WO2023239808A1

WO2023239808A1 - Compressor arrangement for hvac&r system

Info

Publication number: WO2023239808A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/024740
Authority: WO
Inventors: François Charles André CLUNET; Damien Jean Daniel Arnou; Paul Eric LE SAUSSE; Jeb William SCHREIBER
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
Priority date: 2022-06-08
Filing date: 2023-06-07
Publication date: 2023-12-14

Abstract

A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a heat exchanger configured to receive a working fluid directed through the HVAC&R system, and the heat exchanger includes an enclosure. The HVAC&R system also includes a compressor system having a plurality of compressors, where each compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the enclosure of the heat exchanger.

Description

COMPRESSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR HVAC&R SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/350,271, entitled “COMPRESSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR HVAC&R SYSTEM,” filed June 8, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Chiller systems, or vapor compression systems, utilize a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) that changes phases between vapor, liquid, and combinations thereof in response to exposure to different temperatures and pressures within components of the chiller system. The chiller system may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid (e.g., water) and may deliver the conditioning fluid to conditioning equipment and/or a conditioned environment serviced by the chiller system. In some embodiments, the chiller system may include one or more compressors configured to pressurize the working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid through the chiller system, such as to a heat exchanger of the chiller system. However, chiller systems having multiple compressors may occupy a large physical footprint. SUMMARY

[0004] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a heat exchanger configured to receive a working fluid directed through the HVAC&R system, and the heat exchanger includes an enclosure. The HVAC&R system also includes a compressor system having a plurality of compressors, where each compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the enclosure of the heat exchanger.

[0006] In another embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a vapor compression circuit configured to direct working fluid therethrough, a heat exchanger disposed along the vapor compression circuit, where the heat exchanger includes an enclosure, and a compressor system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, where the compressor system includes a plurality of compressors, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted directly to the enclosure.

[0007] In a further embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a vapor compression circuit configured to circulate a working fluid, an evaporator disposed along the vapor compression circuit, where the evaporator includes a first shell, and the evaporator is configured to cool the working fluid, a condenser disposed along the vapor compression circuit, where the condenser includes a second shell, and the condenser is configured to heat the working fluid, and an economizer system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, where the economizer system includes a third shell, and the economizer system is configured to separate the working fluid into vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid. The HVAC&R system also includes a plurality of compressors disposed along the vapor compression circuit, where the plurality of compressors is configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is directly mounted to the first shell, the second shell, the third shell, or any combination thereof.

DRAWINGS

[0008] Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. l is a perspective view of a building that may utilize an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system in a commercial setting, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an embodiment of the vapor compression system of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of the vapor compression system of FIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system with multiple compressors mounted to a heat exchanger, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system with multiple compressors mounted to multiple heat exchangers, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; [0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system with multiple compressors mounted to a heat exchanger and an economizer system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system with multiple compressors mounted to a heat exchanger and an economizer system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system with multiple compressors mounted to multiple heat exchangers, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system with multiple compressors mounted to multiple heat exchangers and an economizer system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system with multiple compressors mounted to multiple heat exchangers and an economizer system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure..

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. [0021] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially,” and so forth, are intended to convey that the property value being described may be within a relatively small range of the property value, as those of ordinary skill would understand. For example, when a property value is described as being “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “substantially similar” to) a given value, this is intended to mean that the property value may be within +/- 5%, within +/- 4%, within +/- 3%, within +/- 2%, within +/- 1%, or even closer, of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being “substantially parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, and so forth, this is intended to mean that the given feature is within +/- 5%, within +/- 4%, within +/- 3%, within +/- 2%, within +/- 1%, or even closer, to having the described nature, such as being parallel to another feature, being perpendicular to another feature, and so forth. Further, it should be understood that mathematical terms, such as “planar,” “slope,” “perpendicular,” “parallel,” and so forth are intended to encompass features of surfaces or elements as understood to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, and should not be rigidly interpreted as might be understood in the mathematical arts. For example, a “planar” surface is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be substantially flat or smooth (within related tolerances) using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, a surface having a “slope” is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be oriented at an angle (e g , incline) with respect to a point of reference using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art. [0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system having a vapor compression system (e.g., a vapor compression circuit). The vapor compression system may include multiple compressors configured to pressurize a working fluid within the vapor compression system and direct the working fluid to one or more heat exchangers of the vapor compression system. For example, the compressors may direct the working fluid to a condenser, which may cool and condense the working fluid. The condensed working fluid may be directed to an expansion device, which may reduce a pressure of the working fluid and further cool the working fluid. From the expansion device, the cooled working fluid may be directed to an evaporator, which may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid to cool the conditioning fluid. The compressors may then receive the working fluid from the evaporator for pressurization to restart the vapor compression cycle.

[0024] Unfortunately, incorporation of multiple compressors in vapor compression systems traditionally increases a physical footprint occupied by the HVAC&R system. For example, in some existing systems, a support, a base, a housing, an enclosure, and/or a mounting structure (e.g., a compressor skid) may be manufactured and incorporated to accommodate and/or support multiple compressors in the HVAC&R system. For example, existing systems may utilize a separate structural or mounting system (e.g., separate from heat exchangers of the vapor compression system) configured to support multiple compressors. The separate mounting system may increase costs associated with manufacture and/or installation of the HVAC&R system. Additionally, the separate mounting system may increase a physical footprint occupied by the HVAC&R system.

[0025] Thus, it is now recognized that avoidance (e.g., exclusion) of separate support or mounting structures (e.g., dedicated to compressor mounting) in multi-compressor systems may reduce a cost of manufacture of and/or increase efficient usage of space by the HVAC&R system. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to HVAC&R system configurations and arrangements that enable more efficient utilization of space, particularly with HVAC&R systems having multiple compressors. For example, present embodiments include system configurations and/or arrangements that include mounting, securing, and/or attaching multiple compressors to other components (e.g., vapor compression system components) of the HVAC&R system. As an example, one or more compressors may be mounted to (e.g., directly mounted to) a heat exchanger, such as the condenser and/or the evaporator, of the HVAC&R system. As another example, one or more compressors may be mounted to (e.g., directly mounted to) an economizer system, such as an intermediate vessel or flash tank, of the HVAC&R system. Tn either example, the one or more compressors may be implemented without a separate support structure (e.g., separate from other vapor compression components of the HVAC&R system), such as a mounting structure dedicated to supporting the compressor. Thus, mounting the compressors to other equipment of the HVAC&R system, such as vapor compression system components, may reduce costs associated with manufacture and/or installation of the HVAC&R system (e.g., costs associated with manufacture and/or installation of a dedicated support structure for the compressors) and/or may reduce a physical footprint occupied by the HVAC&R system.

