US3512903A - Fuel-fired heat pump system - Google Patents

Description

D. D. DENNIS ETAL 3,512,903 FUEL-FIRED HEAT .PUMP SYSTEM Original Filed March 17, 1967 May 19,1970

2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS DAVID [3. DtNNIS PAUL F SWENSQN PAUL F SWENSON JR.

BY Writ/u r A? T s May 19, 1970 D. D. DENNIS ETAL 3,512,903

FUEL-FIRED HEAT PUMP SYSTEM Original FiledMarch 17, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet z INVENTORS DAVlD D. DENNIS PAUL F. SWENSON. FIG 2 PAUL F. SWENSON JR.

BY 1 74M My ATT I RNES.

United States Patent 3,512,903 FUEL-FIRED HEAT PUMP SYSTEM David D. Dennis, Wicklilfe, Paul F. Swanson, Cleveland Heights, and Paul F. Swenson, Jr., Shaker Heights, Ohio, assignors to Swenson Research, Inc., South Euclid, Ohio a corporation of Ohio Original application Mar. 17, 1967, Ser. No. 624,063.

Divided and this application May 22, 1968, Ser.

Int. Cl. F04d 25/02 US. Cl. 417-405 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A closed-loop, reversible hermetically sealed refrigeration cycle the compressor of which is driven by a vapor turbine supplied with vapor from a once-through type vapor generator of a hermetically sealed closed-loop vapor cycle. The turbine and compressor are constructed as a unit and are drivingly interconnected through a magnetic coupling which is comprised of a pair of spaced but interfitted magnet members which are carried on the ends of the turbine and compressor shafts respectively. A fluid impervious non-magnetic barrier or partition member extends between the magnet members to seal between the turbine and compressor. A feed pump in the form of an inverted cone is carried on the lower end of the turbine shaft and extends down into a hot well or condensate receiving container and functions to pump the condensate back to the vapor generator. The system also includes an air duct arrangement which, when the system is operating on the heating mode, causes the air to be heated by both the Freon cycle and the vapor cycle apparatus. Additionally a vapor bypass line is provided around the turbine to increase the heat available from the vapor cycle when needed.

This application is a divisional application of our commonly assigned, copending application, Ser. No. 624,063, filed Mar. 17, 1 967, and now Pat. 3,400,554 issued Sept. 10, 1968.

The present invention is directed to the heating and cooling art, and, more particularly, to an improved fuelfired reverse cycle heat pump system.

The invention is particularly applicable for constructing heating and cooling units of a size for use in residential dwellings and will be described with particular reference thereto; however, it is appreciated the invention is capable of broader application and could be used for constructing units for a variety ofenvironmental control applications.

In general, most heat pump systems utilize a prime mover in the form of an electric motor for driving the compressor of a reversible fluorocarbon refrigeration cycle. The reason for this is, of course, the convenience of electricity as the energy source for the prime mover and the highly desirable characteristics of fluorocarbons as the Working medium in refrigeration cycles. However, electricity is expensive as an energy source, especially for the residential user. Based on an energy cost per unit refrigeration comparison, the efficient electric motor is often not as economical as prime movers using fuels directly. In addition, the rotative speeds obtainable from commercially available electric motors using normal line power necessitate a reciprocating type compressor for refrigeration systems of capacity applicable to single residences and somewhat larged. Wear, noise and vibration are usually attendant to the operation of reciprocating machinery.

The use of a fuel such as gas, fuel oil or coal instead of electricity as the main power source has been considered desirable from the standpoint of lower energy costs, as well as potentially lower operating costs. Generally, previous attempts to design systems using these fuels as the power source have not been satisfactory.

In general, these fuel burning systems comprise a vapor turbine driven fluorocarbon compressor. The fuel is burned in a vapor generator to heat and vaporize a working fluid necessary for driving the turbine. Attempts have been made to use both fluorocarbons and water as the Working fluid. However, problems encountered with both, have prevented the design of an economically sound system. Attempts to use fluorocarbons as the working fluid have been unsatisfactory since fluorocarbons generally have a low decomposition temperature and require that the vapor supplied to the turbine be of relatively low temperature. Consequently, the efliciency of the vapor cycle portion of the system is relatively low. Likewise, attempts to use water as the working fluid have been unsatisfactory. Although ideally, water vapor can yield a much higher cycle efliciency when used for driving the turbine, the incompatibility of water and fluorocarbons, and the difliculty of sealing between the compressor and the turbine has prevented the use of water as the working fluid. Those systems which have attempted to use water have required the use of complicated distillation or liquid separation apparatus such as shown in the US. Patent to Klaben et al., 3,250,082.

