein at least one of the first
cylindrical extension and the second cylindrical extension
comprises a plurality of permanent magnets and operates as a rotor
of a first motor; and an Oldham ring positioned between the first
scroll and the second scroll and configured to maintain a relative
angular position between the first scroll and the second
scroll.
[0092] Aspects of the foregoing scroll device include: wherein the
first motor is operably connected to the first scroll and a second
motor is operably connected to the second scroll; a controller for
controlling an operating speed of the first motor and of the second
motor; wherein the first plurality of bearings comprises a first
bearing positioned proximate a first end of the first cylindrical
extension and a second bearing positioned proximate an opposite end
of the first cylindrical extension; wherein the housing comprises a
scroll housing, a scroll plate secured to the scroll housing, a
motor housing secured to the scroll plate, and an endplate secured
to the motor housing; wherein the scroll housing comprises a first
cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion, the first and
second cylindrical portions having offset axes; wherein the scroll
plate comprising a working fluid inlet and the endplate comprises a
working fluid outlet; an oil sump for lubricating the Oldham ring;
wherein the Oldham ring comprises a metallic portion and a
non-metallic portion; and wherein the non-metallic portion is
replaceable.
[0093] Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a
co-rotating scroll device comprising: a housing; a first scroll
rotatably mounted within the housing and having a first axis of
rotation; a second scroll rotatably mounted within the housing and
having a second axis of rotation offset from the first axis of
rotation; a motor; and a drive shaft having a third axis of
rotation equidistant from the first axis of rotation and the second
axis of rotation, the drive shaft configured to transmit torque
from the motor to each of the first scroll and the second
scroll.
[0094] Aspects of the foregoing scroll device include: wherein the
drive shaft transmits torque to each of the first scroll and the
second scroll via a plurality of gears; wherein the drive shaft
transmits torque to each of the first scroll and the second scroll
via a plurality of belts and pulleys; wherein when the motor
operates at a first rotational speed, the first scroll and the
second scroll are configured to rotate at a second rotational speed
different than the first rotational speed; wherein the motor is
liquid cooled; and wherein the motor is connected to the drive
shaft via a jaw coupling.
[0095] Embodiments of the present disclosure further include a
scroll turbopump comprising: a housing defining a working fluid
inlet and a working fluid outlet; a first scroll rotatably mounted
within the housing; a first scroll extension mounted to the first
scroll and extending from the first scroll into the working fluid
inlet; an inducer shaft extending from the first scroll into the
first scroll extension, the inducer shaft coaxial within the first
scroll; an inducer rotor mounted to the inducer shaft within the
first scroll extension; a second scroll rotatably mounted within
the housing; a second scroll extension mounted to the second
scroll; a set of first gears, each one of the set of first gears
mounted to one of the first and second scroll extensions; a set of
second gears, each one of the set of second gears mounted to a
drive shaft having an axis of rotation equidistant from an axis of
rotation of the first scroll and the second scroll; and a turbine
operably connected to the drive shaft.
[0096] Aspects of the foregoing scroll turbopump include: wherein
the turbine comprises turbine blades secured to the drive shaft;
wherein when the drive shaft rotates at a first speed, the first
scroll and second scroll rotate at a second speed different than
the first speed; and wherein the drive shaft is rotatably mounted
within the housing by a plurality of bearings.
[0097] The terms "memory" and "computer-readable memory" are used
interchangeably and, as used herein, refer to any tangible storage
and/or transmission medium that participate in providing
instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take
many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media,
volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media
includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks.
Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common
forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy
disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other
magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other
optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium
with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a
solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or
cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other
medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to
e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of
archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a
tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable medium is
configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database
may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical,
object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution
medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in
which the software implementations of the present disclosure are
stored.
[0098] Ranges may have been discussed and used within the forgoing
description. One skilled in the art would understand that any
sub-range within the stated range would be suitable, as would any
number or value within the broad range, without deviating from the
invention. Additionally, where the meaning of the term "about" as
used herein would 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] Although the present disclosure describes components and
functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations with reference to particular standards and
protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not
limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards
and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are
considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the
standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar
standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically
superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having
essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and
protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents
included in the present disclosure.
[0101] The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments,
and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes,
systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described
herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations
embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of
skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed
aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the
present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and
processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described
herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations
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.
[0102] The foregoing discussion 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 aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining
the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate
aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claims require 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 aspect, embodiment, and/or
configuration. 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.
[0103] Moreover, though the description has included description of
one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations 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 aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations 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.
[0104] Any of the steps, functions, and operations discussed herein
can be performed continuously and automatically.
* * * * *