Numerical Modelling and Experimental Validation of Twin-Screw Expanders

Kisorthman Vimalakanthan, Matthew Read and Ahmed Kovacevic
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Kisorthman Vimalakanthan: School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK
Matthew Read: School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK
Ahmed Kovacevic: School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 18, 1-13

Abstract: Positive displacement machines have been identified as appropriate expanders for small-scale power generation systems such as Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs). Screw expanders can operate with good efficiency in working fluids under both dry and two-phase conditions. Detailed understanding of the fluid expansion process is required to optimise the machine design and operation for specific applications, and accurate design tools are therefore essential. Using experimental data for air expansion, both CFD and chamber models have been applied to investigate the influence of port flow and leakage on the expansion process. Both models are shown to predict pressure variation and power output with good accuracy. The validated chamber model is then used to identify the optimal volume ratio and rotational speed for experimental conditions.

Keywords: twin screw; air; expander; performance; optimisation; chamber model; CFD; validation; built-in volume ratio (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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