Patent attributes
A mechanism for differential pressure sealing for use in a compressor, such as for fuel cell applications, is described. In a dual-stage compressor, a low pressure side and/or a high pressure side of the dual-stage compressor may include a compressor wheel supported by a shaft that can rotate about an axis of the shaft. A seal carrier may be provided that rotates with the compressor wheel and includes a groove for receiving a sealing ring, which may be a split expansion ring. A static seal plate may be positioned around a periphery of a portion of the seal carrier, such that the sealing ring can seal against a contact surface of the static seal plate when received in the groove in order to create a pressure differential seal. The low pressure side may include one sealing ring, whereas the high pressure side may include two sealing rings positioned in series.
