A Comprehensive Model of a Novel Rotating Spool Compressor

A comprehensive simulation model of a novel rotating spool compressor is presented. The spool compressor provides a new rotating compression mechanism with easily manufactured components. Compared with other rotary compressors, the spool compressor presents the additional advantage of relocating the face sealing surfaces to the outer radius of the device. A detailed analytical geometry model of the spool compressor is presented which includes the geometry of the vane. This geometry model is included in a comprehensive model that includes submodels for friction, leakage, and heat transfer. The results of the comprehensive model were validated using experimental data from a prototype compressor. The prototype compressor has an overall displacement of 23.9 cm3, and was operated at rotational speeds between 1750 and 3250 rpm and pressure ratios between 2.1 and 2.9 using R410A as the working fluid. The model predicts the volumetric and overall isentropic efficiencies of the prototype compressor to within 6.3% and 11.2% MAE, respectively. The trends and spread in the data indicate that additional effort should be focused on the operation of the active sealing elements within the compressor