Abstract
The performance of a scroll expander is the most important factor for the efficiency of small scale Organic Rankine cycle waste heat power generation systems. In this research, a scroll compressor was purchased and operated in reverse to function as a scroll expander. With air as a working fluid, a series of performance test were conducted on this expander by varying the inlet and outlet pressure. Secondly, We have tested through 2000 to 3500 rpm rotational speed to find the maximum power and efficiency of the expander. And last, It was observed in the initial experiments that the design of the expander's orbiting scroll wrap partially blocked the fluid intake which may have caused unnecessary flow resistance. To verify this theory, a small part of the scroll wrap was removed and the performance test was redone. It was observed that the lower back pressure assure the higher efficiency and power of expander and the rotational speed that shows maximum adiabetic efficiency of scroll expander is 69% at 2500 rpm. And by modified wrap of the scroll, we could get volume flow rate for 13% to 19% and power for 5% to 18% increased. But the maximum efficiency of the modified scroll was decreased 8%.