[0026] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an environment for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 for a typical commercial setting. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller, a vapor compression circuit) that supplies a chilled liquid, which may be used to cool the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 to supply warm liquid to heat the building 12 and an air distribution system which circulates air through the building 12. The air distribution system can also include an air return duct 18, an air supply duct 20, and/or an air handler 22. In some embodiments, the air handler 22 may include a heat exchanger that is connected to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14 by conduits 24. The heat exchanger in the air handler 22 may receive either heated liquid from the boiler 16 or chilled liquid from the vapor compression system 14, depending on the mode of operation of the HVAC&R system 10. The HVAC&R system 10 is shown with a separate air handler on each floor of building 12, but in other embodiments, the HVAC&R system 10 may include air handlers 22 and/or other components that may be shared between or among floors.

[0027] FIGS. 2 and 3 are embodiments of the vapor compression system 14 that can be used in the HVAC&R system 10. The vapor compression system 14 may circulate a refrigerant (e.g., a working fluid) through a circuit starting with a compressor 32. The circuit may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve(s) or device(s) 36, and a liquid chiller or an evaporator 38. The vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 that has an analog to digital (A/D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, a non-volatile memory 46, and/or an interface board 48.

[0028] Some examples of fluids that may be used as refrigerants (e.g., working fluids) in the vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerants, for example, R-410A, R-407, R-134a, R-1234ze, R1233zd hydrofluoro olefin (HFO), "natural" refrigerants like ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, or hydrocarbon based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable refrigerant. In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may be configured to efficiently utilize refrigerants having a normal boiling point of about 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at one atmosphere of pressure, also referred to as low pressure refrigerants, versus a medium pressure refrigerant, such as R-134a. As used herein, "normal boiling point" may refer to a boiling point temperature measured at one atmosphere of pressure.

[0029] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSDs) 52, a motor 50, the compressor 32, the condenser 34, the expansion valve or device 36, and/or the evaporator 38. The motor 50 may drive the compressor 32 and may be powered by a variable speed drive (VSD) 52. The VSD 52 receives alternating current (AC) power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an AC power source, and provides power having a variable voltage and frequency to the motor 50. In other embodiments, the motor 50 may be powered directly from an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motor 50 may include any type of motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

[0030] The compressor 32 compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser 34 through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, the compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressor 32 to the condenser 34 may transfer heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., water or air) in the condenser 34. The refrigerant vapor may condense to a refrigerant liquid in the condenser 34 as a result of thermal heat transfer with the cooling fluid. The liquid refrigerant from the condenser 34 may flow through the expansion device 36 to the evaporator 38. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the condenser 34 is water cooled and includes a tube bundle 54 connected to a cooling tower 56, which supplies the cooling fluid to the condenser 34.

[0031] The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another cooling fluid, which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in the condenser 34. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 38 may undergo a phase change from the liquid refrigerant to a refrigerant vapor. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 having a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to a cooling load 62. The cooling fluid of the evaporator 38 (e g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable fluid) enters the evaporator 38 via return line 60R and exits the evaporator 38 via supply line 60S. The evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the cooling fluid in the tube bundle 58 via thermal heat transfer with the refrigerant. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 can include a plurality of tubes and/or a plurality of tube bundles. In any case, the vapor refrigerant exits the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 by a suction line to complete the cycle.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic of the vapor compression system 14 with an intermediate circuit 64 incorporated between condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate circuit 64 may have an inlet line 68 that is directly fluidly connected to the condenser 34. In other embodiments, the inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly coupled to the condenser 34. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 positioned upstream of an intermediate vessel 70. In some embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be a flash tank (e.g., a flash intercooler, an economizer). In other embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or a “surface economizer.” In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the intermediate vessel 70 is used as a flash tank, and the first expansion device 66 is configured to lower the pressure of (e g., expand) the liquid refrigerant received from the condenser 34. During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may vaporize, and thus, the intermediate vessel 70 may be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from the first expansion device 66.

[0033] Additionally, the intermediate vessel 70 may provide for further expansion of the liquid refrigerant because of a pressure drop experienced by the liquid refrigerant when entering the intermediate vessel 70 (e.g., due to a rapid increase in volume experienced when entering the intermediate vessel 70). The vapor in the intermediate vessel 70 may be drawn by the compressor 32 through a suction line 74 of the compressor 32. In other embodiments, the vapor in the intermediate vessel may be drawn to an intermediate stage of the compressor 32 (e.g., not the suction stage). The liquid that collects in the intermediate vessel 70 may be at a lower enthalpy than the liquid refrigerant exiting the condenser 34 because of the expansion in the expansion device 66 and/or the intermediate vessel 70. The liquid from intermediate vessel 70 may then flow in line 72 through a second expansion device 36 to the evaporator 38.

[0034] It should be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be incorporated with the vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R systems. For example, the present techniques may be incorporated with any HVAC&R system having an economizer, such as the intermediate vessel 70, and one or more compressors, such as one or more of the compressor 32. The discussion below describes the present techniques incorporated with embodiments of the compressor 32 configured as a single stage compressor. However, it should be noted that the systems and methods described herein may be incorporated with other embodiments of the compressor 32 (e.g., multi-stage compressors) and HVAC&R system 10.

[0035] As mentioned above, the present disclosure is directed to an HVAC&R system (e.g., the HVAC&R system 10) that includes multiple compressors that are configured to pressurize a working fluid. The compressors may be mounted to vapor compression system components and/or vapor compression circuit components of the HVAC&R system, such as to a heat exchanger (e.g., the condenser 34, the evaporator 38) and/or an economizer system (e.g., the intermediate vessel 70). For example, a vapor compression system component may have an enclosure, and the compressor may be mounted to the enclosure. As such, the compressors may be installed, mounted, secured or otherwise implemented as components of the HVAC&R system without manufacture and/or implementation of a separate support structure, such as an additional enclosure, base, mount, skid, and so forth, that may be dedicated or specifically incorporated to support the compressors (e.g., without also supporting other equipment of the HVAC&R system). In this manner, the multiple compressors may be incorporated in the HVAC&R system with reduced cost, complexity, and/or physical footprint compared to traditional HVAC&R systems (e.g., chillers systems) having multiple compressors.

[0036] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of an HVAC&R system 100 configured to circulate a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant, heat transfer fluid). The HVAC&R system 100 (e.g., vapor compression system) may include various vapor compression system components 101 (e.g., components of a vapor compression circuit, heat exchange components, heat exchangers), such as the condenser 34 configured to cool the working fluid and the evaporator system 38 configured to place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid For example, the evaporator 38 may operate to transfer heat from the conditioning fluid to the working fluid. In some embodiments, the HVAC&R system 100 may be configured to operate as a heat pump (e.g., in which the evaporator 38 operates to heat the conditioning fluid in a heating mode).

