Method for calculating energy losses in self-acting reciprocating compressor valves—Part 1—The suction valves

Due to the continuous growth and development of industry, the demand for reciprocating machines is steadily increasing. The further advancement of high operational performance and efficiency these machines require the effective calculation techniques. To improve performance and optimize the design of individual components of reciprocating compressors (RCs), a novel analytical calculation method for self-acting ring valves is developed in this work. The self-acting ring valve is a key element that largely determines the operating mode of RCs. The energy losses in the valves are often greater than the total of all other losses combined and may reach 20–25% of the energy consumed by the compressor drive. Based on research in the thermodynamics of gas flow of gas inside the cylinder and at the suction valve of an RC, we have developed a method for calculating the self-acting ring valves of these machines. Differential equations have been derived to determine the pressure drop and gas temperature in the suction valves, as well as equations describing the motion of the valve plates, taking into account experimental curves of the flow coefficient and the gas flow pressure coefficient acting on the valve plate as a function of valve lift. A theoretical solution of this system of equations has been obtained using the methods of harmonic balance and power-series expansion. This makes it possible to determine the optimal parameters of the suction and discharge valve springs, as well as the pressure drop and gas temperature ensuring that the RC operates in the most efficient mode with improved economic performance. The proposed method enables a more precise description of valve motion and operating characteristics, reduces reliance on empirical assumptions, and provides improved accuracy compared with existing approaches.