Application of a switched reluctance motion control system in a chiller system

A chiller system includes a switched reluctance motor for powering the compressor of the chiller system. A variable speed drive with a boost converter provides a boosted voltage to the switched reluctance motor. The switched reluctance motor and the compressor may be disposed within the same hermetic enclosure and driven by a common drive shaft. Cooling for both the variable speed drive and the switched reluctance motor is provided from condenser water in the condenser water circuit, or from an intermediate liquid cooled by water from the condenser circuit to increase system efficiency. Windage losses are reduced by barriers introduced within the motor, and by maintaining a reduced pressure in the switched reluctance motor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the method of applying a switched reluctance motor in a chiller system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chiller system including a high-frequency switched reluctance variable speed drive for a switched reluctance motor that power a compressor of the chiller system.

In the past, the induction motors for driving compressors in chiller systems were designed to operate from standard line (main) voltages and frequencies that were available from the power distribution system of the facility where the motor was being operated. The use of line voltages and frequencies typically required the compressors to use some inefficient mechanical means (such as inlet guide vanes for centrifugal compressors and a slide valve for screw compressors) for modulating capacity as a result of the motor being limited to one operating speed that was based on the input frequency to the motor. In addition, if the operating speed of the motor was not equal to the desired operating speed of the compressor, a “step up,” or “step down,” gearbox was inserted between the motor and the compressor to obtain the desired operating speed of the compressor. Furthermore, motors that required their own controller or electronic drive, e.g., switched reluctance motors, could not be used for these chiller systems, as such motors could not operate directly from standard (main) voltages and frequencies.

Next, variable speed drives (VSDs) were developed that could vary the frequency and/or voltage that was provided to the induction motors of a chiller system. This capability to vary the input frequency and voltage to the motor resulted in an induction motor that was capable of providing a variable output speed and power to the corresponding compressor of the chiller system. The variable speed operation of the motors (and compressors) enabled the chiller system to take advantage of efficiencies that occur during partial loading of the compressors, when operation at a speed lower than full load design speed is desirable. The use of the variable speed drive also permitted the use of other types of motors that required their own electronic drive, e.g., switched reluctance motors, in chiller systems in addition to the previous motors that were capable of operating directly from a three-phase power line, e.g., induction motors or synchronous motors.

One limitation of prior induction motor style VSDs is that the magnitude of the output voltage from the VSD can be no larger than the magnitude of the input, or utility, line voltage to the VSD. This limit on the output voltage occurs because the rectifier of the VSD only provides a DC voltage that is at a magnitude equal to approximately 1.3 times the root mean square (rms) value of the line-to-line AC voltage supplied to the VSD. This limitation on the output voltage of the variable speed drive limits the maximum speed of the conventional induction motor to a speed that corresponds to the speed of the motor operated at line voltage (because of the constant volts/hertz ratio required by a conventional induction motor). To obtain greater compressor speeds, a “step up” gearing arrangement has to be incorporated between the motor and the compressor to increase the output rotational speed of the motor driving the compressor. Alternately, one could use a lower rated voltage motor and operate the motor at higher than its rated voltage and frequency to obtain higher maximum rotational speed, provided the motor was physically capable of such high-speed operation. In this regard, the switched reluctance motor has a distinct advantage over the induction motor because the switched reluctance motor is able to operate at higher rotational speeds due to the physical simplicity of the motor rotor construction.

In addition, this limitation on the output voltage from the VSD limits the operating speed range of high-speed motors, including high-speed switched reluctance motors, in the chiller system. The high speed motors, used to obtain faster compressor speeds without the “step up” gearing arrangement, are limited because it is more difficult to design an efficient and cost-effective motor when only a limited voltage range is available. High speed switched reluctance motors are desirable in a chiller system because they are capable of higher efficiency, improved reliability, and lower cost, than other types of motors. In addition, the physical simplicity of the rotor construction of the switch reluctance motor lends itself to a higher degree of mechanical robustness, providing for ease of use in high speed applications.

Another limitation of prior switched reluctance machines, because of their high-speed operation, is the loss of efficiency due to windage. Motors operating at high speeds generate significant heat due to salient pole construction of the motor, and aerodynamic friction loss caused by rotation of the motor rotor. Air cooling of the motor is typically utilized to maintain the motor temperature within an acceptable ambient operating range. However, air flowing through the motor generates turbulence, or windage, resulting in additional motor losses. The losses due to windage diminish the overall improvement in efficiency that is a desirable characteristic of switched reluctance motors. The windage losses can be reduced, but they cannot be eliminated.