[0037] The HVAC&R system 100 may also include a compressor system 102 configured to pressurize the working fluid and/or direct the working fluid through the vapor compression circuit. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressor system 102 includes multiple compressors (e.g., primary compressors) arranged in a series flow arrangement relative to working fluid flow through the compressor system 102. For example, the compressor system 102 may include a first compressor 104 configured to receive working fluid from the evaporator 38 and to pressurize the working fluid. The compressor system 102 may also include a second compressor 106 configured to receive working fluid pressurized by and discharged from the first compressor 104. The second compressor 106 may further pressurize the working fluid received from the first compressor 104. The compressor system 102 may additionally include a third compressor 108 configured to receive working fluid pressurized by and discharged from the second compressor 106. The third compressor 108 may further pressurize the working fluid received from the second compressor 106, and the working fluid may be discharged by the third compressor 108 to flow toward the condenser 34. Thus, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be arranged in series relative to a flow of the working fluid through the compressor system 102.

[0038] A size of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be selected based on a desirable amount of pressurization (e.g., lift) to be provided to the working fluid. For example, the third compressor 108 may provide less pressurization as compared to the respective pressurizations provided by the first compressor 104 and/or the second compressor 106. Thus, the third compressor 108 may have a relatively smaller size than the first compressor 104 and/or the second compressor 106. Indeed, each subsequent compressor (e g., downstream compressor, relative to flow of the working fluid) of the compressor system 102 receiving working fluid may provide a reduced amount of pressurization, and each subsequent compressor may therefore be of reduced size. Alternatively, each subsequent compressor of the compressor system 102 receiving working fluid may provide an increased amount of pressurization, and each subsequent compressor may therefore be of increased size. In such embodiments, the third compressor 108 may have a relatively larger size than the first compressor 104 and/or the second compressor 106.

[0039] In some embodiments, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be controlled by a respective variable speed drive (VSD) 113, which may be operated to adjust respective amounts of pressurization by which the compressors 104, 106, 108 pressurize working fluid. The VSDs 113 may provide greater control of operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108, such as to provide variation of pressurization or lift of working fluid, as compared to fixed speed compressor operation. Moreover, each VSD 113 may be a low voltage VSD (e.g., 240 volts of alternating current [VAC] to 600 VAC, less than 1000 VAC). For example, operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 via the VSDs 113 may provide sufficient, desirable, and/or target pressurization of the working fluid. Indeed, the VSDs 113 may enable improved (e.g., more efficient) operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 in response to variations during operation of the HVAC&R system 100, such as lift variations, load variations, and so forth. Thus, the VSDs 113 may enable desirable operation of the HVAC&R system 100 without implementation and/or operation of a medium voltage VSD (e.g., 2,400 VAC to 69,000 VAC) or a high voltage VSD (e.g., 115,000 VAC to 1,100,000 VAC), which may significantly increase a cost associated with manufacture and/or operation of the HVAC&R system 100.

[0040] The vapor compression system components 101 may also include an economizer system 110 (e.g., an intermediate vessel system, flash tank system) configured to receive the working fluid from the condenser 34. The economizer system 110 may include a first economizer 112 (e.g., flash tank, economizer chamber) configured to receive working fluid (e.g., liquid working fluid) from the condenser 34 and to reduce a pressure of the working fluid to vaporize at least a portion of the working fluid. The first economizer 112 may also separate the working fluid into liquid working fluid and vapor working fluid. The first economizer 112 may direct the vapor working fluid to the compressor system 102 and direct the liquid working fluid to a second economizer 114 (e.g., flash tank, economizer chamber) of the economizer system 110. The second economizer 114 may further reduce the pressure of the working fluid to vaporize at least a portion of the working fluid received and to separate the working fluid into liquid working fluid and vapor working fluid. The second economizer 114 may direct the liquid working fluid to the evaporator 38 and direct the vapor working fluid to the compressor system 102. By further reducing the pressure of the working fluid, the second economizer 114 may further reduce a temperature of the working fluid directed to the evaporator 38, thereby increasing an amount of cooling provided by the evaporator 38 to the conditioning fluid. In certain embodiments, the economizer system 110 may include a single shell, housing, enclosure, or shell 115, and each economizer 112, 114 may include a separate chamber, compartment, or volume within the single shell 115. For example, the first and second economizers 112, 114 may be separated by a plate 117 (e g., vertical plate) extending within the shell 115 and configured to enable working fluid flow therethrough to flow between the first and second economizers 112, 114. That is, the plate 117 may generally separate a first volume (e.g., chamber) within the shell 115 associated with the first economizer 112 and a second volume (e.g., chamber) within the shell 115 associated with the second economizer 114. The first and second economizers 112, 114 may be positioned end to end and/or may be aligned along a horizontal axis. Thus, the shell 115 of the economizer system 110 (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the shell 115) may extend generally horizontally, similar to the first enclosure 122 of the condenser 34 and the second enclosure 124 of the evaporator 38. Additionally or alternatively, each economizer 112, 114 may include a respective (e.g., separate) housing and/or enclosure defining a respective volume, and the housings may be positioned adjacent to (e.g., coupled to) one another to form the economizer system 110.

