326 • A Textbook of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

··· ( ·: Pt =p,J

where (v l - v 4) is equal to the actual volume and m

is the mass of refrigerant sucked by the compressor
per cycle.
From the above expression, we see that the
clearance volume does not affect the work done Discharge line
and the power required for compressing the
refrigerant. This is due to the reason that the work
required to compress the clearance volume
refrigerant is theoretically regained during its
expansion from point 3 to point 4.
Notes : 1. In the above expression of work done, we
have assumed the same polytropic index of compression
and expansion. In case the polytropic index of
compression is nc and the polytropic index of expansion
In low pressure
is ne, then work done by the compressor per cycle,
Operation of scroll compressor.

= ncn~ 1 X P1V1 [ ( ~ nen~ 1 ~~ J

11c-1 ] [ ne-I ]
W J 1lc -1 - X PIV 4 ( ne -1

2. The ~ffect of clearance in reciprocating compressors is to reduce the volume of vapour refrigerant
sucked during suction stroke.

9.9 Volumetric Efficiency of a Reciprocating Compressor

We have already discussed that the volumetric efficiency of a reciprocating compressor is
the ratio of actual volume of refrigerant passing through the compressor per cycle (V5 ) to the stroke
volume of the compressor (VP ). Mathematically, volumetric efficiency,
vs Vt -v4
T\ = - = ... (i)
v Vp VI- Vc
The p-v diagram of a reciprocating compressor with clearance volume is shown in Fig. 9.4.
Since the refrigerant gases are expanded and compressed in every cycle, therefore, the curve
3-4 is called re-expansion curve. Applying pvn = C to points 3 and 4,
p3v3n = P4V/
or p2vcn = PtV/
1

... v4 =
·t:Y
 Chapter 9 : Refrigerant CompressGIS 3

Substituting the value of v 4 in equation (i),

1

v -v
1 c
(P2);
PI
1'\v =

.. I.. vs---+1

vl- vc + vc ~~Vc :4 vP ...I

= v1 ...I
vl-vc vl -vc
Volume
1
Fig. 9.4. p-v diagram with clearance
= l+C- c(~: )' volume.

where C = Clearance factor = vl -vc

Example 9.2. A single-stage, single acting reciprocating compressor has a bore of200 mm
and a stroke of 300 mm. It receives vapour refrigerant at 1 bar and delivers it at 5.5 bar. If the
compression and expansion follows the law pvl.3 = Constant and the clearance volume is 5 per
cent of the stroke volume, determine : 1. The power required to drive the compressor, if it runs at
500 r.p.m. ; and 2. The volumetric efficiency of the compressor.
Solution. Given : D =200 mm =0.2 m ; L =300 mm =0.3 m ; p 1 =1 bar =1 x 105 N/m2;
p 2 = 5.5 bar= 5.5 x lOS N/m2 ; n = 1.3 ; vc =5% vP; N =500 r.p.m.
We know that the stroke volume,

vP = 41t X D 2 X L :: 41t ( 0.2)2 0.3 = 0.0094 m3

Clearance volume, vc = 5% vP = 0.05 vP = 0.05 x 0.0094 = 0.000 47m3
Total cylinder volume, v1 = vc + vP =0.000 47 + 0.0094 =0.009 87m3
and expanded clearance volume,

1. Power required to drive the compressor

•• = v,(~: y
1

= 0.00047 ( n
5
1
3
= 0.001 74m3

We know that work done:y=tlle :~::::·- v )[(p2)n:l -l]

n-l
4 Pt
1

=
1.3-1
1.
3 5
xlx10 (0.00987-0.00174)[(
55
1
)1.:;. -l]N-m

= 3500 (1.48 -
1) 1695 N-m =
Since the compressor is single acting, therefore, number of working strokes per minute.
Nw = N=500