Design parameter study to extend the capacity range of dry twin screw compressors
Authors: Persson J-G 
Published: November 2022

The possibility for extending the capacity range for oil-free dry twin screw compressors has been studied. Basic geometry parameters influence on compressor performance has been derived. The two parameters shaft speed and rotor diameter are critical. The lower capacity limit for dry screw compressors depends on maximum acceptable shaft speed, considering bearings, gearbox or power electronics. The higher capacity limit depends on rotor size, considering machining costs and tolerances for large rotor diameters. Thermodynamic efficiency and optimal rotor tip speed are dependent on internal throttling and leakage losses. Simplified analytical modelling has been applied, neglecting detailed geometry with minor influence on compressor performance. Basic kinematic relations give shaft speed as dependent on screw geometry non-dimensional specific displacement, on rotor tip speed (moderately dependent of machine size), and on capacity. Basic kinematic relations also define the rotor diameter dependence on these three parameters, specific displacement; tip speed, and capacity. The rotor profile geometry, i.e. number of lobes, rotor lobe depth/diameter, male tip width/diameter; as well as rotor length/diameter ratio and wrap angle determine the specific displacement. The specific displacement is non-dimensional and hence independent of the machine size or capacity. Also the specific internal leakage path lengths in the rotor mesh and between rotors and casing, as well as the specific outlet port size will be determined by the rotor profile major geometry parameters. Here specific means in relation to the male rotor diameter. A fixed internal pressure ratio (volume ratio) has been assumed.

A simplified computerized model was developed to calculate the necessary geometry data and in particular the specific displacement and the optimal tip speed, from basic geometry parameters. For the case of constant specific clearances (non-dimensional), the optimal tip speed is constant, independent of compressor size and capacity. For the case of constant absolute clearances, the optimal tip speed is slightly dependent on the compressor size and capacity. A simplified, non-female addendum, point generated, asymmetric profile was assumed. Rotor profile details with minor influence on performance have then been omitted. A cylindrical part of the male tip would allow a bigger outlet port while maintaining the built-in volume ratio.

The theoretical results from this study indicate that optimal compressor data should primarily be dependent on the number of male lobes and the lobe depth, i.e. the specific displacement. A screw profile with a lower number of lobes will result in a lower optimal shaft speed and should hence enable the design of dry screw compressors for lower capacity than the commonly used 4:6 lobe configuration, without exceeding the drive train high speed constraint. A screw profile with a higher number of lobes would result in a higher optimal shaft speed and in particular reduced rotor size (rotor diameter). It should hence enable the design of dry screw compressors for higher capacity than for the commonly used 4:6 lobe configuration, without having the machining problems of too large a rotor diameter.

Considering both the potential capacity range extension and the efficiency, low capacity dry screw compressors with fewer rotor lobes, e.g. 2:4, might be the most promising option.