Analysis of Liquid-Flooded Expansion Using a Scroll Expander

ABSTRACT This paper presents the development and the experimental validation of a model of a scroll expander integrated into a Liquid Flooded Ericsson Cooler (LFEC) as proposed by Hugenroth (2007). This system uses liquid flooding of the compressor and the expander to approach isothermal compression and expansion processes. A detailed model of the flooded scroll expander has been constructed which allows prediction of its performance over a wide range of operating conditions. This model is validated with experimental data collected on a prototype of a Liquid Flooded Ericsson Cooler. A parametric study is finally conducted for investigating the performances of the expander under different design changes, such as the shape of the tip of the scroll and the leakage gap size. 1. INTRODUCTION The purpose of the present work is to develop and validate a comprehensive model of a scroll expander integrated into a Liquid Flooded Ericsson Cooler ( LFEC ). This system uses liquid flooding of the compressor and the expander to approach isothermal compression and expansion processes. The model must be detailed enough to investigate the performances of the expander under different operating conditions and design changes and to point out the losses that occur in flooded expansion.