Various other problems are also encountered in attempting to design small size vapor turbine driven heat pump systems. For example, as is well known, vapor turbines operate most eificiently under vacuum conditions. After the vapor passes through the turbine and is condensed, a pump functions to return the working fluid to the vapor generator. In small units, the static head available is necessarily limited and the pump must pump from a relatively high vacuum. Small capacity pumps which will satisfactorily pump from high vacuum conditions are generally not available. Consequently, in previous vapor turbine driven heat pump systems it has not been economically feasible to operate the turbines under high vacuum conditions.

An additional problem present in reverse cycle heat pump systems generally, is their inefficiency when operating in their heating mode under high heating requirements.

The present invention provides a fuel-fired reverse cycle heat pump system which overcomes the above problems and permits such systems to be constructed in small sizes suitable for residential use.

In accordance with the present invention an improved vapor turbine driven compressor unit is provided which includes: a housing and partition means dividing said housing into first and second chambers; a vapor turbine positioned in said first chamber and having an output shaft; a compressor positioned in said second chamber and having an input shaft; said turbine and said compressor being positioned so as to have their respective shafts in general alignment; coupling means for drivingly interconnecting said shafts in fluid sealed relationship, said coupling means comprising a first magnet member positively connected to said output shaft and a second magnet member positively connected to said input shaft, said first and second magnet members being in spaced mated relationship; and said partition means including a fluid impervious non-magnetic barrier member positioned between said first and second magnet members.

By magnetically interconnecting the turbine and compressor the problems previously encountered with regard to scaling are eliminated and the turbine and compressor can operate on incompatible fluids such as water and Freon.

A primary object of the present invention is the provision of a vapor turbine driven compressor unit which overcomes problems previously encountered in sealing between the turbine and compressor.

Another object is the provision of a magnetic coupling which is especially suited for use as the driving connection between a compressor and a vapor turbine.

Yet another object is the provision of a turbine driven heat pump system which is especially suited for residential heating and cooling.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic showing of a reversible heat pump system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the turbo-compressor unit of the system;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on plane 3-3 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the feed water or condensate pump showing the forces acting on the fluid being pumped.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows the overall arrangement of the system comprising a fuel-fired steam generator unit A, and a reversible refrigeration cycle heat pump system B interconnected through a turbo-compressor unit C.

STEAM GENERATOR A The fuel-fired steam generator unit A is of the oncethrough type and includes an evaporator section and a serially connected superheater section 12. Feedwater is supplied to the unit through a line 14 connected with feedwater or condensate pump 16 driven by the turbine of the turbo-compressor unit C. Steam at a pressure and temperature dictated by system requirements is conducted from the outlet of the superheater 12 by lines 18 and 20- to the turbine 22. The steam temperature and pressure can be as high as necessary, within the limit of steam power plant practice, to achieve good cycle efficiency.

The steam-generator is fired by a pair of burners 24 and 26 supplied with fuel gas through line 28. Burner 24 serves to heat superheater section 12 of the steam-generator, and is controlled by a conventional temperature responsive modulating valve 30 in accordance with the temperature of the steam leaving the superheater. Burner 26, on the other hand, is utilized to heat the evaporator section 10, and is controlled in accordance with the pressure of the steam leaving the steam-generator by a pressure responsive valve 32. Main gas flow to the burners, and steam flow to the turbine, are controlled by conventional on-off solenoid valves 34 and 35 respectively, controlled by a two-step room thermostat 36. The thermostat is of the type that can be shifted from direct to reverse acting, so as to be capable of controlling the system when it is functioning in either the heating or cooling mode.

