Patent ID: 9039349
Filing Date: 2015-05-26
Classification: F02B,F04D

Abstract:
1. A turbocompressor for use with a process fluid in a closed thermodynamic cycle, comprising: a pair of main bearings spaced from one another along a central rotational axis; a rotational shaft rotatably supported by said pair of main bearings so as to be rotatable about said central rotational axis, said rotational shaft having a first end and a second end spaced from said first end along said central rotational axis; an axial expansion turbine that includes a rotor located between said pair of main bearings, said rotor including turbine blades coupled to said rotational shaft so as to be rotatable therewith about said central rotational axis, said axial expansion turbine for expanding the process fluid; a centrifugal compressor that includes an impeller secured to said first end of said rotational shaft so as to be rotatable therewith about said central rotational axis, said centrifugal compressor for compressing the process fluid; a combined housing that houses said rotor of said axial expansion turbine, said pair of main bearings, and said impeller of said centrifugal compressor; and a seal disposed between said combined housing and said rotational shaft to thereby seal said turbocompressor from atmosphere.