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CFD modelling of small scale ORC scroll expanders using variable wall thicknesses

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  • Emhardt, Simon
  • Tian, Guohong
  • Song, Panpan
  • Chew, John
  • Wei, Mingshan

Abstract

The built-in volume ratio of variable wall thickness scroll expanders can be increased without increasing the number of scroll turns and the expander size in contrast to constant wall thickness expanders. CFD models for these novel scroll-type designs are presented in this research paper. The validation, verification and the findings had proven consistency with the theory of small scale ORC scroll expanders. The performance analysis indicates that the optimum performance point was reached at a pressure ratio of 3.5. The decrease of radial clearance from 200 μm to 75 μm had a significant effect on the isentropic efficiency and the specific power output, with the isentropic efficiency significantly increasing from 31.9% up to 53.9%. Based on the second-law analysis, it is found that exergy of 336.5W (75 μm) and 864.2W (200 μm) were destroyed during the expansion processes. Furthermore, characteristic pressure imbalances were observed in the expansion chambers. The studies also reveal that the large-scale vortices, generated during the suction process, were completely dissipated in the expansion chambers at a crank angle of 600°. Analysis of the pressure-volume diagram shows that variable wall thickness scroll expanders with built-in volume ratios above 4.5 could fully expand the working fluid to the defined outlet pressure.

Suggested Citation

  • Emhardt, Simon & Tian, Guohong & Song, Panpan & Chew, John & Wei, Mingshan, 2020. "CFD modelling of small scale ORC scroll expanders using variable wall thicknesses," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:199:y:2020:i:c:s0360544220305065
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.117399
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dumont, Olivier & Parthoens, Antoine & Dickes, Rémi & Lemort, Vincent, 2018. "Experimental investigation and optimal performance assessment of four volumetric expanders (scroll, screw, piston and roots) tested in a small-scale organic Rankine cycle system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PA), pages 1119-1127.
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    Cited by:

    1. Giovanna Cavazzini & Francesco Giacomel & Alberto Benato & Francesco Nascimben & Guido Ardizzon, 2021. "Analysis of the Inner Fluid-Dynamics of Scroll Compressors and Comparison between CFD Numerical and Modelling Approaches," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-28, February.
    2. Fabio Fatigati & Marco Di Bartolomeo & Davide Di Battista & Roberto Cipollone, 2020. "Experimental Validation of a New Modeling for the Design Optimization of a Sliding Vane Rotary Expander Operating in an ORC-Based Power Unit," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-23, August.
    3. Emhardt, Simon & Tian, Guohong & Song, Panpan & Chew, John & Wei, Mingshan, 2022. "CFD analysis of the influence of variable wall thickness on the aerodynamic performance of small scale ORC scroll expanders," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PA).
    4. Yuheng Du & Shuang Li & Michael Pekris & Wei Li & Guohong Tian, 2023. "Surrogate-Assisted Multi-Objective Optimisation of Transcritical Carbon Dioxide Scroll Expander Flank Clearance Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-19, July.

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