The Scroll Type Variable Capacity Compressor for Automotive Air Conditioners

A variable capacity compressor, designated the TRV, was developed by applying an intermediate stage bypassing method to the already proven SCROLL compressor. The purposes were:

1. 1.
   to attain better temperature control
2. 2.
   to reduce the horsepower requirement and to eliminate the torque surge
3. 3.
   to accomplish continuous capacity control in a wide operating range
4. 4.
   to maintain an excellent cool down with a very limited chance of cycling for the minimum displacement of 25%, and
5. 5.
   to utilize the SCROLL machine concept for low noise and smooth operation.

Experimental data of the compressor and A/C system simulation results were discussed to show that all the expected features were realized.