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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 expander 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.
Looking at the face of the unit, the generator for scroll expanders rotates counterclockwise.
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.
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
Low-Cost Spinning Scroll Expander for Improved Class 8 Commercial Transportation Fuel Economy
September 08, 2019
Continuing to find innovative solutions for compact, reliable, and cost-competitive scroll technology in automotive applications, Air Squared has been awarded Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding for the development of the Low-Cost Scroll Organic Rankine Cycle (LOC-ORC). Under the topic Vehicles: Reduction of Thermal Systems and Friction Losses in Internal Combustion Engines, the […]
Spinning Scroll Expander Development Receives Navy STTR Award
July 31, 2019
Broomfield, CO – Following the successful development of a 1 kWe spinning scroll expander completed under the GENSETS project, Air Squared and Purdue University have received Phase I STTR funding for the development of the High-Speed Spinning Scroll Expander (HiSSS-e) under the topic: Advanced Power Density Improvements to Electrical Generation Systems. Designed to capture the […]
Air Squared Part of Cross-Industry Collaboration Developing Hybrid Power Generation System
November 09, 2018
Broomfield, CO – A collaboration between Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Kohler Power Systems, and Air Squared, has been awarded $3 million in funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to develop a novel hybrid power generation system. Led by Professor Rob Braun at Colorado School of Mines, the team is one […]
Development of Distressed Submarine Decompression System Funded by the US Navy
August 20, 2018
Broomfield, CO – Air Squared has received Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to develop a Seawater-Flooded Scroll Compressor with Tribrid Power System (SFSC-TP) from the US Navy. Funded under topic N181-047: Decompression of Atmosphere Onboard Distressed Submarine, the US Navy is challenging businesses to reduce the internal atmospheric pressure of a Distressed […]
Development of Zero-Gravity Refrigeration System Continues
June 04, 2018
Broomfield, CO –Air Squared is one step closer towards developing another innovation for the commercial space industry with Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding for a Zero-Gravity Vapor-Compression Refrigerator (ZVCR) from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Phase II SBIR award will allow Air Squared to fabricate and test a full-scale […]
Space-Bound Refrigeration System Development Funded by NASA
April 11, 2018
Broomfield, CO — The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded Air Squared Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to develop a scroll-based zero-gravity vapor compression refrigeration (ZVCR) system for improved cold storage in space travel. The award follows a 2017 solicitation under the Logistics Reduction (H3.04) subtopic that is part of […]
Introducing the Plug and Play Micro-ORC
April 11, 2018
Broomfield, CO — Air Squared is developing a fully integrated micro-organic Rankine cycle (ORC), patent pending, for passive power generation. The Plug and Play Micro-ORC is optimized for tandem operation with prevailing continuous load natural gas generators, such as natural gas-powered combined heat and power gensets. Designed for simple home or business integration, the Plug […]
Engine ORC Consortium 2017 Workshop
March 27, 2017
Wednesday, November 15th – Friday, November 17th at Detroit Marriott Troy As a founding member of the Organizing Committee for the Engine Organic Rankine Cycle Consortium (EORCC), Air Squared will participate in the EORCC 2017 Workshop in Detroit, Michigan. The Engine ORC Consortium is a group of OEMs and suppliers involved in Organic Rankine Cycle […]
ARPA-E Funds Novel CHP System to Power Greener Homes
October 11, 2016
Broomfield, CO — Cheaper, cleaner power for your home could be on the near horizon. With the support of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant, a team of four institutions thinks that within three years they can bring energy efficiency to your house at one-eighth the cost. The group’s proposal to optimize combined heating […]
ORC Concept Awarded SBIR Phase II Funding
July 27, 2016
Broomfield, CO – July 28th, 2016 – After its successful completion of the Phase I objectives, Air Squared, Inc. has been awarded highly competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for its novel Compact Torus-Shaped Organic Rankine Cycle design (Pat. Pend.). Phase II funding will allow Air […]
Engine ORC Consortium 2016 Workshop
July 20, 2016
Wednesday, September 15th – Friday, September 17th at Queen’s University Belfast As a founding member of the Organizing Committee for the Engine Organic Rankine Cycle Consortium (EORCC), Air Squared will participate in the EORCC 2016 Workshop in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Engine ORC Consortium is a group of OEMs and suppliers involved in Organic Rankine […]
ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit 2016
December 02, 2015
Monday, February 29 – Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at The Gaylord National Resort And Convention Center, Washington, D.C. In February 2016, Air Squared will exhibit at the 2016 Energy Innovation Summit Technology Showcase. The Technology Showcase highlights recent ARPA-E awardees and a highly selective group of other companies and research organizations. Air Squared will showcase […]
Automotive ORC Consortium 2015 Workshop
October 18, 2015
The Automotive ORC Consortium 2015 Workshop is an open forum for technical sharing and learning about ORC systems.
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 Research Completed
October 18, 2011
Organic Rankine Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery Tests Complete using Air Squared E15H22N4.25 Scroll Expander.
