Comparison between Screw Compressor and Scroll Compressor

Working principle difference

screw Compressor relies on a pair of intermeshing Yin and Yang rotor to rotate, and realizes gas compression through continuous volume reduction; While scroll compressor uses a fixed vortex plate and a revolution around it (without rotation) the dynamic vortex disk forms multiple closed crescent-shaped chambers, and the volume is gradually reduced with the movement to complete compression.

Performance and applicable scenarios

screw Compressor is suitable for medium and large industrial systems (such as refrigeration station and air compressor station), with high reliability, wide load adjustment range and long-term continuous operation capability; Scroll compressor has small volume, low vibration and low noise, it is widely used in commercial air conditioners, heat pumps, small water chiller and other occasions with high requirements on mute and compactness.

Energy efficiency and maintenance

• energy efficiency performance:modern variable frequency scroll compressor has excellent efficiency under partial load; Screw compressor has high Full load efficiency, and the two-stage/injection cooling technology further improves the comprehensive energy efficiency.
• Maintenance requirements:the screw structure is complex, and lubricating oil and oil filter need to be replaced regularly; Scroll moving parts are few, no vulnerable valve plate, longer maintenance period and lower cost.

Selection suggestions

system size, load characteristics, space constraints, and O & M conditions should be considered when selecting. For example: 50–500 kW cooling capacity projects often adopt vortex parallel scheme; Super 300 kW or when the low temperature condition of-40℃ is required, the screw compressor is more adaptable.