[0041] It should be noted that components of the HVAC&R system 100 may be described as being positioned or arranged upstream or downstream of one another. As described herein, upstream and downstream may refer to the positioning of the components with respect to a sequential flow of working fluid through the vapor compression system components 101 (e.g., through the HVAC&R system 100, through the vapor compression circuit), such as from the compressor system 102 (e.g., from the first compressor 104, to the second compressor 106, to the third compressor 108), to the condenser 34, to the economizer system 110 (e.g., from the first economizer 112 to the second economizer 114), to the evaporator 38, and back to the compressor system 102. For example, upstream may refer to positioning (e.g., a preceding position) of a component relative to another component in a direction opposite the direction of working fluid flow through the vapor compression system components 101, and downstream may refer to positioning (e g., a proceeding position) of a component relative to another component in a direction of working fluid flow through the vapor compression system components 101.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the second economizer 114 is configured to direct vapor working fluid into the compressor system 102 downstream of the first compressor 104 and upstream of the second compressor 106 relative to a flow of working fluid through the compressor system 102. Thus, the vapor working fluid discharged from the second economizer 114 may mix with working fluid pressurized by and discharged from the first compressor 104. Furthermore, the first economizer 112 may be configured to direct vapor working fluid into the compressor system 102 downstream of the second compressor 106 and upstream of the third compressor 108 relative to the flow of working fluid through the compressor system 102. As such, the vapor working fluid discharged from the first economizer 112 may mix with working fluid pressurized by and discharged from the second compressor 106.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the first compressor 104 may be configured to discharge working fluid at a pressure (e.g., a first pressure, first pressure level) that is similar to a pressure of the vapor working fluid discharged from the second economizer 1 14 Mixing of vapor working fluid flows that are of similar pressures may improve flow of the vapor working fluid through the HVAC&R system 100. For example, vapor working fluid flows that are at different pressures may result in vapor working fluid at a higher pressure inducing backflow of vapor working fluid at a lower pressure (e.g., cause undesirable flow of vapor working fluid in an upstream direction, cause disturbances in flow of the vapor working fluid). Thus, mixing of vapor working fluid flows that are at similar pressures may block backflow of vapor working fluid and enable improved flow of vapor working fluid in a downstream direction (e.g., toward the second compressor 106 instead of upstream and toward the first compressor 104 and/or toward the second economizer 114). As such, mixing of the working fluid discharged from the first compressor 104 and the working fluid discharged from the second economizer 114, and therefore flow of working fluid into the second compressor 106, may be improved Additionally, the second compressor 106 may be configured to discharge working fluid at a pressure that is similar to a pressure of the vapor working fluid discharged from the first economizer 112. Thus, mixing of the working fluid discharged from the second compressor 106 and the working fluid discharged from the first economizer 112, and therefore flow of working fluid into the third compressor 108, may be improved, as similarly discussed above.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the condenser 34 and/or the evaporator 38 and/or the economizer system 110 may include a respective enclosure, shell, housing, or casing. For example, the condenser 34 may include a first enclosure 122 (e.g., a first shell), and the evaporator 38 may include a second enclosure 124 (e.g., a second shell). Additionally, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted, secured, coupled, and/or attached (e.g., directly) to the first enclosure 122 of the condenser 34 and/or the second enclosure 124 of the evaporator 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressors 104, 106, 108 are mounted to the second enclosure 124 of the evaporator 38. For instance, a fastener, a weld, an adhesive, a bracket or other mounting feature, a receptacle, a punch, another suitable feature, or any combination thereof may be used to mount the compressors 104, 106, 108 to the second enclosure 124. However, in other embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to the first enclosure 122 of the condenser 34 (e.g., instead of being mounted to the second enclosure 124 of the evaporator 38). As such, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be implemented with the HVAC&R system 100 without manufacture and/or usage of one or more separate structure (e.g., a skid) dedicated to support (e.g., mounting) of the compressors 104, 106, 108. That is, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be secured within the HVAC&R system 100 via direct coupling to the evaporator 38 (e.g., to a top section or portion of the second enclosure 124 of the evaporator 38).

[0045] In some embodiments, a first dimension 116 (e.g., a length, a greatest or longest dimension, a longitudinal dimension or axis, a dimension along a rotational axis) of each compressor 104, 106, 108 may be oriented crosswise to a second dimension 118 (e.g., a length, a greatest or longest dimension, longitudinal dimension or axis) of the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second enclosure 124) to position each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 within the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38. In other words, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be arranged and/or oriented to enable mounting of each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 to the second enclosure 124. By way of example, an angle 120 between the first dimension 116 may be approximately 90 degrees. In additional or alternative embodiments, the angle 120 may be an oblique angle, such as 80 degrees, 70 degrees, 60 degrees, and so forth. Furthermore, a size of each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be selected to enable mounting of the compressors 104, 106, 108 to the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second enclosure 124) within the second dimension 118. Sizes of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may additionally or alternatively be selected based on structural compatibility with the evaporator 38 (e.g., weight of the compressors 104, 106, 108 supportable by the second enclosure 124 of the evaporator 38). For example, each compressor 104, 106, 108 may be smaller than an embodiment of a compressor capable of providing a total amount or summation of the cumulative pressurization provided by the plurality (e g., series) of the compressors 104, 106, 108.

[0046] Similarly, the VSDs 113 utilized to control operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may also be smaller than a VSD that would otherwise be used to operate a compressor configured to provide the total amount of pressurization cumulatively provided by the plurality (e.g., series) of the compressors 104, 106, 108. For example, operation, manufacture, and/or implementation of the VSDs 113 (e.g., low voltage VSDs) may be more cost efficient than operation and/or manufacture of a larger or higher voltage VSD used to control a single compressor configured to provide pressurization similar to that provided by the multiple compressors 104, 106, 108. Moreover, operation of the multiple compressors 104, 106, 108 via the respective VSDs 113 may provide increased control to achieve different or variable stages (e g., compression stages), amounts of pressurization, capacities, and so forth, that may not be achieved by operation of a single compressor via a corresponding VSD (e.g., larger VSD). For instance, operation of each VSD 1 13 may be adjusted to adjust the respective pressurization provided by each compressor 104, 106, 108 and cause the compressor system 102 provide a particular overall pressurization of the working fluid. The particular overall pressurization provided by the compressor system 102 may be a discrete, intermediate amount of pressurization below a maximum allowable or rated amount of pressurization (e.g., upper threshold or limit), such as during part load operation of the compressor system 102. Indeed, because respective operating parameters of each compressor 104, 106, 108 may be independently adjusted via the respective VSDs 113, the specific overall pressurization provided by the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be more acutely controlled. In this manner, a quantity of part load operations provided by operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be greater than a quantity of part load operations provided by operation of a single compressor. Furthermore, operation of each compressor 104, 106, 108 via the respective VSDs 113 may enable improved (e.g., more efficient) operation of the compressors 104, 106, 108 in response to variations during operation of the HVAC&R system 100, such as variations in lift, load, and so forth.

