Things to Know About Scroll Technology

Even though once you see how the scroll technology works, you are bound to think it is very simple, the fact remains that it is a fairly new technology that has revolutionized the refrigeration industry. According to the Ashrae’s HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook the scroll compressors are defined as orbital motion, positive displacement machines that compress with two intermitting spiral shaped scroll members. It is believed that the first scroll compressor patent was out in the market as early as 1905, developed by a French engineer named Leon Creux. Quite ahead of its time, this compressor was not used much until the 1970s when the machining technologies were advanced enough to tap into its potential. Development continued and today scroll technology is used in a number of commercial and residential applications.

These days scroll compressors are manufactured by a large number of companies from around the world. While there may be slight differences in the shell design, scroll geometry, oil selection and so on, the basic mechanism and the fundamental features remain the same. In the last few decades the scroll compressor has proved that it is reliable and in many ways better than other technologies available today. Manufactured in a host of size up to 25 tons for large industrial use, scroll compressors are widely seen used for grocery display cases at supermarkets, bulk milk cooling units, air conditioners, refrigerators, marine containers, water chillers, large split condensing units, automotive air conditioning, etc.

Here are some of the advantages of the scroll technology compressor. It has excellent efficiency for full-load as well as part load. The unit has very few moving parts (three), which translates into less noise while running and also low vibration as compared to other technologies and Copeland compressors. This contributes to having less maintenance in the long run. The precise machining permits sealing vane flanks with a thin film of oil. Designs where there is no contact between the two scrolls are proven to be more efficient due to very less friction.

There are two sides to every coin, and since we have taken a look at the many advantages, it is only fair to know the disadvantages as well. There are two main drawbacks to the scroll technology compressors, and they are: the compressor cannot be disassembled for maintenance at the place of installation. Also, in places where multiple compressors are in use there is an incremental capacity on systems.

One of the most important reasons for the growing popularity of scroll technology compressors is that it saves energy. These compressors can produce powerful cooling without using a lot of power. This means lower electricity bills for the consumer, and better conservation of the environment. It is truly a win-win!