Abstract

This report covers the types of compressors used in refrigeration and air
conditioning and the selection criteria of a compressor for a particular case. This
report covers the thermo dynamical as well as mechanical working of a compressor,
their various features and how do they perform the compression action. With this
working we can better understand the basis on which we select a compressor for
some refrigeration process

Introduction

Compressors are widely used in industries to transport fluids. It is a mechanical

device that compresses a gas. There are many types of compressors, thus a proper
selection is needed to fulfil the typical necessity of each industry. Generally, the
compression of gases may be accomplished in device with rotating blades or in
cylinders with reciprocating pistons. Rotary equipment is used for high volume flow
where the discharge pressure is not too high, while the reciprocating compressors
are required for high pressures. Besides volumetric flow rate, there are also many
parameters to be considered including the valid standards to be used.

Types of Compressors

A. Dynamic Compressor
Dynamic compressor is a continuous-flow compressor which includes
centrifugal compressor and axial flow compressor. The dynamic compressor is
characterized by rotating impeller to add velocity and pressure to fluid.
Compare to positive displacement type compressor, dynamic compressor are
much smaller in size and produce much less vibration.

a. Centrifugal Compressor
In a centrifugal compressor, energy is transferred from a set of rotating
impeller blades to the gas. The designation centrifugal implies that
the gas flow is radial, and the energy transfer is caused from a change
in the centrifugal forces acting on the gas.
it is made up of one or more stages. Each stage consists of an impeller
as the rotating element and the stationary element, i.e. diffuser.
There are two types of diffuser:
i. Vaneless diffusers
ii. Vaned diffusers
Vaneless diffuser is widely used in wide operating range applications,
while the vaneless
diffuser is used in applications where a high pressure ratio or high
efficiency is required.

The figure below shows the centrifugal compressor

Simple Centrifugal
Compression Action:
In centrifugal compressor, the fluid flow enters the impeller in an axial direction and
discharged from an impeller radially at a right angle to the axis of rotation. The gas
fluid is
forced through the impeller by rapidly rotating impeller blades. The gas next flows
through
a circular chamber (diffuser), following a spiral path where it loses velocity and
increases
pressure.
As there is a limit to maximum achievable pressure rise therefore multi stage
compression may be required where multiple rotors are used in succession to
achieve higher pressure.

Single Stage

Multi Stage

a) Axial Flow Compressor

Axial flow compressors are used mainly as compressors for gas turbines. The
component of axial flow compressor consist of the rotating element that
construct from a single drum to which are attached several rows of
decreasing-height blades having airfoil cross sections. Between each rotating
blade row is a stationary blade row. All blade angles and areas are designed
precisely for a given performance and high efficiency.

Axial Flow
Compressor

Compression Action:
The fluid flow is accelerated by a row of rotating airfoils (blades) called the
rotor, and then
diffused in a row of stationary blades (the stator). Similar to the centrifugal
compressor, the
stator then converts the velocity energy gained in the rotor to pressure
energy. One rotor
and one stator make up a stage in a compressor. The axial flow compressor
produces low
pressure increase, thus the multiple stages are generally used for higher
pressures for some industrial applications.
B.

Positive Displacement Compressor

Positive displacement compressors deliver a fixed volume of air at high
pressures. In all positive displacement machines, a certain inlet volume of
gas is confined in a given space and subsequently compressed by reducing
this confined space or volume. At this elevated pressure, the gas is next
expelled into the discharge piping or vessel system. It can be divided in two
types:

a. Reciprocating Compressor

i.

The reciprocating, or piston compressor, is a positive displacement

compressor that uses the movement of a piston within a cylinder to
move gas from one pressure level to another higher pressure level.
Reciprocating compressors might be considered as single acting, when
the compressing is accomplished using only one side of the piston, or
double acting when it is using both sides of the piston.
Single Acting
There is an inlet or suction valve and a discharge valve. Both are one
way valves and both are spring loaded so it takes a certain amount of
force to open them. The inlet valve will only let fluid come into the
cylinder and the discharge valve will only let fluid out. As the piston
moves downward through the cylinder, fluid is sucked in the inlet
valve. When the piston moves up through the cylinder the inlet valve
closes and the discharge won't open until a certain amount of force is
applied. This causes the fluid to be trapped inside while the volume is
reduced, increasing the pressure. When the pressure is enough to
open the discharge valve, then the fluid goes out at the higher
pressure.

Single Acting Reciprocating

Compressor
ii.

Double Acting
Double-acting compressors are similar to single-acting, but they have inlet
and discharge valves on both sides of the cylinder. This gives you two
compression cycles for every turn of the crankshaft

Double Acting Reciprocating

Compressor

iii.