[0047] In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to other vapor compression system components 101 of the HVAC&R system 100, such as another enclosure. For example, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the first enclosure 122 of the condenser 34 and/or to the shell 115 of the economizer system 110. Similarly, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to other heat exchange equipment of the HVAC&R system 100 (e.g., an accumulator). Each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to the same vapor compression system component 101 (e.g., a single, common enclosure), or the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to different vapor compression system components 101 (one of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to a first vapor compression system component 101, another of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to a second vapor compression system component 101). In some embodiments, one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to multiple vapor compression system component 101, Furthermore, although the illustrated embodiment includes two economizers 112, 1 14 and three compressors 104, 106, 108, additional or alternative embodiments of the HVAC&R system 100 incorporating the present techniques may include any suitable number of economizers and compressors, such as one economizer and two compressors, three economizers and four compressors, and so forth. Further still, in some embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 of the compressor system 102 may be arranged in a parallel flow arrangement instead of a series flow arrangement relative to flow of working fluid through the compressor system 102. That is, the working fluid discharged by the evaporator 38 may be divided into multiple flows directed to the different, respective compressors of the compressor system 102.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 100, illustrating a mounting arrangement of the compressor system 102 with vapor compression system components 101 of the HVAC&R system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 is mounted to both the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second enclosure 124) and the condenser 34 (e.g., the first enclosure 122). As an example, the first dimension 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may span between the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 (e.g., from the condenser 34 to the evaporator 38). In certain embodiments, the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 may be positioned to form a space 130 between the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38, and the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend across the space 130. To this end, the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 may be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. In other words, the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 may be positioned adjacent one another and may each extend along a longitudinal axis 132 (e.g., horizontal axis) and may overlap with one another relative to a lateral axis 134. The shell 115 of the economizer system 110 may be similarly positioned in a side-by-side arrangement with the condenser 34 and/or the evaporator 38, may extend along the longitudinal axis 132, and may overlap with the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 relative to the lateral axis 134. In some embodiments, a portion of one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108 extending along the first dimension 116 (e.g., lateral axis 134 may not be in contact with either the condenser 34 or the evaporator 38.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 100, illustrating a mounting arrangement of the compressor system 102 with vapor compression system components 101 of the HVAC&R system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 is mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to both the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second enclosure 124) and the economizer system 110 (e.g., the shell 115). By way of example, the first dimension 116 of each compressor 104, 106, 108 may span or extend between the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110 (e.g., from the evaporator 38 or second enclosure 124 to the economizer system 110 or shell 115). In some embodiments, the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110 may be positioned to form a space 136 between the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110, and the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend across the space 136. To this end, the economizer system 110 and the evaporator 38 may be positioned in a side-by- side arrangement. In other words, the economizer system 110 (e.g., shell 115) and the evaporator 38 (e.g., second enclosure 124) may be positioned adjacent one another and may each extend along the longitudinal axis 132 (e.g., horizontal axis) and may overlap with one another relative to the lateral axis 134. The first enclosures 122 of the condenser 34 may be similarly positioned in a side-by-side arrangement with the economizer system 1 10 and/or the evaporator 38, may extend along the longitudinal axis 132, and may overlap with the economizer system 110 and the evaporator 38 relative to the lateral axis 134. In some embodiments, a portion of one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108 extending along the first dimension 116 (e.g., lateral axis 134) may not be in contact with one of the evaporator 38 or the economizer system 110.

[0050] As described above, the economizer system 110 may include the shell 115 (e.g., a single shell or housing), and each economizer 112, 114 may be a respective chamber within the shell 115. For instance, the shell 115 may be a horizontal shell extending along a direction 126 (e.g., a longitudinal direction 126, along longitudinal axis 132) to provide multiple mounting locations on the shell 115 along the direction 126. Each compressor 104, 106, 108 may be oriented to enable the compressors 104, 106, 108 to mount to the shell 115 of the economizer system 110 (e.g., side by side along the longitudinal axis 132). For example, the first dimension 116 may extend crosswise (e.g., perpendicularly) with respect to the longitudinal axis 132 along which the shell 115 extends. In some embodiments, the first dimension 116 (e.g., longitudinal dimension, axis of rotation, radial dimension) of each compressor 104, 106, 108 may extend along the lateral axis 134.

[0051] In further embodiments, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the condenser 34 (e.g., the second enclosure 124) and to the economizer system 110 (e.g., the shell 115). For example, the condenser 34 and the economizer system 110 may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with one another and may each extend along the longitudinal axis 132, as shown. The first dimension 116 of each compressor 104, 106, 108 may extend from the condenser 34 to the economizer system 110. Further still, in some embodiments, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend between and be mounted to each of the condenser 34 (e.g., the first enclosure 122), the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second enclosure 124), and the economizer system 110 (e g., the shell 115). In additional or alternative embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend between and be mounted to different combinations of other vapor compression system components 101 of the HVAC&R system 100 For example, one of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend between and be mounted to the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38, and another of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend between and be mounted to the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 100. The HVAC&R system 100 includes the compressor system 102 and the economizer system 110. The compressor system 102 may include the first compressor 104, the second compressor 106, and the third compressor 108 arranged in a series flow arrangement with respect to working fluid flow through the compressor system 102, to sequentially pressurize working fluid discharged by the evaporator 38 and to discharge pressurized working fluid to the condenser 34. For example, the first compressor 104 may pressurize working fluid by a first amount, the second compressor 106 may receive working fluid from the first compressor 104 and further pressurize the working fluid by a second amount, and the third compressor 108 may receive working fluid from the second compressor 106 and further pressurize the working fluid by a third amount.

[0053] The economizer system 110 may include the first economizer 112, the second economizer 114, a third economizer 140, a fourth economizer 142, and a fifth economizer 144. The economizers 112, 114, 140, 142, 144 may be arranged (e.g., generally horizontally arranged) in a series flow arrangement relative to working fluid flow through the economizer system 110 (e g., through respective plates 117 positioned between the economizers 112, 114, 140, 142, 144). The economizers 112, 114, 140, 142, 144 may sequentially reduce the pressure of working fluid received from condenser 34 to enable separation of the working fluid into liquid working fluid and vapor working fluid (e.g., in multiple stages). As similarly discussed above, the economizer system 110 may discharge liquid working fluid that is directed toward the evaporator 38. For instance, the first economizer 112 may reduce a pressure of liquid working fluid to a first reduced pressure level, the second economizer 114 may receive liquid working fluid from the first economizer 112 and further reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a second reduced pressure level less than the first reduced pressure level, the third economizer 140 may receive liquid working fluid from the second economizer 114 and further reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a third reduced pressure level less than the second reduced pressure level, the fourth economizer 142 may receive liquid working fluid from the third economizer 140 and further reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a fourth reduced pressure level less than the third reduced pressure level, and the fifth economizer 144 may receive liquid working fluid from the fourth economizer 142 and further reduce the pressure of the liquid working fluid to a fifth reduced pressure level less than the fourth reduced pressure level. Each successive reduction in pressure of the liquid working fluid may further reduce the temperature of the liquid working fluid and therefore increase an amount of cooling available at the evaporator 38 via the liquid working fluid received from the economizer system 110.

[0054] Each of the economizers 112, 114, 140, 142, 144 may also be configured to discharge vapor working fluid to the compressor system 102. In some embodiments, the fourth economizer 142 may be configured to discharge working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) toward an intake of the second compressor 106 (e.g., downstream of the first compressor 104). Thus, working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142 may then be pressurized by the second compressor 106 and then the third compressor 108 of the compressor system 102. The vapor working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142 may mix with the working fluid pressurized and discharged by the first compressor 104. In some embodiments, the vapor working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142 may be at a pressure similar to that of the working fluid discharged by the first compressor 104, which may improve mixing of the working fluid flows upstream of the second compressor 106. Furthermore, the second economizer 114 may be configured to discharge working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) toward an intake of the third compressor 108 (e.g., downstream of the second compressor 106). Thus, vapor working fluid discharged by the second economizer 114 may be pressurized by the third compressor 108. For example, the vapor working fluid discharged by the second economizer 114 may mix with working fluid pressurized and discharged by the second compressor 106 Tn some embodiments, the vapor working fluid discharged by the second economizer 114 may be approximately the same pressure as the working fluid discharged by the second compressor 106, which may improve mixing of the working fluid flows upstream of the third compressor 108.