A novel feature of the design of the steam-generator unit A is the means utilized to prevent damage to the water circuits in the event that burner operation should be disrupted, such as by lack of fuel, during cold weather. These means comprise a drain line 38 connected between the low point of the steam-generator circuitry and a reservoir tank 40. Line 38 is controlled by a conventional temperature responsive valve 42 which is adjusted to open and drain the steam-generator in response to temperature in the range of freezing. As shown in FIG. 1, the valve is connected to open in response to low temperatures sensed at the outlet of the steam-generator. However, it is apparent that other points in the steam-generator circuitry or points adjacent to the burners could equally well be utilized.

Although drain line 38 could, of course, be connected to a sewer, etc., by utilizing the reservoir tank 40, the highly purified water utilized in the steam-generator is not lost and can be returned to the steam-generator when operation is restored.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the steam-water portion of the system is of the closed circuit type and comprises steam lines 18 and 20, turbine 22, turbine exhaust line 43, condenser 44, line 47, feed pump 16, and feedwater line 14 connected back to the steam-generator. The circuit is hermetically sealed so as to eliminate the necessity of supplying make-up water. This is important, especially in units designed for residential use, since the addition of a make-up water system would unduly complicate the unit.

Steam condenser 44 could be of many types; however, as shown, it comprises a conventional heat exchange coil over which air is conducted by a fan 46. Fan 46 and condenser 44 are positioned in a duct 48, the ends of which are connected to outside air.

REVERSIBLE REFRIGERATION CYCLE SYSTEM B Although a variety of different heat pump systems could be used, system B is a conventional reversible refrigeration cycle comprising an outside heat exchanger 50 and an inside heat exchanger 52 connected with each other through a conventional expansion valve 55, and through a two-position four-way mode valve 54 with compressor 56 of the turbo-compressor unit C.

Mode valve 54 constitutes means for permitting the heat exchangers 50, 52 to selectively function as either the evaporator or condenser. In this manner inside heat exchanger 52 can perform as either a heating or cooling coil.

Heat exchanger 50 is positioned in a duct 58 which is communicated with the exterior of the building through an inlet duct 60 and an outlet duct 62. An electric motor driven fan 64 is provided to assure the necessary air flow across the heat exchanger.

A similar duct system is provided for heat exchanger 52, and includes a duct 66 communicated with the interior of the building through a return air duct 68, and a supply air duct 70. An electric motor driven fan 72 provides air circulation through the interior of the building and across heat exchanger 52.

Although no controls are shown for fans 46, 64 and 72 they would, of course, be provided with means to assure their operation during the periods when thermostat 36 is indicating a need for heating or cooling. The particular controls used for this purpose are not important to the present invention and could, for example, be merely switches operated by a solenoid or solenoids energized through thermostat 36.

HEATING MODE OPERATION An important feature of the present invention is the arrangement provided for heating mode operation. During the periods when heating is required in the building, mode valve 54 will, of course, be shifted so that heat exchanger 52 is functioning as the condenser coil and the heat extracted therefrom is supplied to the building. Additionally, substantial heat is also available from condenser 44 of the steam-water cycle portion of the overall system. For this reason a pair of connecting duct means 74, 76 are provided between ducts 48 and 66. Flow of air through these ducts is controlled by means in the form of four dampers 78, 80, 82 and 84 positioned at the junctions of the ducts.

During cooling operation the dampers would be in the position shown by solid lines; however, when the system is shifted to heating operation the dampers are moved to the positions shown by dotted lines. With the dampers in these positions, the air coming through return air duct 68 is passed first through heat exchanger 42, then via duct 74 to duct 48 and across condenser 44. The air is then conducted through duct 76 back to duct 66, and then to the building air supply duct 70. In this manner, heat in condenser 44, which would otherwise be lost to the outside atmosphere, is utilized to heat the building air and the overall efliciency of the system substantially improved.

The means used to move the dampers between their heating mode and cooling mode positions could be of a variety of forms, either manual or automatic. For example, the dampers could be provided with a mechanical interconnection with mode valve 54 so that when the valve is shifted from heating to cooling operation the dampers would be simultaneously shifted.

