Numerical Analyses of Hydrodynamic Lubrication and Dynamics of the Rolling Piston and Crankshaft in a Rotary Compressor

In this article, numerical analyses of hydrodynamic lubrication and dynamics of the crank, rolling piston, and vane were carried out to study the tribological performance of a rotary compressor. Dimensionless Reynolds equations of journal and thrust bearings in dynamic load condition were derived and solved numerically. To deal with the lubrication of the rolling piston, the effect of the nonuniformity of tangential velocity over the bearing surface on the Reynolds equation was taken into account. In addition, combined with the analyses of dynamics and kinematics of the crank, piston, and vane, the angular velocities of the crank and piston as well as the motion mode between the piston and vane were studied. Analysis results illustrate characteristic oil film pressure distributions of the crank and piston bearings, which are different from that of common journal bearings. Under the influences of dynamic load and eccentricity of the cam, the wedge effect as well as the stretch and squeeze effect contribute greatly to hydrodynamic pressure. The relative motion mode between the piston and vane tip is not always pure sliding but accompanies rolling in some cases, which depends on the magnitude of the friction coefficient between the piston and vane tip. The analysis results are helpful for the improvement of rotary compressor design.