[0055] Moreover, the compressor system 102 may include one or more auxiliary compressors 143 (e.g., compressors arranged parallel with the compressors 104, 106, 108 relative to working fluid flow through the compressor system 102) configured to receive respective flows of working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) from the economizer system 110 and to pressurize the received flows of working fluid. Each auxiliary compressor 143 may also be controlled via a respective VSD 145. The VSDs 145 may adjust the respective stages, amounts of pressurization (e.g., lift), capacities, and so forth, associated with the auxiliary compressors 143 to provide a desirable overall pressurization of the working fluid. Similar to the VSDs 113 discussed above, the VSDs 145 may be low voltage VSDs, which enable a reduction a cost associated with manufacture and/or operation of the HVAC&R system 100 and provide desired control of the auxiliary compressors 143.

[0056] In some embodiments, the auxiliary compressors 143 may arranged in a parallel flow arrangement with respect to one another. In other words, the auxiliary compressors 143 may pressurize different flows of working fluid within the compressor system 102. By way of example, a first auxiliary compressor 146 may be configured to receive working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) from the fifth economizer 144, pressurize the working fluid, and discharge the pressurized working fluid toward an intake of the second compressor 106 (e.g., downstream of the first compressor 104). In this manner, the working fluid pressurized by and discharged by the first auxiliary compressor 146 may subsequently be pressurized by the second compressor 106 and the third compressor 108 of the compressor system 102. Thus, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the working fluid discharged by the first auxiliary compressor 146 may mix with the working fluid discharged by the first compressor 104 and/or the working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142. In certain embodiments, the first auxiliary compressor 146 and the first compressor 104 may discharge working fluid at similar pressures, which may also be similar to the pressure of working fluid discharged by the fourth economizer 142. In this way, mixing of working fluid flows from the first auxiliary compressor 146, the first compressor 104, and/or the fourth economizer 142 upstream of the second compressor 106 may be improved. In some embodiments, operation of the first auxiliary compressor 146, the first compressor 104, and/or the fourth economizer 142 may be adjusted to enable discharge of working fluid at similar pressures.

[0057] A second auxiliary compressor 148 of the compressor system 102 may be configured to receive working fluid (e g , vapor working fluid) from the third economizer 140, pressurize the working fluid, and discharge the pressurized working fluid toward an intake of the third compressor 108. In this way, the working fluid pressurized by and discharged by the second auxiliary compressor 148 may be subsequently pressurized by the third compressor 108. The working fluid discharged by the second auxiliary compressor 148 may mix with the working fluid discharged by the second compressor 106 and/or the working fluid discharged by the second economizer 114. Accordingly, operation of the second auxiliary compressor 148, the second compressor 106, and/or the second economizer 114 may be adjusted to enable discharge of working fluid at similar pressures to enable more efficient flow working fluid through the compressor system 102.

[0058] A third auxiliary compressor 150 of the compressor system 102 may be configured to receive working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) from the first economizer 112, pressurize the working fluid, and discharge the pressurized working fluid toward the condenser 34. That is, the working fluid pressurized by and discharged by the third auxiliary compressor 150 may mix with the working fluid discharged by the third compressor 108. In some embodiments, operation of the third auxiliary compressor 150 and the third compressor 108 may be adjusted to enable discharge of working fluid at similar pressures to enable more efficient flow working fluid through the compressor system 102.

[0059] Embodiments of the auxiliary compressors 143 (e.g., first, second, and third auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150) may be selected for incorporation with the compressor system 102 based on the desired operations, such as to enable discharge of working fluid at similar pressures with respect to the compressors 104, 106, 108 and/or the economizers 112, 114, 142. For example, in some embodiments, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may have approximately the same size and/or capacity. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may have a different size and/or capacity relative to one another.

[0060] Although the compressor system 102 of the illustrated HVAC&R system 100 includes three compressors 104, 106, 108 and three auxiliary compressors 143, additional or alternative compressor systems 102 may include any suitable number of compressors and/or auxiliary compressors. By way of example, an additional or alternative embodiment of the HVAC&R system 100 may include the economizer system 110 with a different number of economizers, and the number of compressors and/or auxiliary compressors may correspond to the number of economizers (e.g., two compressors and two auxiliary compressors with the economizer system 110 including three economizers, four compressors and four auxiliary compressors with the economizer system 110 including seven economizers).

[0061] The compressors 104, 106, 108 and/or the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to the condenser 34, the evaporator 38, and/or the economizer system 110 (e.g., the first enclosure 122, the second enclosure 124, and/or the shell 115). In the illustrated embodiment, the compressors 104, 106, 108 are mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the evaporator 38 (e.g., such that the first dimensions 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108 extend crosswise to the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38). However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to the condenser 34, the economizer system 1 10, or any combination of the condenser 34, the evaporator 38, and/or the economizer system 110, as similarly described above. Further still, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to different combinations of vapor compression system components 101 with respect to one another.

[0062] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 are mounted to the economizer system 110 (e.g., the shell 115). In certain embodiments, respective third dimensions 152 (e.g., a length, a greatest or longest dimension, a longitudinal dimension or axis, rotational axis) of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may extend along (e.g., substantially parallel to) a fourth dimension 154 (e g., a length, a greatest or longest dimension, a longitudinal dimension or axis) of the economizer system 110 (e.g., the shell 115). For example, the respective third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be offset from one another relative to a first axis 156 (e.g., a lateral axis). Each of the third dimensions 152 may extend along a common second axis 158 (e.g., a longitudinal axis). In other words, the respective third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be aligned with one another along the second axis 158. In some embodiments, the third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be smaller than the first dimensions 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108 to enable mounting of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 to the economizer system 110 within the fourth dimension 154 of the economizer system 110, such as with the third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 extending along the fourth dimension 154. In additional or alternative embodiments, the third dimension 152 of any of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be oriented crosswise to the fourth dimension 154 of the economizer system 110. In any of such embodiments, the fourth dimension 154 of the economizer system 110 may provide a sufficient amount of mounting locations that enable the mounting (e.g., direct mounting) of each auxiliary compressor 146, 148, 150 to the economizer system 110.

