Experience of Improving Rotor System Having Petal-Shaped Gas-Dynamic Bearings for Centrifugal Refrigeration Compressor

The results of tests and improving Freon centrifugal refrigeration compressor having gas-dynamic bearings and cooling power up to 350 kW are reported. The problems relating to rotor balancing, start-stop durability of rotor and bearings, rotor dynamics, and the results of compressor tests in air and Freon are elucidated. The compressor was tested with two types of bearings: without and with goffered tapes. The best results were obtained with the second type. The potential for use of gas-dynamic bearings in centrifugal refrigeration compressors is confirmed.