Because during extremely cold weather, the above described arrangement may not be adequate to supply sufficient heat at the necessary temperature ratio, means are provided to increase the amount of heat available at condenser 44. These means comprise a line 86 which extends between steam line 18 and the inlet to condenser 44 and by-passes turbine 22.

A valve 88 is provided to control the flow of steam through line 86. The valve could be of a variety of types either manual or automatic, but is shown as of the pressure-opening type to respond to increased system operating pressure. The increase in system pressure is achieved through use of the two-step thermostat 36, which modifies the set point of pressure control valve 32 when room temperature is a predetermined amount below the thermostat set point.

As can be seen, the above-described damper and steam by-pass arrangement provides the system with a high degree of flexibility and greatly increases its overall efficiency.

TURBO-COMPRESSOR UNIT C As shown in FIG. 2, the turbo-compressor unit C comprises a compresor 56 which is drivingly connected through a specially designed magnetic coupling 100 with vapor turbine 22. A feed pump 16 is carried on the lower end of the turbine shaft.

All of the various components are mounted in a housing indicated in general by the numeral 90. Housing 90 could take many forms and be constructed in a variety of ways; however, as shown it comprises cylindrical drum 91 having its upper end sealed by plate 91a which is clamped to the drum by a circumferentially extending clamp ring 91b. A partition forming member 92 divides the interior of the housing into first and second sealed chambers. A pair of transversely extending supports 94 and 96 are rigidly supported in spaced relation in the lower of the chambers by the rods 95 and sleeves 95a. A plurality of large O-rings 97 are provided to mechanically isolate and seal the various support and partition members from the drum and to transfer the weight of the components to the drum at ring 910.

COMPRESSOR 56 The exact construction of compressor 56 is not important to the present invention. However, according to the preferred embodiment it comprises a relatively conventional two stage supersonic type compressor. As shown it comprises a main housing assembly 101 which carries a vertically extending shaft 120 rotatably mounted on a pair of bearing assemblies 130 and 130' and carrying the impellers 104 and 104'. The compressor assembly is rigidly tied to the partition plate 92 by a plurality of bolts 93.

Because both stages of the compressor are substantially identical only the first stage will be described in detail and the corresponding parts of the second stage will be identified by the same reference numerals with the addition of a prime suffix. A description of one part is to be considered equally applicable to the corresponding part unless otherwise noted.

The first stage of the compressor comprises a housing 6 section 101a provided with scroll shaped diffuser-collector section 102 and impeller 104. The fluid to be compressed is supplied to the impeller 104 from line 106 through inlet 108. Inlet 108 is sealed where it passes through plate 91a by a flexible seal 108a.

The compressed fluid exiting from the diffuser-collector section 102 is conducted from outlet 109 to the inlet section 110 of the second stage by lines 110a. The connection between outlet 109 and inlet section 110 is not shown but comprises a simple T or Y fitting and the necessary connecting lines. The outlet 111 from the second stage passes in sealed relationship through the container 91 into connection with line 112 (see FIG. 1).

As previously mentioned, bearing assemblies 130 and 130 support shaft for free rotation in housing assembly 101. In general these assemblies are substantially identical with the exception that assembly serves as the thrust bearing and supplies the vertical support for the shaft 120.

As shown, bearing assembly 130 includes a plurality of annular shaped housing members 132, 134 and 136. These members are joined together with sections 101a and 101a and the corresponding lower housing sections 132', 134' and 136', by vertically extending bolts not shown. Positioned within the housing thus formed, and carried by circumferentially extending O-rings 144 is a carbon bearing forming member 146. Bearing forming member 146 is of annular configuration, and is provided with a plurality of radially extending passages 150 for supplying lubricant from lines 152 to the bearing surface between shaft 120 and the bearing forming members. Member 146 also is provided with a vertically extending passage 154 adapted to supply lubricant to the bearing surface between it and thrust washer 124. A drain line 156 serves to carry away the lubricant.

The lower surface of member 136' of hearing assembly 130 is connected to the radially extending flange 160 of the barrier member 186 of magnetic coupling 100 which is in turn connected to, and supported by, internal support member 92. The joints between these connections are sealed by O- rings 164 and 166.

