Patent ID: 6185944
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: F04B,F04D,F25B,Y10S

Abstract:
A compressor-pump unit for use in a vapor-compression refrigeration system, the compressor-pump unit comprising:a driving device including a rotatable shaft;a compressor, coupled with a first portion of the shaft, for compressing gaseous refrigerant within the vapor-compression refrigeration system;a liquid pump, coupled with a second portion of the shaft, for receiving liquid refrigerant having a first pressure and for discharging the received liquid refrigerant at a second pressure, the second pressure being higher than the first pressure by a predetermined amount such that the discharged liquid refrigerant is subcooled; anda sealable housing within which the first and second portions of the shaft, the compressor, and the pump are supported wherein the housing includes a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet for the compressor and a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet for the pump;wherein the housing includes a pump cooling, refrigerant pathway for directing the gaseous refrigerant between the refrigerant inlet in the housing for the compressor and the compressor such that the gaseous refrigerant flows over and contacts a pump casing of the pump, whereby the gaseous refrigerant absorbs heat from the liquid refrigerant, through the pump casing, prior to the liquid refrigerant being discharged from the pump.