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Air Squared Projects

Oil-Free Spinning Scroll Refrigeration Compressor

The P14H040A-IND-SH-SS-SPN is an innovative, belt-coupled, spinning scroll refrigeration compressor for the NASA lunar lander thermal control system.

P14H040A-IND-SH-SS-SPN Spinning Scroll Refrigeration Compressor
P14H040A-IND-SH-SS-SPN Spinning Scroll Refrigeration Compressor

Developed with Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding from NASA, the P14H040A-IND-SH-SS-SPN is designed to support the thermal control system onboard the lunar lander.

The compressor using a spinning scroll architecture and belt-coupled drive shaft that has demonstrated virtually no vibration in the phasing between the twin spinning scroll faces. To maintain oil-free operation, both scrolls are mechanically driven by an external drive shaft and synchronized by dual-drive belts. The scrolls are stainless steel, allowing for compatibility with the high-temperature HFC refrigerants.

The P14H040A-IND-SH-SS-SPN was tested at speeds up to 8,000 RPM as part of the Phase I effort.

Design Specifications

  • Volume Ratio: 4.3
  • Displacement: 20 cm3/Rev.
  • Max. Cooling Capacity: 1.4 kW
  • Max Speed: 8,000 RPM
  • Dimensions: 190 mm x 238 mm x 284 mm

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the topic: Spacecraft Thermal Management. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.