Therefore, what is needed is a switched reluctance motor for a compressor of a chiller system, with supplemental cooling to increase the operating efficiency of the chiller system.

What is also needed is a variable speed drive for a high speed switched reluctance motor that can provide a cost-effective, efficient and easily implemented operation of the high speed switched reluctance motor in a chiller system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system of applying a switched reluctance motor in a chiller system. In a preferred embodiment, a chiller system includes a switched reluctance motor, a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The switched reluctance motor is connected to the compressor to power the compressor. The switched reluctance motor includes a rotor portion and a stator portion. The rotor portion and stator portion define an air gap between the rotor portion and the stator portion. The rotor portion includes a first end and a second end. A variable speed drive is electrically connected to the switched reluctance motor. The variable speed drive has a heat exchanger portion, and is configured to receive an input AC power at a fixed input AC voltage and a fixed input frequency and to provide an output power at a variable voltage and variable frequency to the switched reluctance motor. A motor cooling means is attached to the switched reluctance motor stator portion. A pair of barrier portions is disposed at the rotor first and second ends to restrict turbulent fluid flow through the air gap of the switched reluctance motor. There is also provided a hermetic housing in which the switched reluctance motor and the compressor are disposed. A drive shaft interconnects the compressor and the switched reluctance motor. The motor cooling means includes a jacket portion with at least one conduit for fluid flow therethrough disposed on the switched reluctance motor stator portion. The jacket portion is connected with and in fluid communication with a condenser fluid circuit for circulating condenser fluid through the jacket portion for cooling the switched reluctance motor.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a chiller system having a switched reluctance motor, a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The compressor is disposed within an hermetic housing and has a shaft connected to a coupling means, for coupling the compressor shaft to the switched reluctance motor to power the compressor. The switched reluctance motor includes a rotor portion and a stator portion defining an air gap between the rotor portion and the stator portion and the rotor portion including a first end and a second end. A variable speed drive is electrically connected to the switched reluctance motor, the variable speed drive having a heat exchanger portion, and configured to receive an input AC power at a fixed input AC voltage and a fixed input frequency and provide an output power at a variable voltage and variable frequency to the switched reluctance motor. A motor cooling means is attached to the switched reluctance motor. A pair of barrier portions is disposed at the rotor first and second ends for restricting turbulent fluid flow through the air gap of the switched reluctance motor. The cooling means includes a jacket portion having at least one conduit for fluid flow therethrough disposed on the switched reluctance motor stator portion, and the jacket portion being connected and in fluid communication with a condenser fluid circuit for circulating condenser fluid through the jacket portion for cooling the switched reluctance motor. The system may also include a conduit interconnecting a suction chamber of the compressor to the air gap for reducing the air pressure in the motor relative to atmospheric pressure.

Alternately, the cooling means may include a conduit interconnecting the liquid side of the refrigerant loop of the chiller system with the motor, and an expansion valve in the conduit, for vaporizing the liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant loop and for providing the vaporized refrigerant in the air gap of the switched reluctance motor.

One advantage of the present invention is improved overall system efficiency through lower operating temperatures in the motor and VSD, from the use of condenser water to cool the components.

Another advantage of the present invention is increased system efficiency and potential cost reduction by eliminating gears between the motor and the compressor.

A further advantage of the present invention is improved reliability of the chiller system due to the robust design of the switched reluctance motor.

Still another advantage of the present invention is improved system efficiency realized through reduced windage and friction losses in the motor.

A further advantage of the present invention is a higher maximum operating speed and a faster dynamic response of the motor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates generally a system configuration of the present invention. An AC power source102supplies a variable speed drive (VSD)104, which powers a switched reluctance (SR) motor106. In another embodiment of the present invention, the variable speed drive104can power more than one switched reluctance motor106. The SR motor106is preferably used to drive a corresponding compressor of a refrigeration or chiller system (see generally,FIG. 3). The AC power source102provides single phase or multi-phase (e.g., three phase), fixed voltage, and fixed frequency AC power to the VSD104from an AC power grid or distribution system that is present at a site. The AC power source102preferably can supply an AC voltage or line voltage of 200 V, 230 V, 380 V, 460 V, or 600 V, at a line frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, to the VSD104depending on the corresponding AC power grid.