Organic Rankine Cycle Expander Completed
August 02, 2011
Development of 12 kW scroll expander designed for waste heat recover complete.
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.
Scroll Expander Projects
Oldham Ring 1 kW Lubricated Scroll Expander
November 06, 2018
In pursuit of comprehensive residential and commercial waste heat recovery, Air Squared has developed a semi-hermetic, Oldham ring, scroll expander with an integrated BLDC generator and cooling jacket. Designed as the scroll expander engine of the Plug-and-Play Micro-ORC, the E11H018A-BLDC-L-SH-OLD was developed through the ARPA-E GENSETS program. Fully integrated into a waste heat recovery system, […]
2 kW Cast Iron Scroll Expander Developed with NSF Grant
May 01, 2017
In 2016 Air Squared was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a 2 kW scroll expander for a waste heat recovery Organic Rankine Cycle. Part of the development was to maintain versatility of the expander over a wide range of working fluids, such as ethanol. This required more exotic wetted materials […]
Stainless Steel Spinning Scroll Expander
February 24, 2017
E15H037B-SH-SS-SPN Semi-Hermetic Spinning Scroll Expander Following the development of Air Squared’s first spinning scroll expander prototype in early-2015, the E15H037B-SH-SS-SPN represents a second-generation prototype that increases maximum output by incorporating design features that make the unit compatible with elevated inlet temperatures and pressures. The second-generation prototype was tested in-house at Air Squared using a recently […]
12 kW Scroll Expander for Diesel Engine Waste Heat Recovery
March 22, 2016
The 12 kW E32H067A-SH scroll expander was designed for 8 bara and 90 ºC inlet, and 2 bara discharge using R245fa. A running speed of 3,600 RPM allows a mass flow rate of 0.64 kg/sec. During initial testing, efficiencies of over 80% were achieved. Designed for the high shock and vibration environment around a diesel […]
2.5 kW Semi-Hermetic Cast Iron Scroll Expander for Versatile Operation
October 27, 2015
With durable cast iron construction, the E14H027A-SH-CI can be used with many different working fluids, and at pressures and temperatures higher than most expanders. It has a maximum inlet pressure of 25 bara and a maximum inlet temperature of 200 ºC. Designed for waste heat recovery on a semi-truck, the expander is very robust. The […]
11 kW Semi-Hermetic Steam Scroll Expander
March 01, 2015
The E28H080A-SH is designed to expand 170 ºC steam at 9 barg, down to 1.5 barg. At the maximum running speed of 3,600 RPM, the scroll expander is capable of 11-13 kW output power. The expander displaces approximately 196 cm3 per revolution, and has a volume ratio of 4.5. Steam, as a working fluid, presents […]
6 kW Scroll Expander with Integrated Refrigerant Pump
September 14, 2014
Developed for a novel geothermal Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), the E16H032A-L-SH lubricated scroll expander is designed to be highly efficient, near-silent during operation, and require minimal maintenance over the life of the ORC. The semi-hermetic expander has a patented magnetic coupling configuration that isolates the working fluid from ambient, allowing the expander to be compatible […]
60 kW Semi-Hermetic Scroll Expander
March 29, 2014
Despite being the largest single-stage scroll devices ever built, the E46H122A-SH is still considered compact relative to power output. With 10 bara inlet pressure and at a running speed of 1,800 RPM, the unit is designed to provide 60 kWe power output. With minor design modification and the right operating conditions, the unit can provide […]
12 kW Stainless Steel Scroll Expander
July 09, 2011
Developed for over-the-road trucking applications, the 12 kW scroll expander is designed for an Organic Rankin Cycle (ORC) which recovers wasted heat from diesel engine exhaust and converts it into useful energy. Its Stainless steel construction allows for compatibility with ethanol, the highly corrosive working fluid of the ORC. Patented semi-hermetic design features provide adequate […]
40 kW Two-Stage Scroll Expander
December 01, 2010
Designed for waste heat recovery, the semi-hermetic 40 kW scroll expander features two stages and operates at approximately 80% efficiency. UPDATE (March 29th, 2014) – Development of a second generation large-scale expander is complete. The E46H122A-SH single-stage expander had modifications for increased power output. View all projects
40 kW Two-Stage Lubricated Scroll Expander
March 18, 2008
Designed for use in an organic rankine cycle (ORC) to recover wasted heat, the E44T88N4.25L scroll expander leverages a patented two-stage scroll configuration to produce up to 40 kW output power. The unit requires lubricant to be cycled through with the working fluid and incorporates semi-hermetic design features for adequate sealing. The unit is one […]
October 18, 2007
Designed for Energetix, the E36T67N5.0 uses a two-stage scroll configuration to provide up to 50kW output power. The unit is rated for a maximum inlet pressure of 14 bara and operates at 1,800 RPM. Prototypes will be used to expand air in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) application. A UPS provides emergency power when the […]
