Abstract
This paper addresses the development of a scroll expander for power generation from relatively low temperature steam source. It has a double-sided orbiting scroll member so that no thrust bearing is needed to support the base plate of the orbiting scroll. Three power transmission shafts are placed at the periphery of the orbiting scroll base plate, and these shafts can also function as anti-rotation devices. Final output is obtained from the main central shaft engaged with the three power transmission shafts through gear assembly. The clearance between the fixed and orbiting scroll elements was estimated by comparing measurement of the mass flow rate with calculation results of a computer simulation. Due to large clearance, the expander total and volumetric efficiencies were measured to be $34\%\;and\;43\%$, respectively. It has been shown through the computer simulation that the total and volumetric efficiencies could be improved to $65\%\;and\;83\%$, respectively, if the current clearance is reduced by half.
