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Two-phase thin film flow in the compressor’s clearance considering gaseous cavitation of refrigerant/oil based on a novel CFD approac. 

Author(s) : LI J., ZHANG H., GUO Y., ZHANG T., ZHAO Z., WANG C., WU J.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

Internal leakage in rotary compressors significantly impacts efficiency, yet conventional equilibrium models often fail to capture the non-equilibrium transient mass transfer between refrigerant and lubricating oil. This study develops a transient CFD framework that couples an improved Zwart-Gerber-Belamri cavitation model with multi-component transport equations. The methodology integrates local solubility corrections and temperature-pressure-dependent thermophysical properties to account for the spatial heterogeneity within micron-scale clearances. Validation against experimental data demonstrates that the model accurately predicts leakage mass flow rates and gas volume fraction distributions under varying geometries. The results quantify the 'clogging effect' of cavitation-induced gas precipitation, which increases flow resistance and reduces leakage by shifting the local low-pressure zones. This framework provides a high-fidelity tool for the precise leakage assessment and optimized design of high-efficiency refrigeration compressors.

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Pages: 12

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Details

  • Original title: Two-phase thin film flow in the compressor’s clearance considering gaseous cavitation of refrigerant/oil based on a novel CFD approac. 
  • Record ID : 30034937
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 187
  • Publication date: 2026/07
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.106916

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