COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSORS IN VARIABLE-SPEED REFRIGERATION APPLICATIONS

Citation
Sa. Tassou et Tq. Qureshi, COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSORS IN VARIABLE-SPEED REFRIGERATION APPLICATIONS, International journal of refrigeration, 21(1), 1998, pp. 29-41
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Engineering, Mechanical",Thermodynamics
ISSN journal
01407007
Volume
21
Issue
1
Year of publication
1998
Pages
29 - 41
Database
ISI
SICI code
0140-7007(1998)21:1<29:CPEOPD>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
This paper presents the results of investigations into the performance of positive-displacement refrigeration compressors for variable-speed capacity control applications. Compressors tested include an open-typ e reciprocating, a semi-hermetic reciprocating and an open-type rotary vane. All three compressors were tested under constant and variable h ead-pressure operating conditions. The results indicate that all three compressors were designed for maximum efficiency at nominal speed. At constant head-pressure only the open-type compressor exhibited an imp rovement in the COP at reduced speeds. With variable head pressure-con trol all three compressors showed an increase in the COP with a reduct ion in speed. The results of an energy analysis carried out based on t he experimental results and weather conditions for two locations repre senting temperate and warm weather conditions showed that all three co mpressors when operated at variable speed offer energy savings compare d to their fixed-speed counterparts. The analysis has shown the open-t ype reciprocating compressor to be the most efficient system offering 12% savings when operating in a temperate climate and 24% savings when operating in a warm climate. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd and IIR. A ll rights reserved.