Balancing of a Single Stage Reciprocating Compressor with Elastic Elements

Abstract

The nature of most reciprocating machines generates unbalanced loads. Those are one of the main criteria in comparing performance of commercial and domestic applications. Such applications include internal combustion engines, hydraulic pumps, gas compressors, etc. The load variation depends on parameters such as: power status (acting or driven), frequency, mechanism geometry, component mass, etc. These parameters must be strictly controlled in order to investigate their effect. Therefore an application that operates at constant speed and load is preferred for further investigation. In the present paper a balancing method is presented that uses elastic elements. The method is applied on the slider-crank mechanism from a piston compressor. The method is investigated via a Multibody simulation and the results are compared with the original unmodified design.

The paper aims to analyze NVH behavior and wear reduction possibilities. A realistic approach in achieving such a design is also considered.