Copeland
21-1222
® 17-1235
Application Engineering Bulletin
AE-1235-R1
PARALLEL COMPRESSOR
In order to provide greater operating flexibility on
large systems, the use of multiple compressors
connected in parallel is an attractive approach. By
choosing the proper combinations of compressors to
operate, the system capacity can be closely matched
to the load. Full power savings for the compressors
not in operation is achieved, while at the same time
providing a built-in safety factor in the event of
system malfunction.
Parallel systems inherently have potential operat-
ing problems. Adequate oil levels must be maintained in
all compressors, whether operating or not, and the
sudden increase or decrease in system capacity
caused by one or more compressors cycling on or off
can cause liquid refrigerant floodback to the operating
compressors.
Some type of suction accumulator should be
provided to protect the compressors from liquid
floodback on all multiple compressor systems. One
widely used solution is to provide a horizontal 4 inch
suction header several feet long, with individual
suction standpipe connections for each compressor.
The header becomes, in effect, an accumulator, with
oil being returned to the compressors by means of a
small diameter port in the individual standpipe or in a
separate oil return fitting. Returning hot oil from an oil
separator to the suction header provides a means of
cooling the oil returned to the compressor and pro-
tects against malfunction of the separator.
In the past, oil equalization was achieved on parallel
compressors by providing a connection for pressure
equalization between compressor crankcases above
the oil level and another connection between crank-
© 1973 Copeland Corporation
17-1235
Revised August 1, 1988
OPERATION
cases at or below the oil level for oil equalization. With
large compressors having large crankcases and con-
nections, this approach was feasible. However, the
majority of compressors used today on parallel sys-
tems are not manufactured with special equalizing
fitting connections.
The tandem compressor, in which two compres-
sors are assembled at the factory into a common
center housing provides a successful solution to par-
allel operation without the necessity for external oil
equalizing fittings.
In the case of individual compressors connected in
parallel, a simple connection between compressor
crankcase sight glass fittings has been used. An oil
separator is essential, and careful attention must be
paid to system design. However, as compressor
displacement increases, this method of equalization
becomes more difficult due to limitations on the
diameter of the equalizing line. Since crankcase pres-
sure in a running compressor is usually slightly lower
than suction pressure, there is a normal flow of
refrigerant vapor through the crankcase of an idle
compressor into the equalization line to the crankcase
of the operating compressor. This flow can cause oil
to be transferred from the crankcase of the idle com-
pressor to the crankcase of the running compressor,
resulting in occasional trips of the oil pressure safety
control on compressor startup.
To eliminate or substantially reduce the problems
described above, proprietary oil equalization systems
have been developed which provide continuous oil
return to each compressor. These systems utilize
existing system pressure differentials to provide oil
Copeland
21-1222
17-1235
equalization through a relatively small diameter line at
the desired oil level. This type of system has proven
very successful.
Because of the extensive testing necessary to
prove the acceptability of a parallel system design and
the critical nature of oil equalization to system reliability,
Copeland does not recommend field construction of
parallel systems unless a Copeland approved oil
equalization system is used. In the absence of such a
system, Copeland specifications require a factory de-
signed and tested refrigeration and oil equalization
system.
The oil equalization systems which Copeland
recommends for field erected parallel systems utilize
Copeland Corporation
Sidney, Ohio 45365-0669 U.S.A.
individual oil float chambers on each compressor, fed
from an oil separator and a common reservoir. This
approach has been thoroughly field proven. Oil equal-
ization systems utilizing this technology are manufac-
tured by AC&R Products (Chicago, Illinois, USA) and
Sporlan Valve Company (St. Louis, Missouri, USA)
and are commonly available at refrigeration wholesal-
ers. They are available with standard fittings to mount
in place of the crankcase sight glass and provide a
reliable pretested means of oil equalization.
Field experience has proven that major operating
problems can be created by improper parallel system
design, and in the best interest of all concerned, such
applications should be restricted to properly designed
and tested systems.
Printed in U.S.A.