Minimization of Tilting Moment of Co-Rotating Scroll Compressor by Design of Back Pressure Chamber

Abstract

In a co-rotating scroll compressor, both scrolls rotate on their fixed axes contrary to the conventional orbiting type scroll machine. This implies fixed locations and directions of the gas pressure force and sealing force. Because the tilting moment is mainly caused by interplay between the resultant force of above forces and bearing reaction force, the variation during one cycle is relatively small. Under real operation, this moment is balanced by the restoring moment created by the reaction between the baseplate and thrust bearing or between the scroll tip and baseplate. If these reactions become too large, greater torque is required due to increased friction in addition to the wear of mating parts. Consequently, appropriate study and minimization of tilting moment is important in the design of scroll machines. In this study, taking into account of the small variation of tilting moment during one cycle, we minimize the moment and thrust bearing reaction force by a properly designed back pressure chamber. As a result, for both the driving and driven scrolls, the tilting moment and the reaction force of thrust bearing can be minimized. And the stability is improved for all cases.