Mitigation of Fluid-Induced Noise Generated by Discharge Flow in a Hermetic Rolling Piston Compressor

In rotary rolling piston compressors, compressed refrigerant gas is discharged periodically from compression chamber through a valve which can induce the formation of gas pulsation. The combination of turbulent flow and fluid–structure-interaction induce vibrations and consequently noise. These effects are particularly enhanced during variable speed operation. In previous research conducted by the authors, both numerical and experimental analyses were carried out to investigate the gas pulsation noise caused by the discharge process. Simulation models integrated multiple physical processes was constructed and validated. In this work, the modeling framework is employed to conduct parametric studies to identify the features affecting the gas pulsation noise. A wide range of parameters have been considered in the analyses. A two-way coupling methodology has been applied to run the parametric studies. The effects of modifying these parameters and the reasoning behind the noise generation are discussed. The numerical studies and methodology developed will enable compressor noise diagnostics, including localizing the main contributing components, understanding the generation of compressor gas pulsation noise and improve of the overall compressor design.