The VSD104receives AC power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from the AC power source102and provides power to the SR motor106at a desired voltage and desired frequency, both of which can be varied to satisfy particular requirements. Power is delivered to the SR motor106in the form of voltage and current pulses. Voltage pulses consist of a positive voltage being applied to the SR motor's windings, and may also include a portion of negative voltage being applied to the SR motor's windings. Current pulses include only positive current flowing through the SR motor's windings. The exact shape of voltage and current pulses is dependent upon the kind of inverter being used for the SR motor106, and how such inverter is controlled. The frequency of current and voltage pulses is generally proportional to the speed at which the SR motor106rotates, but its exact value depends on the number of stator phases and rotor poles inside the SR motor106.

FIG. 2illustrates one embodiment of the VSD104of the present invention. The VSD104can have three stages: a converter stage202, a DC link stage204and an output stage having an inverter(s)206. The converter202converts the fixed line frequency, fixed line voltage AC power from the AC power source102into DC power. The DC link204filters the DC power from the converter202and provides energy storage components. The DC link204can be composed of capacitors and inductors, which are passive devices that exhibit high reliability rates and very low failure rates. The inverter206converts the DC power from the DC link204into variable frequency, variable voltage power for the SR motor106. The inverter206can be a power module that can include power transistors, insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power switches and inverse diodes. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the DC link204and the inverter(s)206of the VSD104can incorporate different components from those discussed above so long as the DC link204and inverter(s)206of the VSD104can provide the SR motor106with appropriate output voltage waveforms.

As shown inFIG. 3, the HVAC, refrigeration or liquid chiller system300includes a compressor302, a condenser arrangement304, a liquid chiller or evaporator arrangement306and the control panel308. The compressor302is driven by the SR motor106that is powered by VSD104. The VSD104receives AC power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from AC power source102and provides power to the SR motor106at desired voltages and desired frequencies, both of which can be varied to satisfy particular requirements. The control panel308can include a variety of different components such as an analog to digital (A/D) converter, a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory, and an interface board, to control operation of the refrigeration system300. The control panel308can also be used to control the operation of the VSD104, as well as other components of the chiller system300.

The SR motor106used in the system300can be any suitable type of high efficiency switched reluctance motor. In addition, the SR motor106should have a relatively flat efficiency vs. load curve due to the absence of any magnetizing current, which may be present in other types of motors. The relatively flat efficiency vs. load curve indicates that the efficiency of the SR motor106does not change significantly with changes in the load. Furthermore, each stator phase in the SR motor106is independent of the other stator phases in the SR motor106. The independent stator phases in the SR motor106enable the SR motor106to continue to operate at a reduced power if one of the stator phases should fail, thus increasing the reliability of the chiller system.

Referring back toFIG. 3, compressor302compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser304through a discharge line. The compressor302is preferably a centrifugal compressor. However, it is to be understood that the compressor302can be any suitable type of compressor, e.g., screw compressor, reciprocating compressor, scroll compressor, etc. The refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressor302to the condenser304enters into a heat exchange relationship with a fluid, and undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant liquid as a result of the heat exchange relationship with the fluid. Preferably, the fluid used in the present invention is water. There may also be a secondary heat exchanger310provided, including an intermediate liquid that is in a heat exchange relationship with the condenser water. The condensed liquid refrigerant from condenser304flows through an expansion device (not shown) to the evaporator306.

The evaporator306includes connections for a supply line and a return line of a cooling load. A secondary liquid, e.g. water, ethylene, calcium chloride brine or sodium chloride brine, travels into the evaporator306via the return line and exits the evaporator306via the supply line. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporator306enters into a heat exchange relationship with the secondary liquid to lower the temperature of the secondary liquid. The refrigerant liquid in the evaporator306undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant vapor as a result of the heat exchange relationship with the secondary liquid. The vapor refrigerant in the evaporator306exits the evaporator306and returns to the compressor302by a suction line to complete the cycle. It is to be understood that any suitable configuration of evaporator306can be used in the system300, provided that the appropriate phase change of the refrigerant in the evaporator306is obtained.

The HVAC, refrigeration or liquid chiller system300can include many other features that are not shown inFIG. 3. These features have been purposely omitted to simplify the drawing for ease of illustration. Furthermore, whileFIG. 3illustrates the HVAC, refrigeration or liquid chiller system300as having one compressor connected in a single refrigerant circuit, it is to be understood that the system300can have multiple compressors, powered by a single VSD or multiple VSDs connected into each of one or more refrigerant circuits.

