Investigation on heat transfer in scroll compressor

In the present study, the compression process in scroll compressor was simulated in consideration of flow leakage and heat transfer. Tangential and radial leakages of the refrigerant between the scrolls were considered as nozzle flow. The experiment was first conducted with a scroll compressor for automobile air conditioning system and R134a as a refrigerant. Temperature and pressure were measured at the suction and discharge ports of the compressor to determine the thermodynamic states of the refrigerant flow. Temperature distribution of the scroll with the involute angle was also measured by thermocouples that were installed inside the scroll. Measured temperature distribution was compared with the numerical results. From this result, the thermal effect of mechanical contact was found to be important in heat transfer of the compression process