EVALUATION OF PARAMETERS OF A SPIRAL EXPANDER

Solving the problems of energy saving at gas distribution points, namely, the problems of electricity demand for a facility’s own needs, is an urgent task that can be solved using a spiral expander. The energy of the transported gas pressure is transformed in the expander into mechanical energy, and the mechanical energy obtained in the expander can be converted into the electrical energy in a generator that is connected to the expander. We have considered a spiral compressor, which is a reversible machine operating in the mode of a spiral expander. The results of experimental studies of the spiral expander are presented. We have given mechanical characteristics, such as the power output by the shaft, the compressed gas flow rate for the range of the expansion ratio and the rotational speed. To determine these characteristics, an experimental stand was designed and manufactured. We have analyzed the presented parameters and compared them with the characteristics of screw expanders.