[0063] Further still, in additional or alternative embodiments, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to different vapor compression system components 101 of the HVAC&R system 100, such as the condenser 34 (e.g., the first enclosure 122) and/or the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second enclosure 124). In such embodiments, the respective third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may extend along or may extend crosswise with respect to dimensions or lengths of the condenser 34 and/or the evaporator 38 (e.g., the second dimension 118). Indeed, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to a combination of the condenser 34, the evaporator 38, and/or the economizer system 110, as similarly discussed above. Moreover, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to different combinations of vapor compression system components 101 with respect to one another. In accordance with present techniques, the compressors 104, 106, 108 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 of the compressor system 102 are mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to one or more of the vapor compression system components 101 (e g., the first enclosure 122, the second enclosure 124, and/or the shell 115), which enables a reduction in a physical footprint of the HVAC&R system 100 and also enables improved operation (e.g., coefficient of performance) of the HVAC&R system 100.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a schematic of an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 100 that includes the compressor system 102 having the compressors 104, 106, 108 configured to pressurize working fluid discharged by the evaporator 38, as well as the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 configured to pressurize working fluid discharged by the economizer system 110. The compressor system 102 may direct working fluid from the evaporator 38, from the economizer system 110, and through the compressor system 102 to the condenser 34 in a manner similar to that described above. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 is mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to both the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 (e.g., mounted to the first enclosure 122 and the second enclosure 124). Thus, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend from the condenser 34 to the evaporator 38.

[0065] Moreover, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be positioned between the compressors 104, 106, 108 relative to the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38 (e g., along the second axis 158). As shown, the first auxiliary compressor 146 may be positioned between the first compressor 104 and the second compressor 106, the second auxiliary compressor 148 may be positioned between the second compressor 106 and the third compressor 108, and the third compressor 108 may be positioned between the second auxiliary compressor 148 and the third auxiliary compressor 150. Thus, the compressors 104, 106, 108 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be positioned in an alternating arrangement along the second axis 158 (e.g., along the second dimension 118). Each of the first auxiliary compressor 146, the second auxiliary compressor 148, and the third auxiliary compressor 150 may be mounted to the evaporator 38 (e g., the second enclosure 124). Additionally or alternatively, each of the first auxiliary compressor 146, the second auxiliary compressor 148, and the third auxiliary compressor 150 may be mounted to the condenser 34 (e.g., the first enclosure 122) and be positioned between the compressors 104, 106, 108 (e.g., along the second axis 158).

[0066] In either embodiment, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be selected (e.g., to have respective third dimensions 152 smaller than the respective first dimensions 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108) to enable mounting of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 directly to the evaporator 38 and/or the condenser 34. In further embodiments, the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to the economizer system 110 (e.g., the shell 115 of the economizer system 110), and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be positioned between the compressors 104, 106, 108 (e.g., the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to the evaporator 38, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to the economizer system 110).

[0067] In some embodiments, the respective first dimensions 116 of the compressors 104, 106, 108 and the respective third dimensions 152 of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be oriented crosswise with respect to one another to enable the compressors 104, 106, 108 and/or the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 to be arranged within the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38 or a corresponding dimension of the enclosure (e.g., the shell 115, the first enclosure 122, the second enclosure 124) to which the compressors 104, 106, 108 and/or the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted). In additional or alternative embodiments, the respective first dimensions 116 and the respective third dimensions 152 may be aligned with one another along a common axis, such as the second axis 158 along the second dimension 118 of the evaporator 38. In other embodiments, the respective first dimensions 116 and the respective third dimensions 152 may extend in parallel with one another (e.g., each of the respective first dimensions 116 and the respective third dimensions 152 may extend along the first axis 156 and generally perpendicularly to the lengths of the condenser 34, the evaporator 38, and/or the economizer system 110).

[0068] FIG. 10 is a schematic of an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 100 that includes the compressor system 102 having the compressors 104, 106, 108 configured to pressurize working fluid discharged by the evaporator 38, as well as the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 configured to pressurize working fluid discharged by the economizer system 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first economizer 112 is configured to discharge working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) toward the third auxiliary compressor 150, the second economizer 114 is configured to discharge working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) toward an intake of the third compressor 108, the third economizer 140 is configured to discharge working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) toward the second auxiliary compressor 148, the fourth economizer 142 is configured to discharge working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) toward an intake of the second compressor 106, and the fifth economizer 144 is configured to discharge working fluid (e.g., vapor working fluid) toward the first auxiliary compressor 146. Additionally, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be configured to pressurize working fluid and discharge the working fluid to the condenser 34 in parallel with the compressors 104, 106, 108. For example, the working fluid pressurized by and discharged by the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be combined with one another and with the working fluid pressurized by and discharged by the third compressor 108. The combined working fluid may then be directed to the condenser 34. Accordingly, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may discharge working fluid at a pressure that is similar to the pressure of working fluid discharged by the third compressor 108. As a result, mixing of the flows of working fluid discharged by the third compressor 108 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 upstream of the condenser 34 may be improved.

[0069] In additional or alternative embodiments, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be configured to pressurize and discharge working fluid toward an intake of a common or shared compressor (e.g., the third compressor 108). That is, the working fluid discharged from the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may mix with one another, with the working fluid discharged by one or more of the compressors 104, 106, 108, and/or with working fluid discharged by one or more of the economizers 114, 142. Thereafter, the combined working fluid may be directed toward the common compressor.

[0070] In further embodiments, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be arranged in a series flow arrangement with one another relative to working fluid flow through the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150. That is, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may sequentially pressurize working fluid, and the pressurized working fluid may then be directed to one of the compressors 104, 106, 108 and/or the condenser 34. For example, the first auxiliary compressor 146 may pressurize the working fluid received from the fifth economizer 144 and may discharge the pressurized working fluid toward the second auxiliary compressor 148. The second auxiliary compressor 148 may pressurize the working fluid received from the third economizer 140, further pressurize the working fluid received from the first auxiliary compressor 146, and discharge the working fluid toward the third auxiliary compressor 150. The third auxiliary compressor 150 may pressurize working fluid received from the first economizer 112, further pressurize the working fluid received from the second auxiliary compressor 148, and discharge the working fluid toward the condenser 34. In such embodiments, as an example, the working fluid discharged by the first auxiliary compressor 146 may mix with the working fluid discharged by the third economizer 140, and the working fluid discharged by the second auxiliary compressor 148 may mix with the working fluid discharged by the first economizer 112. Accordingly, operation of the first auxiliary compressor 146 and the third economizer 140 may be adjusted to enable discharge of working fluid at similar pressures, and/or operation of the second auxiliary compressor 148 and the first economizer 112 may be adjusted to enable discharge of working fluid at similar pressures.