Referring back toFIG. 2, the converter202can be a diode or thyristor rectifier coupled to a PWM boost DC/DC converter to provide a boosted DC voltage to the DC link204in order to obtain an output voltage from the VSD104greater than the input voltage of the VSD104. In another example, the converter202can be a pulse width modulated boost rectifier having insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) to provide a boosted DC voltage to the DC link204to obtain an output voltage from the VSD104greater than the input voltage of the VSD104. The VSD104can provide output voltage pulses at such frequencies, which result in the motor speed being at least two times greater than the speed of an induction motor operating directly from the 50 Hz or 60 Hz utility line. The boosted DC Link204provides for both a higher maximum operating frequency, better dynamic response, and lower motor and drive losses than in the conventional motor drive for an SR motor. To be able to more efficiently use the boosted voltage from the VSD104, the SR motor106preferably has a voltage rating that is greater than the fixed line voltage from the AC power source102. However, the SR motor106can also have a voltage rating that is equal to or less than the fixed line voltage from the AC power source102.

In addition to providing a boosted DC voltage to the DC link204, the converter202can control the shape and phase angle of the current waveform that is drawn from the AC power source102to improve the input power quality of the VSD104. Furthermore, the converter202can be used to improve the ride-through capabilities of the VSD104during a decrease of the AC input voltage, also referred to as a voltage sag.

FIG. 4shows a circuit diagram for one embodiment of the VSD104. In this embodiment of the VSD104, the input lines from a three-phase AC power source102are connected to inductors434that are used to smooth the current in the corresponding line of the VSD104. The output of each of the inductors434is then provided to the converter202to convert each phase of the input AC power to DC power. In addition, the VSD104can include additional components located upstream of the inductors434that are not shown inFIG. 4. For example, a circuit breaker can be included, which circuit breaker can disconnect the VSD104from the AC power source102when an excess current, voltage or power is provided to the VSD104. The circuit breaker can be connected to an optional autotransformer. The autotransformer, when used, is preferably used to adjust an input voltage (either up or down) from the AC power source102to a desired input voltage. Finally, fuses for each line can be used to disconnect that input phase or line of the VSD104in response to an excessive current in that line.

The VSD104can also include a precharge system (not shown) that can control the rise of the DC link voltage from 0 V to the rated voltage to avoid a large inrush current that can be damaging to the components of the VSD104. The precharge system can include a precharge contactor that is used to connect precharge resistors between the input AC power source102and the converter202or, sometimes, between the input AC power source102and the DC link204. These precharge resistors limit the inrush current to a manageable level. After the precharge is completed, the precharge resistors are excluded from the circuit by opening the precharge contactor, and the input AC power source102is connected directly to the converter202by closing another contactor, referred to as the supply contactor. The supply contactor remains closed during the operation of the system.

The converter module202includes three pairs (one pair for each input phase) of power switches or transistors430. The converter module202also includes the corresponding control connections (not shown for simplicity) to control the switching of the power switches430. In a preferred embodiment of the converter module202, the power switches are IGBT power switches that are controlled by a pulse width modulation technique to generate the desired output voltages for the DC link. Preferably, the converter module202can operate as a boost rectifier to provide a boosted DC voltage, i.e., a voltage greater than the peak value of the input AC voltage, to the DC link204to obtain an output voltage from the VSD104greater than the input voltage of the VSD104.

Connected in parallel to the outputs of the converter202is the DC link204. The DC link204in this embodiment includes capacitor(s)432and resistors (not shown) to filter the DC power and store energy from a DC bus412. The resistors can function as voltage balancing devices to maintain a substantially equal DC link voltage between capacitor banks. The resistors can also function as charge depleting devices to “bleed off” stored voltage in the capacitor banks when the power is removed from the AC power source102. Also connected to the DC bus412is an inverter section206, which converts the DC power on the DC bus412to the power for the SR motor106. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, one three-phase inverter section or module206is used to drive a three-phase SR motor. However, different numbers of phases are possible within each inverter module, depending on the number of phases in the SR motor. Also, additional inverter modules206can be added (to drive additional SR motors) and would have a similar circuit representation to the inverter module206shown inFIG. 4.

