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Variable Wall Thickness in Scroll Compressor : Impacts on Compression and Energy Consumption

Nishanth Kasani

Primary Advisor: David Myszka, Ph.D.

Faculty Advisor: Andrew Murray, Ph.D.

Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Wall Thickness Profiles

Transient Mass Flow & Control Volume Dynamics

Objective: To analyze and quantify the geometric influence and performance impacts of implementing a variable wall thickness profile in a scroll compressor. By replacing the standard constant-thickness involute with a parametrically tapered profile, the compressor's internal volume ratio, indicated power, and space utilization are optimized without increasing the physical radial size of the housing.

Purpose: To prove that a mathematically induced taper specifically yields measurable gains in sealing volume and indicated work compared to industry-standard geometries. This is validated through a custom-built kinematic and pressure-volume (PV) tracking simulation.

 

 

Metric

Constant (c=0)

Variable (c=−0.001)

Impact

Initial Suction Vol.(in³)

6.16

6.85

+11.3%

Final Volume at Discharge(in³)

2.80

2.76

-1.2%

Volume Ratio (Vr)

2.20

2.5

+12.7%

Indicated Work(in-lbf)

2320

2542

+9.6%

Compression Efficiency

2.655

2.694

+1.4%

Conclusions:

  • Maximized Spatial Capacity: The variable taper design increased the initial suction capacity by 11.3% without expanding the physical radial footprint of the compressor housing.
  • Optimized Pressure Matching: The variable profile achieved a tighter final discharge geometry, driving the Volume Ratio up by 12.7%. This brings the internal built-in pressure ratio significantly closer to the target line ratio, reducing under-compression losses.
  • Energy Justification: While absolute power consumption increased by 9.6%, it is outpaced by the 11.3% gain in volumetric capacity, resulting in a higher-capacity, more mechanically matched compressor within strict geometric constraints.