Abstract
A new type of thermodynamic machine was designed and prepared for testing to evaluate its capability in extracting mechanical energy from low enthalpy heat sources. The system was completed with a newly designed rotary piston compressor and expander to improve efficiency. A numerical model was set up using commercially available CFD code ANSYS Fluent to evaluate the performance of the compressor and to identify the fluid dynamic related loss sources. In attempt to increase computational efficiency 3D and 2D computations were compared to find the simplest model which provides sufficient information to capture the important heat transfer and fluid mechanical features.
Highlights
A new high efficiency compressor design was introduced as a part of a project where the aim was to find a new way to extract mechanical energy from low enthalpy geothermal resources.Keywords Rotary compressor, Rolling piston compressor, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Porous resistance model (a) DISCHARGE PORT VANE CYLINDER PISTON SUCTION PORT (b)The new design is based on the architecture of the classic rolling piston type compressors (Fig. 1(a)) which are widely used in air-conditioning and cooling systems because of the high volumetric efficiency due to the small clearance volume and correspondingly low re-expansion losses inherent in theirPeriod
The original design was slightly modified [2] and unlike in the case of conventional rolling piston compressors here the piston does not roll along the surface of the cylinder but instead the piston is solidly mounted on the drive shaft (Fig. 1(b))
The spring loaded blade which separates the suction and the pressure side is replaced by a vane which is driven directly by the drive shaft to keep the sealing clearance constant without increasing the friction losses induced by the traditional spring loaded blade
Summary
A new high efficiency compressor design was introduced as a part of a project where the aim was to find a new way to extract mechanical energy from low enthalpy geothermal resources. Keywords Rotary compressor, Rolling piston compressor, CFD, Porous resistance model (a) DISCHARGE PORT VANE CYLINDER. The spring loaded blade which separates the suction and the pressure side is replaced by a vane which is driven directly by the drive shaft to keep the sealing clearance constant without increasing the friction losses induced by the traditional spring loaded blade [5] used CFD models in their study to compare the performance of a two cylinder rolling piston type compressor equipped with two different, separate and common suction piping systems. Promising results was shown by Hui Ding et al [8] in a more recent study where the aim was to assess the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