Diaphragm Type
The diaphragm compressor is similar to the single-acting recip. The
difference is that instead of a piston moving inside of a cylinder, the piston
moves a diaphragm that contracts and expands

Features of Compressors
Refrigeration compressors and air conditioning compressors can incorporate a
number of features which may be important for certain applications.
Thermal shut off - compressor features controls which turn the compressor off at
high temperatures to prevent it from overheating. They also can provide restart
once the compressor has cooled down below a certain temperature.
Sealing - describes how the compressor and motor drive are situated in relation to
the gas or vapor being compressed. Sealed compressors do not allow the gas a
route to leak out of the system. Compressors may be one of three types:

Open
hermetic
semi-hermetic.

Open types have a separate housing for the compressor and the motor. They rely
on lubricant in the system to splash on pump components and seals. If not operated
frequently, the system can leak its operating gases. Open compressors can be
driven by non-electric power sources such as combustion engines.
Hermetic types seal the compressor and motor together in the same housing.
These compressors are leak-free and can sit for long periods unused, but cannot be
maintained or repaired.
Semi-hermetic types also contain the motor and compressor in one housing, but
instead of a one-piece housing they incorporate gasketed/bolted covers. These can
be removed for maintenance and repair of the compressor or motor.
Low noise - compressor operation generates less noise for applications where a
quiet environment is desired.
Light weight - compressor is compactly built or constructed with low-density
materials for cooling systems which require low weight components.
Variable speed - compressor has speed adjustment for running at various
operating flow rates and conditions.
http://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/building_construction/hvac/ventilation/refriger
ation_compressors_air_conditioning_compressors

COMPRESSOR SELECTION AND USE

The selection of a compressor should be made according to the following system
cooling characteristics and where it will be installed:
1. Minimum Evaporator Temperature
The minimum evaporating temperature and the condensing temperature allows for
the identification of the compressor application (LBP, MBP, or HBP). Low Back

Pressure systems such as freezers have evaporator temperatures below -20C (4F). Medium Back Pressure systems such as food coolers or beverage dispensers
have evaporator temperatures higher than -20C (-4F). High Back Pressure systems
such as chillers and air conditioners have evaporator temperatures higher than -5C
(+23F).

2. Refrigeration Capacity or Thermal Load

This is usually defined as the specified cooling capacity at normal working
conditions of the system in watts or kcal/h, according to evaporating and
condensing temperatures. The capacity is determined by the mass flow rate of
refrigerant, which depends on the compressors displacement, RPM, and volumetric
efficiency.

3. Refrigerant Type
Refrigerant selection can be made on the basis of availability, performance, and
ecological considerations such as ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global
warming potential (GWP). Aspen rotary compressors have been verified for use with
R134a and R404a. Other low-pressure refrigerants or refrigerant blends may
perform satisfactorily, but have not been verified.

4. Ambient Temperature
The compressor must be selected in order to ensure its suitable to operate at the
highest expected ambient temperature. Compressors are usually intended for
indoor use, and a minimum of +5C is required in order for proper lubrication.

5. Electrical Power Available

Generally, DC compressors are used in mobile or portable refrigeration systems. DC
power is produced by batteries, fuel cells, vehicle alternators, solar panels, or from
an AC inverter power supply. The compressor must be selected for use according to
the DC voltage available. Aspen compressors are available in 12V, 24V, and 48V
versions.

6. Compressor and Drive Cooling

Compressors with small motors can often be cooled in a static environment, with
refrigerant removing most of the heat generated. Nonetheless, Aspen compressors
due to their small size and high power density should not be placed within a sealed
enclosure.

Aspen recommends a small volume of air for cooling by forced convection for both
the compressor and drive. If the compressor case temperature reaches 275F
(135C), permanent damage could result in the motor magnets.

http://www.termotekag.com/fileadmin/data/general/PDF/Oper_Installation_Instruction.pdf

http://www.daveycompressor.com/differenttype.html
http://kolmetz.com/pdf/EDG/ENGINEERING%20DESIGN%20GUIDELINES%20%20Compressors%20REV02.pdf
http://www.air-compressor-guide.com/buy/air-compressor-buying-guide/

Advantages

Disadvantages

Dynamic
Compressors
Centrifugal

Axial

Wide operating range

Instability at reduced flow

High reliability

Sensitive to gas compositi

Low Maintenance

High Capacity for given size

Low Compression ratios

High efficiency

Limited turndown

Heavy duty

Low maintenance

Advantages

Positive
displacement
compressor

change

Disadvantages

Reciprocating

Diaphragm

Screw

Wide pressure ratios

Heavy foundation required

High efficiency

Flow pulsation

High maintenance

Very high pressure

Limited capacity range

Low flow

Periodic replacement of

No moving seal

Wide application

Expensive

High efficiency

Unsuitable for corrosive or

High pressure ratio

diaphragm

dirty gases

Safety
a. Limiting gas properties (e.g., decomposition, flammability, toxicity).
b. Compatibility of process gas with materials of construction
c. Over-pressure protection

Economics
a. Life-cycle cost.
b. User and vendor capabilities and facilities for maintaining equipment.
c. Expected equipment reliability.
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