Advantages of Using Air Compressor
Advantages of Using Scroll Compressor in Air Conditioner
A lot of manufacturers are producing appliances with scroll compressors for air conditioning. Scroll compressors offer many advantages over other types of air compressors, which makes them an ideal choice for home and medical HVAC systems.
Below we have briefly discussed some of the advantages of using a scroll compressor for air conditioning.
Very Quiet
Most scroll compressors are exceptionally compared to other air compressors. A scroll compressor functions without any contact between its rotating spirals. Therefore, there is almost no vibration or noise.
Low-Maintenance Operation
The fact that the air conditioner scroll compressor can function without oil lubrication, also allows it to operate for very long periods. Moreover, unlike other air compressors, a scroll compressor doesn’t wear out. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about oil changes or running maintenance any time soon.
Oil-Free Design
One of the unique perks of scroll compressors is that they can function without lubrication. Therefore, the oil-free design of the scroll compressor reduces the chances of contaminating the discharged air. So, they are very suitable for home and medical applications.
Low Power Consumption
Scroll compressors offer superior volumetric efficiency compared to other air compressors. So, you will get more output cooling for the equal amount of power consumed by other air compressors. Though, there are some variations in the scroll type air conditioning compressor with a difference in power consumption. So, you can choose the one that meets your budget and cooling needs.
Efficient Cooling
Scroll compressors can run cooler than other air compressors. Moreover, some types of scroll compressors can function continuously without the need to stop. So, the air conditioner scroll compressor offers consistent airflow and precise control over temperature and humidity. Therefore, it provides superior comfort to the user.
What are the Different Types of Scroll Compressor for Air Conditioning?
There are different types of scroll compressors used for air conditioning, Such as,
Fixed Speed Scroll Compressor
Variable Capacity Scroll Compressor
Variable Speed Scroll Compressor.
The aforementioned type of scroll compressor has its unique perks as well as some disadvantages as well. But, most scroll-type air conditioning compressors for home are either fixed speed or variable speed air compressors.
Fixed speed scroll compressors are the simplest and cheapest type of air compressor. You will see them more often in older air conditioners. They are great for compressing air. But, they are not very efficient in air conditioning due to less control over the operating temperature.
However, there is a variation of the fixed speed scroll compressor known as the Two-Stage Scroll Compressor. It functions similarly but is able to operate at two fixed speed ranges. It either operates at a 65% capacity or 100% capacity to improve the cooling efficiency.
Variable-capacity and variable speed compressors use a modulating technology. They are also respectively known as digital compressor and inverter compressors. They both offer better temperature management, thus are more efficient scroll compressors for air conditioning.
Why Inverter Scroll Compressors are More Popular in Air Conditioners?
Inverter Scroll Compressor is also known as variable speed scroll compressor. They are becoming more popular in home HVAC systems due to the additional benefits they offer along with the perks of a regular or fixed-type air conditioner.
Below we have discussed the key factors why inverter scroll compressors are a more preferable choice for air conditioners.
Power Efficiency
The best thing about air conditioner scroll compressors using inverter technology is their superior power efficiency over other types of compressors. The draw less power than a conventional scroll compressor yet offers better cooling efficiency.
Moreover, they are very efficient at precise temperature control, yet they do not require as much power as a digital or variable-capacity compressor.
Noise-Free Operation
Inverter compressors operate extremely quietly just like a conventional oil-free scroll compressor. Therefore, they are great for quiet environments such as home, medical, library, and office HVAC systems.
Efficient Cooling
Inverter scroll compressors don’t need to turn off after a certain period like a conventional scroll compressor. They can function continuously without overheating. Therefore, they can manage a consistent temperature in a room.
Humidity Control & Consistent Airflow
Air conditioner scroll compressor with inverter technology can lower the humidity in a room. Therefore, you can raise the thermostat temperature to higher limits than other compressors. So, the air conditioner will consume less power. Moreover, the airflow is continuous in an inverter air conditioner, so you won’t feel any fluctuations in room temperature.
Although, having so many advantages, it may not be affordable for everyone, as inverter air conditioners are much costlier. However, due to its superior power efficiency, an initial investment might be worth it considering the long-term savings in electricity bills.
Scroll Compressors Advantages And Disadvantages
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.
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.”
Major Differences
Advantages of Scroll Compressors for Home HVAC
For heating and cooling your home, the compressor is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. To maintain the optimal balance of temperature, humidity, and air quality levels, there is no better solution for your home’s comfort than an HVAC system powered by a scroll compressor. But how these units function can be a bit confusing with regards to their operation, so we’ll quickly explore these marvels of engineering in a little more detail.
What is a Scroll Compressor?
Typical reciprocating HVAC compressors operate by drawing in refrigerant and heating it by raising and lowering a piston, causing its volume to decrease and pressure and temperature to increase. This is typically an inefficient process, due to the number of moving parts required for operation. Scroll compressors, on the other hand, operate by compressing refrigerant through a moving scroll in a smooth, spiral motion. As the refrigerant passes toward the center of the scroll, increasingly smaller pockets of refrigerant are created that gradually rise in temperature and pressure. With only fewer moving parts, scroll compressors are much quieter and energy-efficient. Less parts also make for a more durable operation with fewer breakdowns.
Benefits of Residential Scroll Compressors
Residential HVAC system installations can vary from fixed to modulating platforms, offering a range of different capacities to meet the needs of your unique home. While the applications, platforms and capacities may differ, scroll compressors are proven to consistently deliver:
Quiet and reliable operation
Enhanced comfort and humidity control
Low-maintenance operation that requires less service
Improved energy efficiency and cost savings
To learn more about scroll compressors and modulation technology for your home HVAC system, check out the inside story on Scroll Compressors:
