Design, Testing and Feasibility Analysis of an Oil-Free Twin Screw Compressor with In-Chamber Flash Cooling

Abstract

With the current aim of reducing CO2 emissions worldwide compressor efficiency is more in focus than ever before. An estimated 20% of all electricity generated worldwide is used for compressing air. Oil injected twin screw compressors form a large percentage of the total. The injected oil is used for cooling, as well as for sealing and lubrication of the rotors. Typical pressure ratios lie between 8:1 and 16:1. There are many investigations being conducted into oil-free screw technology for specific applications requiring no oil carry over. In this presentation we will take a close look into the possibility of producing a single stage oil-free twin-screw compressor operating at a pressure ratio of 8:1 and using evaporated water for cooling. The main objective in this case is to improve compressor efficiency. Additionally, we will compare efficiency results with a state-of-the-art single stage oil injected twin screw compressor. Previous results from an earlier paper by the author and team from City University of London on CFD analysis of a similar system are taken as the basis. Further simulated calculations using SCORG for the actual case in question allow preliminary performance analysis using the multi-domain chamber model. From simulation we can see that the oil drag force acting on the rotors forms a significant part of the total power requirement. It is therefore suggested that an oil-free solution will achieve improved specific power. To confirm this concept, verify the simulated calculations and understand the heat transfer process in the compression chamber more fully, experimental analysis was undertaken.