# Scroll compressor

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Air compressor

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Mechanism of a scroll pump; here two [archimedean spirals](/source/Archimedean_spiral)

Operation of a scroll compressor

A **scroll compressor** (also called *spiral compressor*, **scroll pump** and **scroll vacuum pump**) is a device for [compressing](/source/Compressor) air or refrigerant.[1] It is used in [air conditioning](/source/Air_conditioning) equipment, as an automobile [supercharger](/source/Supercharger) (where it is known as a [scroll-type supercharger](/source/Scroll-type_supercharger)) and as a [vacuum pump](/source/Vacuum_pump). Many residential central [heat pump](/source/Heat_pump) and air conditioning systems and a few automotive air conditioning systems employ a scroll compressor instead of the more traditional rotary, [reciprocating](/source/Reciprocating_compressor), and [wobble-plate](/source/Swashplate) compressors.

A scroll compressor operating in reverse is a **scroll expander**, and can generate [mechanical work](/source/Mechanical_work).

## History

Animation of a spinning scroll compressor

[Léon Creux](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=L%C3%A9on_Creux&action=edit&redlink=1) first patented a scroll compressor in 1905 in France and the US.[2] Creux invented the compressor as a [rotary](/source/Rotary_engine) [steam engine](/source/Steam_engine) concept, but the metal casting technology of the period was not sufficiently advanced to construct a working prototype, since a scroll compressor demands very tight tolerances to function effectively. In the 1905 patent, Creux defines a co-orbiting or spinning reversible steam expander driven by a fixed radius crank on a single shaft.[3] However, the scroll expander engine could not overcome the machining hurdles of radial compliance inherent to achieving efficiency in scroll operation that would not be adequately addressed until the works of Niels Young in 1975.[4] The first practical scroll compressors did not appear on the market until after [World War II](/source/World_War_II), when higher-precision machine tools enabled their construction. In 1981, [Sanden](/source/Sanden_Corporation) began manufacturing the first commercially available scroll compressors for automobile air conditioners.[1][5] They were not commercially produced for room air conditioning until 1983 when [Hitachi](/source/Hitachi) launched the world's first air conditioner with a hermetic scroll compressor.[6][7]

## Design

A scroll compressor uses two interleaving scrolls to [pump](/source/Pump), [compress](/source/Gas_compressor) or pressurize [fluids](/source/Fluid) such as [liquids](/source/Liquids) and [gases](/source/Gas). The vane geometry may be [involute](/source/Involute), [Archimedean spiral](/source/Archimedean_spiral), or hybrid curves.[8][9][10][11][12]

Often, one of the scrolls is fixed, while the other orbits [eccentrically](/source/Eccentricity_(mechanics)) without rotating, thereby trapping and pumping or compressing pockets of fluid between the scrolls. An eccentric shaft can provide the orbital motion but the scroll must be prevented from rotating, typically with an [Oldham-type coupling](/source/Oldham_coupling), additional eccentric idler shafts, or a [bellows joint](/source/Metal_bellows) (particularly for high-purity applications). Another method for producing the compression motion is co-rotating the scrolls, in synchronous motion, but with offset centers of rotation. The relative motion is the same as if one were orbiting.

Leaks from axial gaps are prevented by the use of spiral-shaped tip seals, placed into grooves on the tips of both spirals.[13] These tip seals also help lower the friction and can be replaced when worn down. Some compressors use the pressurized discharge gas to push both scrolls together, eliminating the need for tip seals and improving sealing with use; these compressors are said to wear-in instead of wear-out.[14][15][16][17]

## Engineering comparison to other pumps

Scroll compressors with air tanks

These devices are known for operating more smoothly, quietly, and reliably than conventional compressors in some applications.[18]

### Rotations and pulse flow

Open-type scroll compressor

The compression process occurs over approximately 2 to 2½ rotations of the crankshaft, compared to one rotation for rotary compressors, and one-half rotation for reciprocating compressors. The scroll discharge and suction processes occur for a full rotation, compared to less than a half-rotation for the reciprocating suction process, and less than a quarter-rotation for the reciprocating discharge process. Reciprocating compressors have multiple cylinders (typically, anywhere from two to six), while scroll compressors only have one compression element. The presence of multiple cylinders in reciprocating compressors reduces suction and discharge pulsations. Therefore, it is difficult to state whether scroll compressors have lower pulsation levels than reciprocating compressors as has often been claimed by some suppliers of scroll compressors. The more steady flow yields lower gas pulsations, lower sound and lower vibration of attached piping, while having no influence on the compressor operating efficiency.

