C o m p r e s s o r Te c h n o l o g i e s Scroll Type

A second positive displacement configuration used is the sliding vane. It offers advant ages of compactness and low cost but carries the penalt y of ver y poor efficiency at high pressure ratios. The other main configuration is the scroll compressor in which one scroll with an involute surface orbits inside a fixed second scroll of the same shape. It can be seen from the figure that the cont act points of the scrolls enclose a cavity of reducing size (shaded green) that moves from the outside to the centre as the one scroll orbits inside the other. The result is an induction of gas at the peripher y of the scroll and delivery of compressed gas at the centre. These compressors are ver y efficient and quiet but represent a significant challenge for manufacture and hence for cost. They have the disadvant age that although a variable version of this compressor is possible, the superior efficiency advant age is lost.

Structure Scroll type

This compressor uses a unique design with two scrolls, one is fixed and the other is movable, both are inter-leaved. The movable spiral is able to Orbit or oscillate without actually fully rotating. The movable scroll is connected to the input shaft via a concentric bearing. As the movable spiral oscillates within the fixed spiral, a number of pocket are formed between the spirals. As these pockets decrease in size the refrigerant is squeezed, the pressure increases and is discharged through a reed valve at the discharge port in the rear section of the compressor.

Operation
As the rotating scroll moves, the space between the two scrolls also moves, causing the volume of this space to gradually decrease. Refrigerant flows in from the suction port and is gradually compressed by the rotating scroll rotation. It is discharged from the discharge port after approximately 3 rotations. Refrigerant is actually discharged once for each rotation. It is an extremely quiet and efficient compressor used mostly in small and light cars.

SWASH PLATE

The swash-plate has a linkage mechanism that allows it to rot ate thus changing its angle and with it, the piston displacement. The linkage is designed so that the clearance volume remains as const ant and small as possible over the full swash-plate angle range from full stroke to minimum stroke. This swash-plates freedom to rot ate means that under any given operating conditions it will take up a position that is determined by the balance of all the forces acting on it that tend to cause it to rot ate about its centre of rot ation. The first element of complexit y is that the centre of rot ation is not fixed as it shifts location slightly with the swash-plate angle. It lies fairly near to the swash-plate connection with the link but its exact locus is a function of the linkage mechanism location, dimensions and of the swash-plate angle. The most obvious force that comes into play is the gas pressure acting on the piston crown. Estimation of its average effect, however is complex as the cylinder pressure varies greatly around the cycle. At the same time its line of action is continually changing and hence so is the effective torque it exerts about the centre of rot ation. This torque will obviously tend to upstroke the compressor.

Structure
This compressor is constructed from the components shown in the illustration. The piston completes a 360 cycle when power from the engine causes the shaft and swash plate to rotate. One piston is comprised of cylinders on both sides. The ends of the piston intake pressurize and discharge refrigerant.

Operation
In the cylinder shown in the right of the illustration, the suction valve is opened when the piston moves to the left. The pressure difference between the suction shaft within the housing and inside the cylinder causes refrigerant to enter the cylinder through the suction valve. Conversely, when the piston moves to the right, the suction valve is closed and the refrigerant is pressurized. Continued pressurization increases the pressure of the refrigerant in the cylinder, causing the discharge valve to open. The refrigerant then flows to a high-pressure pipe. (The suction and discharge valves prevent flow back of the refrigerant.) The balance of characteristics and reliability in this compressor make it suitable in a widerange of vehicles around the world, such as small vehicles, mini-vans, large busses, and construction equipment.