EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE MINIATURIZATION OF OPTIMALLY EFFICIENT SCROLL COMPRESSORS FOR REFRIGERATORS

An exploratory study using computer simulations was undertaken to provide optimal design guidelines for a miniaturized scroll compressor with the maximum possible overall efficiency. Computer simulations of the mechanical, volumetric and compression efficiencies are presented for a small-scale R134a scroll compressor with a suction volume of 4.25 cm(3), driven by a 100W motor under the rated conditions. The optimal combination of the cylinder diameter, the involute base circle radius and scroll height, producing the maximum overall efficiency, was identified. The computer simulations were initially undertaken assuming a radial clearance of 1.0 mu m and the axial clearance of 3 mu m. Subsequently, the axial clearance was increased to 5 mu m, and the simulations were repeated. The small increase in axial clearance resulted in a substantial decrease in overall efficiency. Finally, FEM simulations were used to examine the structural strength and deformation of the aluminium orbiting scroll for the optimized scroll compressor when it was operated under an overload conditions.