Thermodynamic Simulation of Scroll Compressor/Expander Module in Automotive Fuel Cell Engine

Abstract

Considering the leakage and heat transfer, the mathematical model of the scroll compressor/expander module (CEM) used in the automotive fuel cell systems is developed based on thermodynamics theory. The performance of the scroll CEM is simulated at different rotation speed, operating pressure, inlet temperature, and so on. The simulated results show that the power consumed by the scroll CEM is about 50 per cent of that of just the scroll compressor. However, for different operating pressures, the consumed power of the scroll CEM has the least value at the design point. The power consumed by the scroll CEM decreases about 4.5 per cent when the inlet temperature rises from 0 to 35°C. The flowrate of dry air increases with the rise of the scroll CEM rotation speed. Moreover, it decreases 11.4 per cent when the scroll CEM inlet temperature changes from 0 to 35 °C.