Spotlight on Scroll Expanders
Scroll Expander Solutions from Air Squared
Find your solution through a growing line of scroll expanders and view past projects that supported scroll expnder technology development
Air Squared expanders can be operated either oil-free or with lubricant.
Most expanders are designed to operate oil-free, yet semi-hermetic sealing features common to all expander models make them suitable for lubricated operation as well.
In most cases, if the application allows for lubrication, it should be used. Lubrication offers a ~12% efficiency increase and extends product life.
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Scroll Expander FAQs
Air Squared expanders can be operated either oil-free or with lubricant.
Most expanders are designed to operate oil-free, yet semi-hermetic sealing features common to all expander models make them suitable for lubricated operation as well.
In most cases, if the application allows for lubrication, it should be used. Lubrication offers a ~12% efficiency increase and extends product life.
Most Air Squared products do not have a CE conformity marking.
Our products are primarily designed for OEMs and not intended for end users. As most OEM systems already require CE marking, conformity specific to an Air Squared product is generally not required.
OEM customers that require conformity specific to an Air Squared product should contact their Sales Representative.
A lubricant is simply circulated through the expander with your working fluid.
Air Squared recommends approximately 5% (by mass) for lubricated operation. Most synthentic polyolester (POE) refrigeration lubricants should be acceptable. However, the following brand is recommended:
Emkarate RL 32H – Synthentic Polyolester Refrigeration Lubricant
Slowly inject the lubricant with inlet gas. If concerned about oil damaging components downstream, use an oil separator and sight gauge at the drainage plug in the bottom of the expander housing. If significant pooling occurs, the drainage plug can be used to drain. An oil pump can also be integrated to recirculate oil from the drainage plug to the expander inlet.
Looking at the face of the unit, the generator for scroll expanders rotates counterclockwise.
Most scroll expanders have an inlet port centered on the face of the unit, with the discharge port positioned near the periphery.
Air Squared does not provide operation manuals for most products.
Given the specialized nature of our scroll products, Air Squared works directly with OEM customers to install, operate, test, evaluate, and service products. Customers who require an operation manual should contact their Sales Representative.
If you do not have a Sales Representative, start with our Application Assistant or contact Sales directly.
Scroll Expander News
Introducing the Plug and Play Micro-ORC
April 11, 2018
The Plug and Play Micro-ORC is a 1 kW waste heat recovery system from Air Squared that provides on-site, emission-free, power generation at home or business.
ORC Concept Awarded SBIR Phase II Funding
July 27, 2016
Air Squared has been awarded highly competitive SBIR Phase II funding from the National Science Foundation for its novel Compact Torus-Shaped Organic Rankine Cycle design.
Engine ORC Consortium 2016 Workshop
July 20, 2016
The Engine ORC Consortium 2016 Workshop is an open forum for technical sharing and learning about ORC systems. Engine ORC Consortium 2017 Workshop
March 27, 2017
The Engine ORC Consortium 2017 Workshop is an open forum for technical sharing and learning about ORC systems.
ARPA-E Funds Novel CHP System to Power Greener Homes
October 11, 2016
With 2.7 million dollars in funding through the U.S. Department of Energy's APRA-E GENSETS program, Air Squared will lead a four-institution team in development of a combined heat and power system that could bring clean energy to your house at one-eighth the cost.
Organic Rankine Cycle Expander Completed
August 02, 2011
Development of 12 kW scroll expander designed for waste heat recover complete.
Scroll Expander Research Completed
October 18, 2011
Organic Rankine Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery Tests Complete using Air Squared E15H22N4.25 Scroll Expander.
Scroll Expander Produces 1 kW of Quiet Power
March 14, 2006
Patented scroll expander produces up to 1kW quiet power for expansion generators in waste heat recovery systems.
ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit 2016
December 02, 2015
The premier event dedicated to transformational energy solutions.
ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit 2017
December 07, 2016
The premier event dedicated to transformational energy solutions, the Summit Technology Showcase displays over 250 innovative energy technologies, including those from ARPA-E funded project teams.
ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit 2019
March 19, 2019
Air Squared to exhibit in the Summit Technology Showcase at the 2019 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in Denver, CO USA. The Energy Innovation Summit is the premier event dedicated to transformational energy solutions.
ORC Concept Receives SBIR Phase I Funding
June 11, 2014
Air Squared has been awarded a Phase I SBIR from the NSF, in connection with the Societal Challenges area of Energy Efficiency and Alternative and Renewable Energy.Scroll Expander Projects
11 kW Semi-Hermetic Steam Scroll Expander
March 01, 2015
The belt-driven E28H080A-SH easily integrates with a generator to deliver 11 kW output power in waste heat recovery systems.
12 kW Scroll Expander for Diesel Engine Waste Heat Recovery
March 22, 2016
The E32H067A-SH 12 kW lubricated scroll expander offers high-efficiency in a robust design - ideal for ORCs using R245fa and other refrigerants.
12 kW Stainless Steel Scroll Expander
July 09, 2011
With a patented semi-hermetic design and stainless steel construction, the E25H061A-SH-SS scroll expander is compatible with a wide range of working fluids.
2 kW Cast Iron Scroll Expander Developed with NSF Grant
May 01, 2017
Developed for the NSF as part of a Phase II SBIR, the E15H030A-SH-CI semi-hermetic scroll expander offers high-efficiency performance over a wide range of working fluids.
2.5 kW Semi-Hermetic Cast Iron Scroll Expander for Versatile Operation
October 27, 2015
The E14H027A-SH-CI lubricated scroll expander can operate over a wide range of inlet temperatures, inlet pressures, and working fluids, to provide over 2.5 kWe output power.
40 kW Two-Stage Lubricated Scroll Expander
March 18, 2008
The E44T88N4.25L semi-hermetic scroll expander is intended for use in an organic rankine cycle.
40 kW Two-Stage Scroll Expander
December 01, 2010
The largest scroll device ever constructed.
60 kW Semi-Hermetic Scroll Expander
March 29, 2014
The E46H122A-SH represents a second generation large-scale scroll expander that provides 60-100 kWe output power.
Oldham Ring 1 kW Lubricated Scroll Expander
November 06, 2018
The compact E11H018A-BLDC-L-SH-OLD scroll expander has an integrated generator and cooling jacket, improved performance, and is optimized for waste heat recovery applications.
Stainless Steel Spinning Scroll Expander
February 24, 2017
The E15H037B-SH-SS-SPN semi-hermetic spinning scroll expander incorporates several innovations by Air Squared to deliver 2-7 kW output power over a range of working fluids, inlet pressures, and inlet temperatures.
October 18, 2007
The E36T67N5.0 scroll air expander features a two-stage scroll configuration for up to 50kW output power.
6 kW Scroll Expander with Integrated Refrigerant Pump
September 14, 2014
The E16H032A-L-SH lubricated, semi-hermetic, scroll expander with integrated refrigerant pump efficiently delivers 6 kW output power using conventional refrigerants.
