Development testing of a magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller
Mainstream Engineering Corporation is developing a lubrication-free centrifugal compressor for high efficiency chiller applications which relies on magnetic bearing technology to support the rotor. This paper presents experimental results of a test program to evaluate the mechanical, thermodynamic, and aerodynamic performance of a high speed, single stage, direct drive centrifugal compressor for chiller applications. The focus is on low capacity centrifugal compressors. The authors present measurements of the compressor efficiency over a wide range of compressor speeds and inlet refrigerant superheat. Measurements show that isentropic efficiencies in excess of 0.80 are attainable over a wide range of operating conditions. This paper also describes a 110 ton chiller which utilizes two such magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors, with HFC-227ea refrigerant, and a user-friendly control system.
- Research Organization:
- Mainstream Engineering Corp., Rockledge, FL (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20000166
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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