Flow field simulation of reciprocating compressor based on dynamic mesh technology

The cylinder is an important component of reciprocating compressor, and the pressure loss of the internal flow field influences directly the energy efficiency of the compressor. Based on CFD method, the dynamic mesh technology is used to simulate working processes of the cylinder in order to get P-V diagram and analyze influences of relevant parameters on the pressure loss. The analysis results show that the smaller the crankshaft speed, the smaller the pressure loss of the cylinder. On the other hand, the smaller rotational speed causes the lower gas thrust in the cylinder and the valve vibration is much heavier, which will shorten valve life. Besides, exhaust valve opening and closing time will aggravate the cylinder pressure loss. Especially, the later the exhaust valve opens, the greater the pressure loss is. Therefore, the optimization of the crankshaft rotational speed and the proper valve opening is helpful to reduce the pressure loss and increase energy efficiency of the compressor.