The P16H030E-BLDC-LC liquid-cooled scroll compressor delivers high-pressure air at low noise levels for electric vehicle air-braking systems.

Air Squared has completed development of a liquid-cooled scroll compressor for a commercial electric vehicle application. The application required a durable, oil-free compressor capable of delivering 150 lpm_v at 10.5 bar_g. A major source of noise for EV applications is the compressor used in the air-braking system, so quiet operation was also a critical requirement. While scroll compressors are known for quiet operation when compared to reciprocating compressors, high-pressure operation requires effective cooling to mitigate thermal expansion that can cause interference between the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll.

The P16H030E-BLDC-LC uses patented liquid cooling to provide highly effective cooling directly to the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll. By mitigating the thermal expansion observed in air-cooled designs during extended high-pressure operation, liquid cooling allows the design to feature a tighter running clearance between the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll. By reducing the clearance between the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll, internal leakage is reduced, resulting in higher overall volumetric efficiency. Additionally, liquid cooling also extended bearing and tip seal life, allowing for longer maintenance intervals. Integrated cooling also allows for a sealed housing instead of an open housing, which offers substantially more ingress protection when compared to an air-cooled design.

Design Specifications

• Discharge Pressure: 10.5 bar_g
• Nominal Volume Flow: 150 lpmv
• Max. Power: 2.5 kW_e
• Nominal Speed: 2,000 RPM
• Max. Speed: 3,500 RPM
• Motor: 24 V Brushless DC, Liquid-Cooled, Integrated, Frameless
• Nominal Sound Level: 55 dB(A)
• Net Weight: 22 kg
• Dimensions: 411 mm x 260 mm x 260 mm

UPDATE (May 31st, 2022) – Sample units are available for the P17H043D-BLDC-LC liquid-cooled scroll compressor. The unit represents a third generation design with several improvements and a brushless DC motor.