MAGNETIC COUPLING 100 As previously discussed, past attempts to design a vapor turbine driven refrigerant compressor unit of small size have been largely unsuccessful because of the incompatibility of the most desirable fluids for use in the refrigerant cycle and the vapor turbine cycle, and the inability to adequately seal between the two fluids.

The present device overcomes this problem by providing a magnetic coupling between the turbine and compressor in a manner which eliminates the need for mechanical seals. Because of the necessary high rotative speeds of the turbine (in the range of 50,000 r.p.m. and higher), and the consequent high centrifugal forces imposed on the magnetic coupling, a coupling of special design is utilized.

As shown in FIG. 2, this coupling comprises a cylindrically shaped inner magnet assembly carried on the lower end of shaft 120, and an outer magnet assembly 182, of cup shaped cylindrical configuration, carried on the upper end of the turbine shaft 184. A cup-shaped barrier member 186, formed from an impervious non-magnetic dielectric material, such as Pyrex glass, is positioned between the inner and outer magnets and connected in sealing relation at its flanged end 160 to support 92.

Inner magnet assembly 180 comprises a plurality of individual magnet discs 188 formed from alnico and snugly fitted to the lower end of shaft 120 and positively connected thereto by a nut 190.

The outer magnet assembly 182 includes a hub member cast integrally with, or shrink-fitted to the turbine shaft. Positioned immediately above hub member 192 is outer magnet member 195. As best shown in FIG. 3, the outer 7 magnet member includes a plurality of vertically extending magnet poles formed in a body 198 of alnico.

Outer sleeve 204 provides the main structural strength for the assembly and is formed from fiber glass and resin. The main portion of the fibers is circumferentially wound because of the large circumferential load generated during rotation. The sleeve 204 is shrink fitted to the outer magnet member, preferably by hydraulically expanding it by positioning the sleeve vertically between a pair of end plates which close the end of the sleeve and are held in position by a clamp or tie rods. This permits the sleeve to sealing retain hydraulic fluid. The top end plate is provided with a recess which receives the magnet member and permits it to rest on the top edge of the sleeve while the sleeve is in the unexpanded condition. Consequent pressurization of the hydraulic fluid by a pump communicated with the fluid in the sleeve through a line in one of the end plates, causes the sleeve to be expanded and the magnet member to drop into position in the sleeve.

When constructed in the above-described manner, the magnetic coupling is capable of transmitting the necessary torque from turbine 22 to compressor 56 at rotational speeds substantially above 50,000 r.p.m.

VAPOR TURBINE 22 Vapor turbine 22 is similar to the conventional Terry type turbine, and includes a rotor 220 shrink fitted or otherwise positively connected to shaft 184. The outer periphery of the rotor is provided with a plurality of fins or blades (not shown) which are supplied with steam from line 20 by nozzle 222. A shroud 226 is positioned around the rotor.

The rotor is mounted for rotation by an upper bearing assembly 228 and a lower bearing assembly 230. These :bearing assemblies are constructed in basically the same manner as previously described bearing assembly 130.

In particular, upper bearing assembly 228, includes an annular shaped bearing housing member 232 and a pair of inwardly extending bearing support members 234. A pair of O-rings 236 serve to support the carbon bearing 238 on support members 234. Radially extending lubrication passages are provided in bearing 238 and function to provide lubricant from line 240 to the bearing surface between shaft 184 and bearing 238.

Positioned immediately below the bearing assembly 228 and connected thereto is a circumferentially extending bearing lubricant receiving member 242 provided with drain line 244. Normally steam or feedwater will serve as the bearing lubricant for the turbine bearings. In the case of feedwater, the drain line 244 is connected with line 47, and lubricating fluid returned to the system.

Lower bearing assembly 230 serves to provide the main support for the turbine and for this reason includes a thrust washer 246 carried on a carbon bearing member 248 which is mounted between a pair of O-rings 249 carried by a pair of radially extending support rings 250 positioned on opposite sides of bearing housing forming member 252. The bearing housing member 252 is connected to the underside of support member 96 in any manner which will properly support the weight of the turbine and seal the turbine chamber.

