Conceptual Design of a Novel Small-Scale CO2 Compressor

Conceptual Design of a Novel Small-Scale CO2 Compressor: Based on Gas Bearing Technology

de Koning, Ramon (TU Delft Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering; TU Delft Precision and Microsystems Engineering; TU Delft Mechatronic Systems Design)

van Ostayen, R.A.J. (mentor)
Van Kranendonk, Jan (mentor)
Infante Ferreira, C.A. (graduation committee)
Radaelli, G. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

2021-08-23

In conventional compressor technology, high pressure ratios are often achieved by multiple, successive compression stages. This is done to avoid high temperatures due to the adiabatic nature of most compression processes which deteriorates the working of oil lubrication. The aim of this work is to reduce a conventional four-stage system to only two stages as this may improve the size and expenses of the system. This goal combined with a long desired lifetime, makes that a compressor is developed that operates based on gas bearing technology.

The design is focused on two main subjects. Firstly, the load capacity of the gas bearings is significantly lower than oil lubricated bearings due to the reduced viscosity. To avoid mechanical contact and wear of the components this has been thoroughly analysed using finite element methods. The oscillating nature of the loads in the system enhances the squeeze effect from the Reynolds equation. Secondly, the sealing function of gas bearings opposing internal leakage is evaluated carefully to obtain a desired efficiency. Based on these simulations, the mechanical design of the compressor is optimized to improve the manufacturing of the compressor components.

Gas lubrication
Compressor
Reynolds equation

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:8f4f1dcf-f3c1-4a6c-8607-32ccfc783f5e

2023-08-23

Student theses

master thesis

© 2021 Ramon de Koning