### Valves

Scroll compressors never have a suction valve, but depending on the application may or may not have a discharge valve. The use of a dynamic discharge valve is more prominent in high pressure ratio applications, typical of refrigeration. Typically, an air-conditioning scroll does not have a dynamic discharge valve. The use of a dynamic discharge valve improves scroll compressor efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions, when the operating pressure ratio is well above the built-in pressure ratio of the compressors. If the compressor is designed to operate near a single operating point, then the scroll compressor can actually gain efficiency around this point if there is no dynamic discharge valve present (since there are additional discharge flow losses associated with the presence of the discharge valve as well as discharge ports tend to be smaller when the discharge is present).[19][20]

### Efficiency

The [isentropic](/source/Isentropic) efficiency of scroll compressors is slightly higher than that of a typical reciprocating compressor when the compressor is designed to operate near one selected rating point.[21] The scroll compressors are more efficient in this case because they do not have a dynamic discharge valve that introduces additional throttling losses. However, the efficiency of a scroll compressor that does not have a discharge valve begins to decrease as compared to the reciprocating compressor at higher pressure ratio operation. This is a result of under-compression losses that occur at high pressure ratio operation of the positive displacement compressors that do not have a dynamic discharge valve.

The scroll compression process is nearly 100% [volumetrically](/source/Volumetric) efficient in pumping the trapped fluid. The suction process creates its own volume, separate from the compression and discharge processes further inside. By comparison, reciprocating compressors leave a small amount of compressed gas in the cylinder, because it is not practical for the piston to touch the head or valve plate. That remnant gas from the last cycle then occupies space intended for suction gas. The reduction in capacity (i.e. volumetric efficiency) depends on the suction and discharge pressures with greater reductions occurring at higher ratios of discharge to suction pressures.

### Size

Scroll compressors tend to be very compact and smooth running and so do not require spring suspension. This allows them to have very small shell enclosures which reduces overall cost but also results in smaller free volume.[22]

## Reliability

Scroll compressors have fewer moving parts than reciprocating compressors which, theoretically, should improve reliability. According to Emerson Climate Technologies, manufacturer of Copeland scroll compressors, scroll compressors have 70 percent fewer moving parts than conventional reciprocating compressors.[23]

At least one manufacturer found through testing that the scroll compressor design delivered better reliability and efficiency in operation than reciprocating compressors.[24]

## Scroll expander

The scroll expander is a work-producing device used mostly in low-pressure heat recovery applications. It is essentially a scroll compressor working in reverse; high enthalpy working fluid or gas enters the discharge side of the compressor and rotates the eccentric scroll before discharging from the compressor inlet. The basic modification required to convert the scroll compressor to a scroll expander is to remove the non-return valve from the compressor discharge.[25]

## See also

- [Compressed air battery](/source/Compressed_air_battery)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-OSTI_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-OSTI_1-1) McCullough, John E. (1990). ["Japanese and American Competition in the Development of Scroll Compressors and its impact on the American Air Conditioning Industry"](https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/6952508). *U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI)*. U.S. Department of Energy. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2172/6952508](https://doi.org/10.2172%2F6952508). [OSTI](/source/OSTI_(identifier)) [6952508](https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6952508). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [107387933](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:107387933). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220209214109/https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6952508) from the original on February 9, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [US 801182](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US801182), [Creux, Léon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=L%C3%A9on_Creux&action=edit&redlink=1), "Rotary Engine", published October 3, 1905

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Bush, James W.; Beagle, Wayne P. (1994). ["Co-Orbiting Scroll Design and Operational Characteristics"](https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1977&context=icec). *Purdue e-Pubs*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150320/https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&httpsredir=1&article=1977&context=icec) from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [US 3874827](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US3874827), Young, Niels O., "Positive Displacement Scroll Apparatus With Axial Radially Compliant Scroll Member", published April 1, 1975

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Automobile_Air_Conditioners_5-0)** ["History"](https://www.sanden-europe.com/about-sanden/history/). *Sanden Corporation*. Sanden International (Europe). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190509171842/https://www.sanden-europe.com/about-sanden/history/) from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["History (1981-2000)"](http://www.hitachi.com/corporate/about/history/1981.html). Hitachi. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180618002622/http://www.hitachi.com/corporate/about/history/1981.html) from the original on June 18, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Gerken, David T.; Calhoun, John L. (March 2000). ["Design Review of Cast Aluminum Scroll Compressor Components"](http://www.sae.org/technical/papers/2000-01-0761). *SAE 2000 World Congress*. SAE Technical Paper Series. **1** 2000-01-0761. SAE International. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.4271/2000-01-0761](https://doi.org/10.4271%2F2000-01-0761). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070930203531/http://www.sae.org/technical/papers/2000-01-0761) from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved February 21, 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [US 4216661](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US4216661), Nobukatsu, Arai; Hirokatu, Kousokabe & Eiji, Sato et al., "Scroll Compressor with Means for End-Plate Bias and Cooled-Gas Return to Sealed Compressor Spaces", published August 12, 1980

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [US 4522575](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US4522575), Tischer, J. & Utter, R, "Scroll Machine Using Discharge Pressure For Axial Sealing", published June 11, 1985

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [US 4767293](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US4767293), Caillat, J.; Weatherston, R. & Bush, J, "Scroll-Type Machine With Axially Compliant Mounting", published August 30, 1988

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [US 4875838](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US4875838), Richardson, Jr., Hubert, "Scroll Compressor With Orbiting Scroll Member Biased By Oil Pressure", published October 24, 1989

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [US 4834633](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US4834633), Etemad, S.; Yannascoli, D. & Hatzikazakis, M., "Scroll Machine with Wraps of Different Thicknesses", published May 30, 1989

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Fukuta, Mitsuhiro; Ogi, Daisuke; Motozawa, Masaaki; Yanagisawa, Tadashi; Iwanami, Shigeki; Hotta, Tadashi (July 14–17, 2014). [*Seal Mechanism of Tip Seal in Scroll Compressor*](https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3291&context=icec). 22nd International Compressor Engineering Conference at Purdue. p. 1255. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200322085022/https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3291&context=icec) from the original on March 22, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["New Scroll Compressor | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration"](https://www.daikin.com/products/ac/lineup/vrv/). [Daikin](/source/Daikin). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200522090915/https://www.daikin.com/products/ac/lineup/vrv/) from the original on May 22, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["How a Scroll Compressor Works"](https://www.testequity.com/how-a-scroll-compressor-works). *TestEquity*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200927003926/https://www.testequity.com/How-a-Scroll-Compressor-Works) from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Copeland Scroll Digital"](https://climate.emerson.com/documents/copeland-scroll-digital-simple-refrigeration-solution-for-capacity-modulation-en-gb-4204140.pdf) (PDF). [Emerson Electric](/source/Emerson_Electric). April 10, 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150319/https://climate.emerson.com/documents/copeland-scroll-digital-simple-refrigeration-solution-for-capacity-modulation-en-gb-4204140.pdf) (PDF) from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Archived copy"](https://climate.emerson.com/documents/zfkq-product-catalogue-ja-jp-4231574.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150319/https://climate.emerson.com/documents/zfkq-product-catalogue-ja-jp-4231574.pdf) (PDF) from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2020.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["HVAC Compressor"](http://www.poweredbythepeople.com/categories/hvac.php). Powered by the People Resources Company. July 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141020211254/http://www.poweredbythepeople.com/categories/hvac.php) from the original on October 20, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Wheeler, Jim (November 1988). "Scroll Compressors: The Inside Story". *Contracting Business*. Penton Media: 36.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Bush, James W.; Elson, John P. (July 1988). "Scroll Compressor Design Criteria for Residential Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Applications". *Proceedings of the 1988 International Compressor Engineering Conference*. **1**: 83–92.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Elson, John P.; Kaemmer, Norbert; Wang, Simon; Perevozchikov, Michael (July 14–17, 2008). [*Scroll Technology: An Overview of Past, Present, and Future Developments*](https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/icec/1871). International Compressor Engineering Conference. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190509180632/https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/icec/1871/) from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Scanning for Ideas: Air Squared Developed World's Smallest Continuous-Duty Scroll Compressor"](https://www.machinedesign.com/news/scanning-ideas-air-squared-developed-world-s-smallest-continuous-duty-scroll-compressor). *[Machine Design](/source/Machine_Design)*. [Penton Media](/source/Penton_Media). May 19, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190509165012/https://www.machinedesign.com/news/scanning-ideas-air-squared-developed-world-s-smallest-continuous-duty-scroll-compressor) from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved November 16, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Scroll Compressors: Design Benefits"](http://www.emersonclimate.com/en-US/products/compressors/scroll_compressors/Pages/scroll_compressors.aspx). Emerson Climate Technologies. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130102004918/http://www.emersonclimate.com/en-US/products/compressors/scroll_compressors/Pages/scroll_compressors.aspx) from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Russell, Jill (February 2006). ["Commercial Foodservice Equipment, A Continuous Cool"](http://www.appliancemagazine.com/editorial.php?article=1297&zone=114&first=1). *Appliance Magazine*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070518031329/http://www.appliancemagazine.com/editorial.php?article=1297&zone=114&first=1) from the original on May 18, 2007. Retrieved January 10, 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Emhardt, Simon; Tian, Guohong; Chew, John (August 2018). ["A review of scroll expander geometries and their performance"](https://openresearch.surrey.ac.uk/esploro/outputs/journalArticle/A-review-of-scroll-expander-geometries/99513960702346). *[Applied Thermal Engineering](/source/Applied_Thermal_Engineering)*. **141**: 1020–1034. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2018.06.045](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.applthermaleng.2018.06.045). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [117597304](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:117597304). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211116164109/https://openresearch.surrey.ac.uk/esploro/outputs/journalArticle/A-review-of-scroll-expander-geometries/99513960702346) from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2021.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Scroll compressors](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Scroll_compressors).

- [Copeland Compressors 111](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRHkzSdjcFE) on [YouTube](/source/YouTube_video_(identifier)) – a video showing how the scroll compressor works

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Scroll compressor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scroll_compressor) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scroll_compressor?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.