VARIABLE RETURN CHANNEL VANES TO EXTEND THE OPERATING FLOW RANGE OF A VAPOR CYCLE CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR

摘要

A vapor cycle compressor includes a controller section, a drive section in communication with the controller section, and a compression section operatively engaged with the drive section. The compression section includes a first compression stage and a return channel assembly downstream of the first compression stage. The return channel vane assembly includes return channel vanes that are configured to adjust their angle of orientation. The compression section also includes a second compression stage downstream of the return channel vane assembly, wherein inlet guide vanes are absent between the return channel vane assembly and the second compression stage.