FIELD

This disclosure relates to sound control of a vibration source, such as, for example, a compressor in a chiller of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit and/or system. More specifically, the disclosure relates to systems and methods to isolate the vibration source externally to control operational sound of the vibration source.

BACKGROUND

One of the major vibration sources in a refrigeration system (e.g., a chiller system) is a compressor. Vibration of the compressor can be transmitted to other functional components (e.g., refrigerant pipes) or structural components (e.g., a compressor supporting structure) connected to the compressor, causing operational sound. The vibration of the compressor can also radiate to create sound.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods to isolate a vibration source externally to control sound from the vibration source (e.g., a compressor) are described.

In some embodiments, an external isolation system for a vibration source may include a sound enclosure configured to surround the vibration source to reduce sound radiated from the vibration source. In some embodiments, the external isolation system may include a structural isolating member configured to support the vibration source to reduce vibration transmission from the vibration source to a structural component. In some embodiments, the external isolation system may include a functional isolating member to reduce vibration/pulsation transmission from the vibration source to a functional component. The functional isolating member may be positioned between the vibration source and the functional component and maintain a functional connection (e.g., form a fluid communication) between the vibration source and the functional component so that the vibration source and the functional component can function properly.

In some embodiments, the functional isolating member may include a muffler installed to a working fluid port of the vibration source. The muffler may help reduce pulsation carried in the working fluid. In some embodiments, the functional isolating member may include an isolating conduit having a bellow-like structure, which may help reduce vibration/pulsation transmission between the vibration source and the functional component.

In some embodiments, a method of providing external sound control to a vibration source may include reducing vibration/pulsation transmission between a vibration source and a functional component; reducing vibration transmission between the vibration source and a structural component that supports the vibration source; and reducing sound radiated from the vibration source.

An external isolation system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is disclosed. The system includes a sound enclosure configured to surround a compressor so as to reduce sound radiated from the compressor; a structural isolating member configured to support the compressor and actively damp vibrations and/or pulsations; and a functional isolating member configured to maintain a functional connection with the compressor.

Other features and aspects of the systems and methods will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

