US 11,913,463 B2
Gas bearing compressor backup power
Seth M. McGill, Brookings, SD (US); Charles J. Peterson, La Crosse, WI (US); Robert S. Bakkestuen, West Salem, WI (US); and Kevin P. Hughes, La Crosse, WI (US)
Assigned to TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC., Davidson, NC (US)
Filed by TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC., Davidson, NC (US)
Filed on May 7, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/314,534.
Prior Publication US 2022/0357087 A1, Nov. 10, 2022
Int. Cl. F04D 27/00 (2006.01); F04D 25/06 (2006.01); F04D 29/057 (2006.01)
CPC F04D 27/004 (2013.01) [F04D 25/06 (2013.01); F04D 25/068 (2013.01); F04D 27/00 (2013.01); F04D 27/007 (2013.01); F04D 29/057 (2013.01); F04C 2240/54 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A compressor for compressing a working fluid in a heat transfer circuit, comprising:
a variable frequency drive (VFD) configured to utilize utility power;
a permanent magnet motor electrically connected to the VFD, the permanent magnet motor configured to rotate a driveshaft and compress the working fluid; one or more gas bearings configured to support the driveshaft using the compressed working fluid; a backup gas supply fluidly connected to the one or more gas bearings, the backup gas supply including one or more of a second compressor, a vessel, a vessel with a heater, and a condenser valve; and
a switch-mode power supply electrically connected to the VFD, wherein during an interruption in the utility power, the switch-mode power supply is configured to utilize DC electrical power generated by a back electromotive force of the permanent magnet motor to operate the backup gas supply to provide a flow of compressed working fluid to the one or more gas bearings.