High-speed turbocompressors for natural fluid heat-pumps: from integrated design to digital-twin
Compressors for commercial and industrial heat-pumps in the 100kW-load range are currently
dominated by positive displacementmachines. In the context of refrigerant phaseouts and
changing regulations, natural refrigerants are seen as a compelling alternative by a growing
number of policy makers and industrial players. The excellent thermodynamic properties of
ammonia in heat-pump applications, combined with oil-free, high-speed centrifugal compressors
running on gas lubricated bearings offer the possibility of significant COP improvements
over a wide operating range. In addition, increased safety by refrigerant charge reduction,
system compactness and increased planned maintenance intervals are major advantages
with respect to the state-of-the-art. Novel solutions andmethods associated with the turbomachinery
design, thermal management, high ND numbers (product of the rotor speed to
the bearing diameter), material selection,motor design, design integration and optimization
have been implemented in order to achieve first experimental data of the two-stage prototype
running in ammonia at a maximum rotor speed of 90 krpm and with isentropic efficiencies in
excess of 80%.
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