Rotary compressor-expander systems and associated methods of use and manufacture, including integral heat exchanger systems

摘要

The present technology is directed generally to rotary displacement systems and associated methods of use and manufacture. The systems can be used to compress and/or expand compressible fluids. In some embodiments, the rotary displacement systems include a chamber housing having a pressure-modifying chamber with a first port and a second port, a first passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the first port, and a second passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the second port. The systems can further include a shaft positioned within the chamber housing and rotatable relative to the chamber housing about a rotational axis, and a rotor comprising no more than two lobes. The rotor can be carried by and rotatable relative to the shaft, and can be alternately operable in a first mode in which flow is provided from the first passageway to the second passageway via the chamber and in a second mode in which flow is provided from the second passageway to the first passageway via the chamber.

主权项

1. A rotary displacement system comprising:
a chamber housing having a pressure-modifying chamber with a first port and a second port; a first passageway in fluid communication with the pressure-modifying chamber via the first port; a second passageway in fluid communication with the pressure-modifying chamber via the second port; a shaft positioned within the chamber housing and rotatable relative to the chamber housing about a rotational axis; a rotor positioned within the pressure-modifying chamber, wherein the rotor is alternately operable in a first mode in which a first volume of working fluid flow is provided from the second passageway to the first passageway via the pressure-modifying chamber and in a second mode in which a second volume of working fluid flow is provided from the first passageway to the second passageway via the pressure-modifying chamber; a heat exchanger positioned external to the pressure-modifying chamber and within at least one of the first passageway or the second passageway; and a pressure vessel having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the pressure vessel at least partially surrounds the chamber housing, the first passageway, the second passageway, and the heat exchanger, and further wherein the inner surface of the pressure vessel is positioned to contact at least one of the first volume of working fluid or the second volume of working fluid flowing through the rotary displacement system.