Mathematical Modeling of Rotary Vane Compressors Taking into Account the Mutual Influence of Tribological and Operating Parameters

Abstract

A mathematical model of an oilless rotary vane compressor is presented. The model takes into account the mutual influence of tribological and operating parameters of the stage. To specify conditions for the mathematical model to be unambiguous, experiments were carried out to determine the values of the friction coefficient and the maximum allowable sliding speed of promising self-lubricating materials as functions of the load and speed parameters of the compressor stage. Mathematical modeling of the integral energy characteristics of the oilless stage of the rotary vane type has shown the conceptual option to expand the range of its operation modes based on the justified use of self-lubricating materials in friction units and account of the mutual influence of tribological and operational factors. Theoretical studies have confirmed that the speed of the stage and the degree of pressure can be increased by a factor no less than 2 compared with those of commercially produced machines. However, setting the friction coefficient in modeling stages of a rotary vane type as a constant can lead to incorrect conclusions in designing in what regards the best operating and structural parameters of the stage. Increasing the speed of the oilless stage of the rotary vane type will enable a reduction in the production requirements for end clearances and an increase in the specific weight and size characteristics and the degree of pressure increase in the stage by a factor of 1.5–2 for the effective efficiency values of 0.8 or more. The proposed mathematical model makes it possible to more accurately predict the energy losses related to mechanical friction in the stages and the integral energy characteristics of the stage in a wide range of operating and design parameters.