Optimization of Suction Chamber Structure in a Scroll Refrigeration Compressor

In order to improve the suction performance of the scroll compressors, five modification models are proposed by reducing or enlarging the area of the suction flow passage based on a scroll refrigeration compressor. The three-dimensional numerical simulation model is established using the commercial software PumpLinx to calculate the flow field and the performance of every modified model. The comparison and analyses has been done based on the simulation results. The results indicated that the enlargement of the suction passage only improve the volumetric efficiency a little while the shrink of the suction passage can improve it effectively. The mass flow rate pulsation when the modification angle is 270° is much higher than that of the original model, but it decreases with the modification angle. As the modification angle increases, the volume of inner suction passage and the back flow rate from the inner suction passage decrease and less fluid from suction chamber 2 flows back to the suction port, so the average mass flow rate increases and the mass flow rate pulsation decreases. The Model 5 has the maximum volumetric efficiency and lower mass flow pulsation, but the tangential and radial forces on the orbiting scroll are the highest. (paper)