DETERMINATION OF LOSSES RELATED TO FRICTION WITHIN THE RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS – INFLUENCES OF TRIBOLOGICAL OPTIMIZATION OF PISTON AND CYLINDER

Abstract

Measures to reducing friction inside the reciprocating machine make a decisive contribution to further improvements of machines efficiency. A number of influencing parameters have already been tested on diesel and gasoline engines. The friction between piston and cylinder liner is a major contributor to overall engine friction. Reducing friction in reciprocating machines can be achieved by using appropriate materials and optimizing the structure of the piston and piston group. Tribological materials and coatings are one of the options for increasing strength of the aluminum parts of reciprocating engines and compressors. This initial manuscript describes the influences of the piston skirt and cylinder liner design. The differences in frictional losses are determinate for the entire compressor operating map for base aluminum construction, as well as coated aluminum construction.