Bearing lubricant in the form of feedwater or steam is supplied to the bearing surfaces of bearing 248 from line 254 and passages 256. No separate bearing lubricant drain line is provided for bearing assembly 230, since the bearing is in direct communication with hot-well 260 which is connected in sealed relation with the bearing support.

FEED PUMP 16 Of particular importance to the present invention is the construction of feed pump 16. As previously mentioned because of the high vacuum conditions under which the turbine operates, and the small static fluid head available in a small system like the present, conventional small centrifugal and piston pumps do not function properly. In

general, when attempting to operate conventional pumps of the smaller sizes under the conditions present in the subject system, priming difliculties, as well as vapor binding, are experienced. For these reasons, the present invention includes a specially designed feed pump.

in general, the pump could be referred to as an inverted cone, surface-action pump. In particular the pump includes a generally conically shaped member 270 formed on the lower end of turbine shaft 184 which extends into a fluid container means in the form of a hot-well 260. Although, shown as a cone, the exact shape of the member could vary slightly and could for example, be of semi-elliptical cross-sectional configuration. Positioned immediately above the end portion 270 and firmly con nected to shaft 184, such as by welding or shrink fitting, is a disc shaped fluid receiving member 272 having a circular recess 27-4 in its lower side. A member 276 is connected to the lower side of member 272 and in combination with recess 274 provides a circumferentially extending inwardly opening fluid receiving channel means.

A fluid receiving means shown as a stationary pick-up tube 278 extends into the channel and has an open'end 280 facing opposite the direction of rotation of shaft 184. The other end of tube 278 is connected with feedwater supply line 14 through a connection carried in bearing housing forming member 252.

Obviously the most eflicient angle for the conically shaped member 270 will vary depending upon factors such as the speed of rotation, the characteristics of the fluid, etc. In the present application, with water near its boiling point, and with the pump rotating in the range of 40,000 to 70,000 r.p.m. an angle of from 20 to 40 is satisfactory.

The operation of the pump can best be explained by reference to FIG. 4. All that is required to initiate pumpmg action is rotation of the cone when its end is submerged in the liquid. As shown, when the end of the cone is submerged in the liquid, the liquid rises a short distance up the cone in a meniscus-like fashion at 280. As the cone is rotated, the forces acting on the liquid mass include a centrifugal force indicated by vector D, and a gravitational force indicated by vector E. These forces are counteracted by a force which results from the surface tension of the liquid and is indicated by vector C. Vector C is, of course, comprised of an axial component indicated by vector A, and a radial component indicated by vector B.

The centrifugal force D increases with film thickness, whereas the resultant surface tension force C does not. Therefore, for a given tangential velocity on the cones surface, there is an equilibrium film thickness, at which the radially inward component B of the surface force balances the centrifugal force D. The remainder of the surface force vector revolves axially, toward the large end of the cone, which for steady state flow will be balanced by the force of gravity.

As can be seen, the equilibrium film thickness reduces as the cone diameter increases. This is also a requirement for flow continuity for steady velocity up the cone. Any voids on the cone surface will then occur at the upper end of the cone, which will increase the lifting force on the fluid, drawing it into the void. Any vapor which forms as a result of heating caused by fluid slip on the cone surface will be ejected from the film since surface forces on a vapor are minimal compared to those on the liquid.

As the liquid moves up the cone it is accelerated tangentially because of drag between it and the cones surface. Since there is slip between the cone surface and the liquid, the liquid will have a tangential velocity with respect to the cone surface. This tends to keep a uniform film thickness around the cone at any given axial level. As the liquid reaches the receiving channel 276, the tangential velocity (or dynamic head) possessed by the liquid is recovered as pressure via a rapid diffusion process in the impact tube or collector tube 278.

As is apparent, the advantages of the above-described pump are numerous and include its extreme simplicity and freedom from seals, as well as its immunity from cavitation problems even when functioning in a vacuum environment within one millimeter of mercury from the liquids vapor pressure. Additionally, the pump is selfpriming under the same vacuum conditions and is ideal for the low flow-high head operation required in the subject system.

As can be seen from the foregoing specification, a fuel-fired reverse cycle heat pump system has been provided which is highly simple in construction and operation, and overcomes the problems previously encountered in such systems.