One embodiment of the inverter module206includes three pairs (one for each output phase) of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power switches430and diodes. Each stator phase winding for the SR motor106is connected between an upper and a lower IGBT power switch in one inverter leg. The diodes in the same inverter leg assure that the positive current established in an SR motor's winding has a path to flow when IGBT switch(es) are turned off. The series connection of the two IGBT switches in each leg of the inverter206with a phase winding of the SR motor106prevents the occurrence of an inverter shoot through, which is a situation where both IGBT power switches430in the pair of IGBT power switches are conductive at the same time and connected directly across the DC link, thus resulting in an excessive current in the inverter206. The inverter modules206also include the corresponding control connections (not shown for simplicity) to control the switching of the IGBT power switches430. As it is known in the art of SR motors, there exist other possible embodiments of the inverter for an SR motor, where switches and diodes differ in number and are connected in manner different from the one described above, which could be used in the place of inverter206shown inFIG. 4.

The inverter module206converts the DC power on the DC bus412to the power required by the SR motor by selectively switching each of the IGBT power switches430in the inverter module206between an “on” or activated position and an “off” or deactivated position using a modulation scheme to obtain the desired voltage pulses at a desired frequency from the inverter module206. A gating signal or switching signal is provided to the IGBT power switches430by the control panel308, based on the modulation scheme, to switch the IGBT power switches430between the “on” position and the “off” position. The IGBT power switches430are preferably in the “on” position when the switching signal is “High,” i.e., a logical one, and in the “off” position when the switching signal is “Low,” i.e., a logical zero. However, it is to be understood that the activation and deactivation of the IGBT power switches430can be based on the opposite state of the switching signal.

One aspect of the control of the SR motor106involves the establishment of current in the stator phase windings of the SR motor106as soon as possible after the issuance of a control signal at a given point in time. However, the stator phase winding of the SR motor106operates similar to an inductor, i.e., it opposes the rise of current in the stator phase winding, while the current is being established in the stator phase winding. The ability of the VSD104, and specifically the inverter206, to provide a boosted voltage to the SR motor106results in the ability to operate the motor at a higher maximum speed and provides for a better dynamic response of the SR motor106when compared to a motor that does not receive a boosted voltage. The application of the boosted voltage to the SR motor106results in the current rising and falling more rapidly in the stator phase winding (the rate of rise of current is proportional to the magnitude of the voltage pulse being applied) and, thus, in the quicker establishment and extinction of a motoring torque developed between a stator winding and a rotor pole inside the SR motor. This results in a higher maximum operating speed and improved and quicker control, i.e., better dynamic response (e.g. faster acceleration/deceleration), of the SR motor106.

By providing a boosted output voltage to the SR motor106with the inverter206, the magnitude of the RMS value of motor current is reduced, which motor current is approximately inversely proportional to the output voltage for a given motor power rating. This reduction in motor current results in a reduction of motor losses for the SR motor106, which motor losses are approximately proportional to the square of the magnitude of the motor current. The reduction of motor losses in the SR motor106results in increased efficiency for the chiller system300.

Similarly, by providing a boosted DC voltage to the DC link204with the converter202, the magnitude of the DC current into the inverter206is reduced, which inverter current is approximately inversely proportional to the DC input voltage of the inverter206for a given system power rating. This reduction in inverter current results in a reduction of inverter losses for the VSD104. The reduction of inverter losses in the VSD104results in increased efficiency for the chiller system300.

The ability of the VSD104to boost the DC link voltage independently of the line voltage permits the VSD104to be operated on a variety of foreign and domestic power grids without having to alter the SR motor106for different power sources.

Referring next toFIG. 5, preferably the SR motor106may utilize supplementary water cooling using the condenser water from the chiller system300. The supplementary cooling system uses a jacket512that can be either disposed on an exterior surface or cast into the motor housing. The supplementary cooling system may also use a secondary heat exchanger310(see, generally,FIG. 3). Heat exchanger310includes an intermediate liquid that is in a heat exchange relationship with the condenser water. In the preferred embodiment, the VSD104would also include water as the intermediate liquid—i.e., a water-to-water jacket—to isolate the condenser cooling water circuit from the VSD cooling circuit and the motor cooling system. The separation of the two cooling circuits from the condenser via secondary heat exchanger310provides pressure isolation and a clean, dedicated cooling medium for the VSD104, the SR motor106, or for both.

In the preferred embodiment, the VSD104is disposed within an enclosure that is mounted directly on the motor106, directly on motor housing boss522containing motor input terminals so that the power wiring connections may be made between the VSD output terminals and the motor input terminals locally, thereby eliminating any need for power conduits and wiring. The physical proximity of the VSD104to the motor106minimizes voltage drop due to power wiring, eliminates reflected voltage wave phenomena associated with VSDs having long cable lengths, and provides a more compact system. The control panel308is also preferably mounted adjacent the VSD104, either on the condenser304or on the evaporator shell306, to further minimize the space required for the chiller system300.

