Compressors 73

Chapter Five

Compressors

he mechanical compressor is the heart of the vapor-compression

T air conditioning cooling system. It pumps refrigerant around the

system and compresses the vapor from a low pressure to a higher
pressure.

TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSORS

Three types of mechanical compressors are commonly used

for HVAC air conditioning cooling duty. They are reciprocating,
rotary and centrifugal. The reciprocating and rotary type com-
pressors are positive displacement machines. In positive displace-
ment reciprocating compressors, compression of the refrigerant
vapor is done by a reciprocating piston (Figure 5-1). A rotating
piston, rotating vane, or rotor is used in rotary compressors. Com-
pression in a centrifugal compressor is done primarily by the cen-
trifugal force produced as a high-speed impeller rotates the vapor.
Each of the compressor types has certain advantages and disad-
vantages. The type of compressor used for a certain application
depends on the size and requirements of the application.

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS

Reciprocating compressors are positive displacement ma-

chines and are among the most widely used compressors because
of their range of sizes and designs. Reciprocating compressors
range from fractional tonnage units to hundreds of tons of refrig-

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Figure 5-1. Cutaway of a reciprocating compressor showing pistons in

the cylinders.

eration capacity in a single unit. Reciprocating compressors are

generally classified according to type of drive, motor accessibility,
type of piston, number and arrangement of cylinders, valve con-
struction, method of lubrication, and capacity control.

Type of Drive
When a reciprocating compressor has an external motor it is
called an open compressor. An open compressor may be belt
driven or directly coupled. When the motor is directly coupled to
the compressor, it is called a direct drive system. A reciprocating
compressor, driven by a direct drive motor sealed inside the com-
pressor housing, is called a hermetic compressor.

Motor Accessibility—Open Compressors

One advantage of the open compressor is that it is accessible
for repairs. In the event of a motor burnout, the open compressor
is much easier to service than a hermetic compressor. Another ad-