Air Squared Projects
High-Flow, Oil-Free, Scroll Compressor for Hybrid Power Generation System
The P38H083B-IND provides over 3,000 lpmv of airflow and is the highest capacity oil-free scroll compressor in existence.
Designed as part of a five-organization partnership under the ARPA-e INTEGRATE program, the P38H083B-IND delivers contaminate-free air to a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that is at the heart of a hybrid power generation system under development by Colorado School of Mines. The novel power generation system combines an intermediate-temperature SOFC, custom internal combustion engine, and integrated expander to provide efficient, cost-effective, distributed power generation.
With a massive displacement volume of 1,803 cm3/Rev., the P38H083B-IND can deliver up to 3,550 lpmv at nominal pressure and speed. The design represents a milestone achievement for Air Squared, providing more flow capacity than any oil-free scroll compressor in the world. The design also features an “independent drive” configuration that allows a standard motor or an expander shaft to drive the P38H083B-IND.
Phase I testing verified isentropic efficiency over 65% at 2,200 RPM, accomplishing a key goal for the first-generation compressor design.
Design Specifications
- Working Fluid: Air
- Max. Volume Flow: 3,550 lpm
- Displacement: 1,803 cm3/Rev.
- Max Discharge Pressure: 3.5 barg
- Volume Ratio: 2.41
- Nominal Power: 9.9 kW
- Max. Speed: 2,600 RPM
- Nominal Speed: 2,200 RPM
- Motor: Independent Drive
- Weight: 70.3 kg
- Nominal Dimensions: 481 mm x 554 mm x 483 mm
This material is based upon work supported by the ARPA-e INTEGRATE Program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Energy or ARPA-E.UPDATE (April 11th, 2020) – Phase II funding through the ARPA-e INTEGRATE program was awarded in April 2020. As part of the Phase II effort, Air Squared will integrate liquid cooling and other design improvements into the P38H083B-IND by the end of 2022.