Scroll Technology: An Overview of Past, Present and Future Developments

摘要

Scroll technology for refrigerant compressors is reviewed from the initial invention to today's position as a dominant compression technology in the air conditioning industry, including a projection of the future potential of the technology. Design concepts from the past 30 years are reviewed, including scroll component vane design, compliance mechanisms, bearing and assembly architecture, and low and high side pressure vessels. Manufacturing challenges related to scroll compressor machining and assembly are also discussed. Scroll compressors are now used outside the initial residential air conditioning application to include heat pump and refrigeration systems that require scroll designs suitable for use with both higher pressure ratios and extended operating envelopes. Increased efficiency standards for air conditioning and refrigeration systems continue to drive the development of efficient capacity control methods utilizing various technologies such as discrete capacity steps, vapor injection/economizer cycle and inverter driven variable speed operation. These concepts are reviewed and their individual benefits are discussed.