Home > What is a compressor? What are their types?
What is a compressor? What are their types?
The compressor is a refrigerant gas pump in which the evaporator provides gaseous refrigerant at a low pressure and increases it to a higher pressure. When compressed, the temperature and pressure of the steam increase. The gaseous refrigerant is delivered to the condenser under a pressure at which condensation occurs at an appropriate temperature.
The compressor consists of two parts: the power source and the compression mechanism (pistons, vanes, etc.). In the case of an air compressor, the compression mechanism actually compresses the atmosphere. The working principle of the air compressor is as follows:
Air enters the piston or vane and is compressed by increasing its pressure while reducing its volume. Once the pressure reaches the maximum value set by the operator or the manufacturer, the switch mechanism prevents the compressor from further inhaling air. Use compressed air and reduce the pressure level. Once the pressure reaches the minimum value set by the operator or manufacturer, the switch allows air to enter the compressor. This process is repeated as long as the compressor is in use. Compressor performance factors
Factors affecting compressor performance are:
Rotating speed
Suction pressure
Discharge pressure
Type of refrigerant being used
By changing the refrigerant and compressor horsepower input, similar compressors can be operated at different capacities. When buying any type of compressor, the buyer should check certain characteristics, including machine configuration, operating type, price, and operating cost. In any case, he should check the performance of the compressor and consult the manufacturer about the safest compressor that best suits his budget and requirements. Compressor type
The most commonly used ones in refrigeration are described below:
Rotary compressors: Rotary compressors are usually low-capacity equipment, usually used in household refrigerators and freezers, not in air conditioners. These compressors may consist of a blade placed in the main body and rotatingly sealed with the rotor or multi-blade, the blade is located in the rotor.
Centrifugal compressors: These compressors rotate at high speeds and compress refrigerant through centrifugal force. These compressors are usually used with refrigerants with higher specific volumes, which require lower compression ratios. The multi-stage device can be used to obtain a higher discharge pressure, and the number of stages is determined by the discharge temperature when the gas is discharged from the rotor. These compressors are used for water cooling and cryogenic freezing purposes in air conditioners.
Reciprocating compressors: These compressors have pistons and move in cylinders. The types of reciprocating compressors are:
Open compressor: One end of the crankshaft is drawn from the crankcase, so the compressor can use multiple drives. The mechanical seal is used to check the external leakage of refrigerant and oil, and the escape of air to the inside. These compressors are driven by electric motors or internal combustion engines. For belt drives, the speed change is achieved by changing the size of the pulley, while for direct drive units, the compressor is planned to run at the speed of the motor.
Hermetic compressors: These compressors are repairable hermetic compressors in which the motor and compressor are enclosed in the same housing, while welded hermetic compressors seal the compressor and motor in a welded steel shell.
