A COMPUTER-SIMULATION OF A ROTARY-COMPRESSOR FOR HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATORS

This paper presents analytical studies of a fractional horse-power rot ary refrigeration compressor and its performance comparison with measu red results. The study employed a general-purpose performance model by considering the thermodynamic cycle of the compressor and its mechani cal losses. The real gas equation of state is used to describe the cha nges of state of the refrigerant. The study reveals that for this quar ter horse-power compressor unit the energy consumption in performing t he compression cycle was 80-90% of the compressor shaft energy input, and the other 10-15% of the energy was dissipated as mechanical fricti on. The results also show that the performance predictions are satisfa ctory when compared with measured results. The model has been used in assisting the design of new compressors for use with new environmental ly friendly refrigerants. This study also paves the way for more compr ehensive simulation studies and for possible overall computerised opti misation design study in the future. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd.