The Benefits of Using electric scroll compressor

To understand the different types and technologies of compressors, we first need to understand the two basic principles of compressing air. These are dynamic and displacement compression. In this article, we talk about the scroll compressor. This is a type of displacement compressor with wide applications in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, heat pumps, and cars. 

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Scroll compressors consist of two spiral-shaped scroll elements that are bolted together: a stationary scroll and an orbiting scroll driven by a motor. The process of compressing air in a scroll compressor involves several steps:

1. Oscillation: The scrolls oscillate in a continuous motion without metal-to-metal contact, compressing air in crescent-shaped pockets.
2. Orbiting Scroll Motion: The orbiting scroll, driven by a short-stroke crankshaft, moves eccentrically around the fixed scroll, creating suction that draws air in from the inlet at the top of the housing.
3. Compression: Air captured in pockets between the scrolls is gradually compressed as it moves toward the center.
4. Discharge: Compressed air is discharged from the outlet port at the center, where a non-return valve prevents backflow.
5. Stability: The 180° phase displacement provides radial stability, and the internal compression minimizes leakage due to lower pressure differences between air pockets.

By following these steps, scroll compressors achieve efficient and reliable air compression.

When most people think of air compressors, they probably imagine a bulky and loud machine. Scroll compressors are pretty much the opposite of that. They are oil-free, compact and relatively silent compared to other types of compressors.

Thanks to the simple design of the scroll compressor with only one moving part, this type of compressor is highly reliable and quieter compared to the piston and rotary screw compressor. This makes them perfect for sensitive working environments, like a dentist’s office. Another advantage of scroll compressors is energy efficiency. 

Similar to internal compression in a screw compressor, the amount of internal compression is determined by the discharge port. Due to the unique design of the discharge port, the scroll air compressor can compress more air or gas while using minimal power.

Compared to other compressors, these machines attain the highest efficiency level by volume. This is because there are no pistons to compress the gas.

The noise emission of a scroll air compressor is significantly lower than other compressors. The complete compression cycle takes 2.5 turns, including the suction, compression, and discharge revolution phases. These occur simultaneously while providing a constant flow of pulsation-free air.

The scroll air compressor offers smooth and vibration-free operations thanks to its scroll element. It hardly has any torque variation compared to a piston compressor. The simple design of the scroll air compressor contains only one moving part. This makes it highly reliable and quieter than equivalent piston and rotary screw compressors.

Scroll compressors are widely used in various industrial applications due to their efficiency and reliability. They meet the basic requirements of a general-purpose compressor and are commonly used in the food, refrigeration, air-conditioning, and transportation industries. For larger volume demands, oil-injected screw compressors may be more efficient.

There is an abundance of applications for quiet and energy-efficient compressors that produce absolutely clean air. Take the SF scroll compressor series from Atlas Copco, which has been a leader in this field for more than 60 years. Its unique characteristics make it ideal for many manufacturing processes for which clean, oil-free compressed air is a prerequisite. That is why the SF is the preferred choice for sensitive indoor environments, like hospitals but also labs, breweries, bakeries, dairy farms, electronics manufacturing, and even lens production.

The SF series features a capacity range of 1.9 to 7.6 l/s (4.03 to 16.10 cfm), a maximum working pressure of 10 bar (145 psi), and a dew point performance as low as 2°C/36°F. Its air-cooled scroll element ensures efficiency, reliability, and durability, while the premium efficiency IE3 class motor lowers energy consumption. Most importantly, the SF series produces absolutely clean air.

We hope this guide provides a good overview of whether or not a scroll compressor makes sense for your needs. If you'd like more information, feel free to get in touch. Our team is happy to point you in the right direction.

To understand the scroll compressor’s advantages and disadvantages, you must first have a general understanding of compressors. While every type of compressor is unique, the basic principles stay the same. First, a gas or electric motor provides energy to push air into the compression chamber of the device. Next, the compression chamber squeezes’ air into a desired volume before discharging it for use in various applications.

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Scroll compressors are an example of the positive displacement compressors. Positive displacement compressors operate by vacuuming air into a chamber before compressing the air.  Everything from industrial machines to food and beverage manufacturing processes use the pressured stream of air that is produced. Scroll compressors also have many uses in air conditioning equipment and refrigeration units.

The Design Of A Scroll Compressor

The inside of a scroll compressor holds two spiral “scrolls” that work in unison to compress the air that enters the machine. Scroll 1 is an immobile spiral that works as the compression site. At the same time scroll 2 is nestled inside of the immobile spiral, the crank shaft is moving it in a tense motion. As inner scroll orbits the inside of the immobile scroll, compression takes place. Since the design of this machine has a small number of individual pieces, scroll compressors are able to boast a high rate of reliability.

Scroll compressors distance themselves from the competition by being an oil-free alternative to other positive displacement compressors. For example, the rotary screw compressor is reliant on lubricants like oil to avoid wear and tear in use. Having to rely on oil creates the possibility for many issues to arise during the life span of the machine. However, with a scroll compressor, you have one less thing to worry about when compressing air. 

The Scroll Compressor’s Advantages and Disadvantages

At Rasmussen Mechanical, we know that it’s important to understand the pros and cons of a product before you place it in your facility. Below are some of the scroll compressor’s advantages and disadvantages to aid in deciding if it is compatible with your business.

Advantage #1: Efficiency

One of the largest threats to any piece of compression equipment is the presence of excessive waste build up. Waste buildup has the potential to halt the performance of a device, leading to expensive repairs and wasted time. The scroll compressor almost guarantees that every ounce of the air that enters the scrolls, leaves the compression area. The orbital movement assures that all particles become diminished as compression finishes.

Advantage #2: Sound

The scroll’s simple design allows it to operate at an audible volume that is hardly noticeable. The absence of high vibration rates leads to an extremely low hum, rivaling the general decibel level of a library. Thanks to this, a scroll compressor holds more opportunities for installation in locations that require little to no background noise. And, as a direct result, businesses are able to forego purchasing expensive soundproofing equipment.

Advantage #3: Energy Consumption

The presence of a pure design, paired with a high working efficiency, helps the scroll compressor save energy. A Purdue University study shows that the energy usage in scroll compressors are around 25% lower than that of reciprocating compressors. And because many businesses run compressors non-stop, a switch to scroll compressors could lower costs and raise profit margins.

Disadvantage #1: High Initial Costs

Generally, compressors that employ an oil-free scroll mechanism are higher in price. Oil’s absence requires more precise, and in-depth, crafting during manufacturing in order to become self-sufficient.

Disadvantage #2: Higher Repair Costs

Due to the design of the scroll compressor, when a malfunction happens the unit is not immediately serviceable. The area where compression happens has a hermetic sealing, giving it a secure and constant airtight barrier. The integrity of the pressure chamber becomes compromised if the casing is opened, causing further problems surrounding efficiency.

How Does It Stack Up Against The Rotary Compressor?

Rotary compressors are another type of positive displacement compressor. The standard rotary compressor uses a two helical rotary to compress air. Air is lured into the gap between the rotary and as the volume decreases, the air is pressurized. Different than the scroll, both screws in the rotary are able to spin, doing so in opposite directions. Rotary compressors work extremely well in large industrial applications, while the scroll compressor finds use in health facilities and science labs.

Gardner Denver further describes a rotary compressor as: 

“Referred to generally as a twin screw compressor each rotor comprises of a set of helical lobes affixed to a shaft.

One rotor is called the male rotor and the other rotor is the female rotor. The number of lobes on the male rotor, and the number of flutes on the female, will vary from one compressor manufacturer to another. However, the female rotor will always have numerically more valleys (flutes) than the male rotor lobes for better efficiency

Male lobe acts like a continuous piston rolling down female flute which acts like a cylinder trapping air and reducing space continuously.”

Contact us to discuss your requirements of electric scroll compressor. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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