The invention has been describved in great detail sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the heating and cooling art to construct and use the same. Obviously modifications and alternations of the preferred embodiment will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification, and it is our intention to include all such modifications and alterations as part of our invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. A vapor turbine driven compressor unit especially suited for use in a closed-circuit compressor-type refrigeration system comprising: means forming a housing; partition means in said housing dividing said housing into first and second sealed chambers; a vapor turbine having an output shaft and positioned in said first chamber; a compressor having an input shaft and positioned in said second chamber; said turbine and said compressor being arranged so as to have their said respective shafts in general alignment; coupling means for drivingly interconnecting said shafts, said coupling means including; a first magnet member connected to said output shaft, a second magnet member connected to said input shaft and closely spaced from said first magnet member; said partition means including a fluid impervious non-magnetic and dielectric barrier member extending between said first and second magnets and in spaced relation to each, whereby said turbine and said compressor are drivingly interconnected by magnetic attraction between said magnet members but are maintained in fluid sealed relationship relative to one another; and, wherein one of said magnet members is of generally cup-shaped configuration and has a circular cross-section and is arranged in generally surrounding relationship to said other magnet, said one of said magnet members having a sleeve comprised of glass fibers shrink fitted to its outer circumference, with the majority of said fibers extending circumferentially, and said other of said magnet members comprised of a plurality of disc-shaped magnets positioned in stacked relationship.

2. A vapor turbine driven compressor unit especially suited for use in a closed-circuit compressor-type refrigeration system comprising: means forming a housing; partition means in said housing dividing said housing into first and second sealed chambers; a vapor turbine having an output shaft and positioned in said first chamber; a compressor having an input shaft and positioned in said second chamber; said turbine and said compressor being arranged so as to have their said respective shafts in general alignment; coupling means for drivingly interconnection said shafts, said coupling means including; a

first magnet member connected to said output shaft, a second magnet member connected to said input shaft and closely spaced from said first magnet member; said partition means including a fluid impervious non-magnetic and dielectric barrier member extending between said first and second magnets and in spaced relation to each, whereby said turbine and said compressor are drivingly interconnected by magnetic attraction between said magnet members but are maintained in fluid sealed relationship relative to one another; and, wherein one of said magnet members is of generally cup-shaped configuration having a circular cross-section, said cup-shaped member having an outer circumferential reinforcing member shrink fitted thereon.

3. A unit as defined in claim 2 wherein said reinforcing member comprises a tubular sleeve of a length substantially equal to said cup-shaped member.

4. A unit as defined in claim 2 wherein said reinforcing member comprises a tubular sleeve formed predominately of circumferentially extending fibers.

5. A unit as defined in claim 2 wherein said reinforcing member comprises a preformed sleeve member wound from at least one elongated flexible member.

6. A magnetic coupling for drivingly interconnecting first and second aligned rotatable shafts, said coupling comprising a first magnet member of generally cupshaped configuration having a circular cross-section and adapted to be connected to said first shaft; said first magnet member having a reinforcing member shrink fitted to its outer circumference; said reinforcing member being of tubular configuration and of a length to enclose a major portion of said first magnet member; a second magnet member adapted to be connected to said second shaft and positioned in interfitted relationship with said first magnet member and closely spaced therefrom; and, a partition member formed from non-magnetic material positioned intermediate said first and second magnet member in spaced relationship to each.

7. A magnetic coupling as defined in claim 6 wherein said reinforcing member comprises a tubular sleeve formed predominately of circumferentially extending fibers.

8. A magnetic coupling as defined in claim 6 wherein said reinforcing member comprises a preformed sleeve member wound from at least one elongated flexible element.

9. The magnetic coupling as defined in claim 6 wherein said reinforcing member comprises a elongated tubular sleeve formed from glass fibers.

10. The magnetic coupling as defined in claim 6 wherein said first magnet member comprises a cylindrical hub portion and a separate tubular portion, said hub portion and said tubular portion being joined by said tubular reinforcing member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 26,094 10/1966 Zimmermann 103-87 2,386,505 10/1945 Puchy 230-15 2,720,256 10/1955 Pearson 103-87 ROBERT M. WALKER, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 64-28; 310-104; 415-198; 417-201, 420

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