Fluid-thermal-solid coupling heat transfer and flow in a co-rotating CO2 scroll compressor

Abstract

Heat transfer analysis within co-rotating CO₂ scroll compressors of heat pumps is pivotal for the improvement of energy efficiency and the optimization of design parameters. This study simulated the co-rotating CO₂ compressor's aerothermodynamics based on a novel fluid-thermal-solid coupling calculation methodology. The performance and flow dynamics are comprehensively assessed and compared under conditions with and without heat transfer. It is found that the reduction in clearance leakage and the increase in density result in the mass flow rate obtained when considering heat transfer being 9.44 % higher than that under adiabatic conditions. On the other hand, the reduction in energy losses such as entropy generation results in the isentropic efficiency obtained from the coupled heat transfer calculation being 3.9 % higher than that of adiabatic compression. Subsequently, an in-depth analysis of the performance and heat transfer characteristics across a range of rotation speeds is conducted. The results demonstrate that both the isentropic efficiency and the mass flow rate increase with the increase of rotation speed and the heat transfer mechanisms exhibit regional variations within the scroll compressor. This study has unveiled the profound impact of heat transfer on the scroll compressor, providing not only a theoretical foundation for enhancing its performance but also laying the groundwork for future research and development endeavors.