CFD Simulation and Entropy Production-Based Loss Analysis on an A/C Compressor Suction Flow-Path

The suction plenum and porting are critical flow-paths in positive displacement A/C compressors. It can be shown that the compressor volumetric efficiency is noticeably affected by suction flow-path loss mechanisms. This paper details the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of a positive displacement compressor suction flow-path at a typical operating point; this CFD simulation being for refrigerant gas (HFC134a), 3-dimensional, compressible, and steady. Based on Entropy Production loss analysis methods, it was found that ∼40% of the total loss was charged to massive flow separations in the vane cavity and central housing flow-path, ∼20% of the total loss was charged to the suction flow-path manifold design, and the remainder of the loss was predominantly due to lamina-layer shearing in the refrigerant flow-field.