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.