An exemplary single-stage compressor302is powered by a switched reluctance motor106. The compressor302may also be a two-stage compressor configured on a common shaft with the SR motor106such as inFIG. 6, or with the SR motor106disposed between the two stages, such as inFIG. 7. Referring again to the single-stage embodiment inFIG. 5, the SR motor106comprises a stator502having a plurality of projecting poles, and a rotor504also having a plurality of poles506. In the cross-sectional drawing there are shown only one pair of poles for each of the stator502and the rotor504, although the SR motor106normally has multiple pole-pairs on each of the stator502and the rotor504, the stator502typically has a greater number of poles than the rotor504. The rotor504is attached to a shaft508that is connected to and drives the impeller510. A plurality of electrical connectors518connects the poles of the stator502to impart rotation to the rotor504and the impeller510.

Improved chiller system efficiency may be realized by employing the motor cooling system to reduce stator losses in the SR motor106. Since most of the losses in the SR motor106occur in the stator502, by transferring heat generated in the stator502to the liquid in the water jacket512, very little stator heat loss is introduced into the refrigerant circuit from the stator502. Thus, the overall chiller efficiency is increased. A jacket portion512having either passages cast into the motor housing or passages attached to the exterior of the stator502to absorb heat generated in the windings of the stator502. InFIG. 5, the SR motor106is shown within the hermetic enclosure516that encloses the compressor302and its associated components. However, in another possible embodiment the SR motor106is configured such that the motor106is entirely outside the hermetic enclosure516.

In the other possible embodiment shown schematically inFIG. 8, the SR motor106is coupled to the shaft of the compressor302via a magnetic coupling804. The motor shaft802ends in a motor hub portion806of the magnetic coupling804, and is separated from the compressor by a hermetic enclosure barrier801that is integrally connected to a compressor hub portion808of the coupling804. A motor adapter portion814is connected to a compressor adapter portion812, the adapter portions812,814together forming an enclosure around the coupling804.

The air-cooled motor106in the embodiment shown inFIG. 8can also use supplementary cooling by expelling motor heat to the condenser water. This is accomplished per the configuration shown inFIG. 5, where the jacket portion512is attached to the exterior of the stator502. The jacket portion512includes conduits514arranged in a continuous path for flow of fluid. The jacket portion512transfers heat from the stator502to the fluid, which absorbs heat as it passes therethrough. It should be noted that conduits for fluid may be incorporated within the stator502itself, or may be used in combination with an external jacket portion512. The jacket portion512is in fluid communication with a supply line519, through which fluid is supplied to the jacket portion512. Preferably, the fluid is an intermediate liquid that is cooled via direct heat exchange with condenser water, although condenser water may be circulated directly into the jacket portion512for direct cooling of the stator502.

Barrier plates541are installed at either end of the motor rotor504to restrict air or refrigerant gas from entering passages within the motor rotor541. The barrier plates541work in conjunction with a sleeve540on the rotor outside diameter to reduce air or gas turbulence inside the motor106, thus reducing windage losses.

Optionally, the motor106may be maintained at a pressure lower than the suction refrigerant pressure, in the suction line524connecting the compressor302to the evaporator306, to further reduce windage losses. The motor106is enclosed from the atmospheric pressure and in fluid communication with the suction line524via a conduit542and to the compressor chamber528via conduit526(shown schematically inFIG. 5). The compressor chamber528is maintained at a pressure lower than suction pressure due to the venturi effect of the gas entering the eye of the impeller543. The conduit526is in fluid communication with motor passages530that exist between the rotor504and the stator502. The gas inside of the motor—e.g. refrigerant vapor—is drawn from the motor passages530into the compressor chamber528, thereby creating a lower pressure inside the motor106.

In another embodiment, the motor106is outside of the hermetic housing as shown inFIG. 8. The motor106is cooled by air, with supplementary cooling means comprising a jacket on the stator outside diameter in which condenser water flows. Even though the motor is outside the hermetic housing, the motor cavity can be maintained at pressure less than atmospheric pressure via ducting fans fastened to the motor shaft. Alternative embodiments may include combinations whereby liquid refrigerant is expanded into the cooling jacket512instead of the condenser water; the motor is configured inside the hermetic housing instead of outside the housing; and wherein a reduced pressure is not maintained.