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Basic Components: A scroll compressor consists primarily of two identical, spiral-shaped scrolls (called involute spirals) nested together.
Stationary (Fixed) Scroll: One scroll is fixed in position within the compressor housing.
Orbiting (Moving) Scroll: The other scroll is mounted on an eccentric mechanism driven by the compressor motor. This scroll does notrotate; instead, it moves in a small circular path (orbits) around the center point of the fixed scroll, without rotating on its own axis. This motion is called orbital motion.
Formation of Gas Pockets: The meshing of the two spirals creates a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets trapped between their walls.
Suction: As the motor runs, the orbiting scroll's motion causes the outermost pockets to move inward towards the center and simultaneously become sealed off from the suction port. As they move inward, they draw low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant vapor from the suction line into the spaces created.
Compression: The continuous orbital motion of the moving scroll forces these sealed gas pockets to progressively move towards the very center of the scroll set. The volume of these moving pockets continuously decreasesas the orbits push the gas into progressively smaller spaces.
Key Point: Compression happens smoothly and continuouslyas the pockets are driven inward and their volume shrinks. There are no sudden "intake" or "compression" strokes like in a reciprocating compressor.
Discharge: When the orbiting motion brings a pocket to the center, the volume has been reduced to a minimum. The high-pressure gas compressed at the center is forced out through a discharge port located in the center of the fixed scroll into the high-pressure side (discharge line) of the refrigeration system.
Simultaneous Operation: Crucially, multiple pockets are undergoing suction, compression, and discharge phases simultaneouslyas the orbiting scroll moves. As one pocket is starting suction at the outer edge, another pocket is in the middle of compression, and another is discharging at the very center. This overlapping process provides very smooth and continuous gas flow.
Key Advantages Reflected in the Principle:
Smooth & Continuous Flow: The orbital motion and constant reduction in pocket volume result in very smooth gas flow with minimal pulsation compared to piston compressors.
Efficiency: The continuous nature minimizes losses associated with suction and discharge valves opening/closing. Internal leakage paths are also small. The close proximity of the scrolls improves thermal efficiency.
Fewer Moving Parts: Simpler construction than reciprocating compressors (no pistons, connecting rods, complex valving).
Quieter Operation: Smooth compression and fewer mechanical impacts lead to significantly lower noise and vibration.
Reliability: Less wear on critical components due to the smooth orbital motion.
Handling Liquid Slugging: Generally better tolerance to small amounts of liquid refrigerant entering the compressor than reciprocating types.
In summary: A scroll compressor works by using one orbiting scroll moving against a fixed scroll to create and seal crescent-shaped gas pockets. These pockets are continuously driven towards the center through an orbital path. As they move, their volume is steadily reduced, compressing the trapped gas vapor. The compressed vapor is finally discharged through a central port. This process happens simultaneously and continuously across multiple pockets, enabling efficient, smooth, and quiet operation.
Basic Components: A scroll compressor consists primarily of two identical, spiral-shaped scrolls (called involute spirals) nested together.
Stationary (Fixed) Scroll: One scroll is fixed in position within the compressor housing.
Orbiting (Moving) Scroll: The other scroll is mounted on an eccentric mechanism driven by the compressor motor. This scroll does notrotate; instead, it moves in a small circular path (orbits) around the center point of the fixed scroll, without rotating on its own axis. This motion is called orbital motion.
Formation of Gas Pockets: The meshing of the two spirals creates a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets trapped between their walls.
Suction: As the motor runs, the orbiting scroll's motion causes the outermost pockets to move inward towards the center and simultaneously become sealed off from the suction port. As they move inward, they draw low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant vapor from the suction line into the spaces created.
Compression: The continuous orbital motion of the moving scroll forces these sealed gas pockets to progressively move towards the very center of the scroll set. The volume of these moving pockets continuously decreasesas the orbits push the gas into progressively smaller spaces.
Key Point: Compression happens smoothly and continuouslyas the pockets are driven inward and their volume shrinks. There are no sudden "intake" or "compression" strokes like in a reciprocating compressor.
Discharge: When the orbiting motion brings a pocket to the center, the volume has been reduced to a minimum. The high-pressure gas compressed at the center is forced out through a discharge port located in the center of the fixed scroll into the high-pressure side (discharge line) of the refrigeration system.
Simultaneous Operation: Crucially, multiple pockets are undergoing suction, compression, and discharge phases simultaneouslyas the orbiting scroll moves. As one pocket is starting suction at the outer edge, another pocket is in the middle of compression, and another is discharging at the very center. This overlapping process provides very smooth and continuous gas flow.
Key Advantages Reflected in the Principle:
Smooth & Continuous Flow: The orbital motion and constant reduction in pocket volume result in very smooth gas flow with minimal pulsation compared to piston compressors.
Efficiency: The continuous nature minimizes losses associated with suction and discharge valves opening/closing. Internal leakage paths are also small. The close proximity of the scrolls improves thermal efficiency.
Fewer Moving Parts: Simpler construction than reciprocating compressors (no pistons, connecting rods, complex valving).
Quieter Operation: Smooth compression and fewer mechanical impacts lead to significantly lower noise and vibration.
Reliability: Less wear on critical components due to the smooth orbital motion.
Handling Liquid Slugging: Generally better tolerance to small amounts of liquid refrigerant entering the compressor than reciprocating types.
In summary: A scroll compressor works by using one orbiting scroll moving against a fixed scroll to create and seal crescent-shaped gas pockets. These pockets are continuously driven towards the center through an orbital path. As they move, their volume is steadily reduced, compressing the trapped gas vapor. The compressed vapor is finally discharged through a central port. This process happens simultaneously and continuously across multiple pockets, enabling efficient, smooth, and quiet operation.
