Development and numerical investigation of a claw compressor with novel symmetric multi-claw rotors for PEMFC air supply systems
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The claw compressor, characterized by oil-free operation, compact structure, and stable performance, is critical for enhancing the power density and efficiency of proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC). The rotor geometry significantly influences the thermodynamic performance and operating efficiency of the claw compressor. However, the asymmetry of most conventional claw rotors reduces flow uniformity and increases pulsation in the claw compressor. This study proposed a generalized design methodology for symmetric eccentric involute claw rotor profiles with different lobe numbers. Furthermore, a three-dimensional CFD model using air as the working fluid was established to analyze the influence of the number of rotor lobes on the compressor's operating characteristics. The internal flow mechanisms were revealed by analyzing pressure distributions, flow pulsations, and thermodynamic cycles through p - V indicator diagrams. A prototype of the claw compressor was developed, and experiments were performed to validate the accuracy of the CFD model. Results reveal that the double-claw compressor (DCC) exhibits superior overall performance to the single-claw and triple-claw compressors (SCC and TCC) due to its distinct advantages including low pulsation, high volumetric flow rate, and low specific power. The indicated work per cycle and specific power of the DCC at 6000 rpm are decreased by 32.91% and 11.05% compared with the SCC, and the inlet flow pulsation is reduced by 16.35%. These findings are of great importance for the design and development of high-performance claw compressors.
Institution: China University of Petroleum, East China
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,730
Award: G5301905401
OpenAlex ID: W7214935911