Derivation of Optimal Scroll Compressor Wrap for Minimization of Leakage Losses

Ian H. Bell
Eckhard A. Groll
James E. Braun
W. Travis Horton

Abstract

The scroll wraps of a scroll compressor play a very important role in the compressor’s efficiency due to their impact on leakage and leakage irreversibilities. In this work, a short summary of the scroll compressor geometry is presented. Using the geometry of the scroll wraps, an optimal scroll wrap geometry is derived for a given set of constraints on compressor displacement, scroll wrap thickness and volume ratio. This optimal scroll wrap geometry can be used as a starting point for further optimization in a detailed compressor model that includes the effects of mechanical losses.