[0071] FIG. 11 is a schematic of an embodiment of the HVAC&R system 100 that includes the compressor system 102 having the compressors 104, 106, 108 configured to pressurize working fluid discharged by the evaporator 38, as well as the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 configured to pressurize working fluid discharged by the economizer system 110. The compressor system 102 may be configured to receive and direct working fluid therethrough in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 9. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 is mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to both the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110 (e.g., each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 extends from the evaporator 38 to the economizer system 110), as similarly discussed above. Moreover, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted (e.g., directly mounted) to both the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 (e.g., each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may extend from the condenser 34 to the evaporator 38). For example, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be aligned with a corresponding one of the compressors 104, 106, 108 at a common location along the direction 126 and/or along the second axis 158. For instance, the first auxiliary compressor 146 may be aligned with the first compressor 104 at a first location along the second axis 158, the second auxiliary compressor 148 may be aligned with the second compressor 106 at a second location along the second axis 158, and the third auxiliary compressor 150 may be aligned with the third compressor 108 at a third location along the second axis 158. In this manner, the first dimension 1 16 of the first compressor 104 and the third dimension 152 of the first auxiliary compressor 146, the first dimension 116 of the second compressor 106 and the third dimension 152 of the second auxiliary compressor 148, and/or the first dimension 116 of the third compressor 108 and the third dimension 152 of the third auxiliary compressor 150 may extend along a respective, common axis (e.g., axes that extend along and/or parallel to the first axis 156). In additional or alternative embodiments, the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be offset from the compressors 104, 106, 108, such as in an alternating arrangement at varying locations along the second axis 158.

[0072] In further embodiments, each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to both the evaporator 38 and the economizer system 110 (e g., each of the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may extend from the evaporator 38 to the economizer system 110). Moreover, each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may be mounted to both the condenser 34 and the evaporator 38 (e.g., each of the compressors 104, 106, 108 may extend from the condenser 34 to the evaporator 38). Further still, in certain embodiments, certain ones of the compressors 104, 106, 108 and of auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to the same vapor compression system component 101. Indeed, the compressors 104, 106, 108 and the auxiliary compressors 146, 148, 150 may be mounted to any combination of the vapor compression system components 101 rather than to a separate, dedicated mounting structure.

[0073] As described in detail above, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to HVAC&R system configurations and arrangements that enable more efficient utilization of space, particularly with HVAC&R systems having multiple compressors. For example, present embodiments include system configurations and/or arrangements that include mounting, securing, and/or attaching multiple compressors to other components of the HVAC&R system, such as heat exchangers and/or economizers. One or more compressors may be mounted to (e.g., directly mounted to) the condenser and/or the evaporator of the HVAC&R system. As another example, one or more compressors may be mounted to (e.g., directly mounted to) an economizer system, such as an intermediate vessel or flash tank, of the HVAC&R system. In this way, the one or more compressors may be implemented without a separate support structure (e.g., separate from other vapor compression components of the HVAC&R system), such as a mounting structure dedicated to supporting the compressor. Thus, mounting the compressors to other equipment of the HVAC&R system, such as vapor compression system components, may reduce costs associated with manufacture and/or installation of the HVAC&R system (e.g., costs associated with manufacture and/or installation of a dedicated support structure for the compressors) and/or may reduce a physical footprint occupied by the HVAC&R system.

[0074] While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, such as temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth, without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or resequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0075] Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode, or those unrelated to enablement. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

[0076] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function], ..” or “step for [perform]ing [a function]...”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: a heat exchanger configured to receive a working fluid directed through the HVAC&R system, wherein the heat exchanger comprises an enclosure; and a compressor system comprising a plurality of compressors, wherein each compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the enclosure of the heat exchanger.

2. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein a first compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to receive and pressurize the working fluid, and a second compressor of the plurality of compressors is configured to receive the working fluid from the first compressor and further pressurize the working fluid received from the first compressor.

3. The HVAC&R system of claim 2, comprising an economizer configured to separate the working fluid into liquid working fluid and vapor working fluid, wherein the second compressor is configured to receive the vapor working fluid from the economizer.

4. The HVAC&R system of claim 3, wherein the economizer comprises an additional enclosure, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the additional enclosure.

5. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, wherein a first length of each compressor of the plurality of compressors is oriented crosswise relative to a second length of the enclosure of the heat exchanger.

6. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, comprising an additional heat exchanger comprising an additional enclosure, wherein each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted to the additional enclosure.

7. The HVAC&R system of claim 1, comprising an economizer system configured to separate the working fluid into liquid working fluid and vapor working fluid, wherein the compressor system comprises an auxiliary compressor configured to receive the vapor working fluid from the economizer system and to pressurize the vapor working fluid received from the economizer system.

8. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary compressor is mounted to an additional enclosure of the economizer system.

9. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary compressor is mounted to the enclosure of the heat exchanger.

10. The HVAC&R system of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary compressor is positioned between adjacent compressors of the plurality of compressors of the compressor system along a length of the heat exchanger.

11. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary compressor is configured to discharge the vapor working fluid toward a compressor of the plurality of compressors or to an additional heat exchanger of the HVAC&R system.

12. The HVAC&R system of claim 7, wherein the compressor system comprises a plurality of auxiliary compressors comprising the auxiliary compressor, and the plurality of auxiliary compressors is arranged in parallel with one another relative to flow of working fluid through the plurality of auxiliary compressors.

13. The HVAC&R system of claim 12, wherein the economizer system comprising a plurality of economizers, and each auxiliary compressor of the plurality of auxiliary compressors is configured to receive working fluid from a corresponding economizer of the plurality of economizers.

14. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: a vapor compression circuit configured to direct working fluid therethrough; a heat exchanger disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the heat exchanger comprises an enclosure; and a compressor system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the compressor system comprises a plurality of compressors, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted directly to the enclosure.

15. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, comprising an economizer system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the economizer system comprises a plurality of economizer chambers, each economizer chamber of the plurality of economizer chambers is configured to separate working fluid into vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid, and each economizer chamber of the plurality of economizer chambers is configured to direct vapor working fluid to a corresponding compressor of the plurality of compressors.

16. The HVAC&R system of claim 15, wherein the economizer system comprises a shell, each economizer chamber of the plurality of economizer chambers is disposed within the shell, and the shell and the enclosure are disposed in a side-by-side arrangement and extend generally parallel to one another.

17. The HVAC&R system of claim 16, wherein each compressor of the plurality of compressors is mounted directly to the shell.

18. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of compressors is arranged in series with one another relative to flow of working fluid through the compressor system.

19. The HVAC&R system of claim 14, comprising a plurality of variable speed drives, wherein each variable speed drive of the plurality of variable speed drives is configured to drive operation of a corresponding compressor of the plurality of compressors.

20. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: a vapor compression circuit configured to circulate a working fluid; an evaporator disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the evaporator comprises a first shell, and the evaporator is configured to cool the working fluid; a condenser disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the condenser comprises a second shell, and the condenser is configured to heat the working fluid; an economizer system disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the economizer system comprises a third shell, and the economizer system is configured to separate the working fluid into vapor working fluid and liquid working fluid; and a plurality of compressors disposed along the vapor compression circuit, wherein the plurality of compressors is configured to pressurize the working fluid, and each compressor of the plurality of compressors is directly mounted to the first shell, the second shell, the third shell, or any combination thereof.