There are 5 types of AC Compressors available in the market. These compressors can classify as Centrifugal, Rotary, Reciprocating, and Scroll. Each type of compressor has its own characteristics and advantages. It is important to understand the differences to select the right one for your application.
Reciprocating #
Reciprocating AC compressors are use to push air into a system. They are also use for larger commercial air conditioners. However, they are not ideal for residential use. It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of these types of AC compressors before making a purchase.
Reciprocal AC compressors, also known as piston compressors, use pistons and a cylinder to compress air. These types of compressors are very efficient. Their design is simple and easy to maintain.
Another type of AC compressor is the screw air conditioning compressor. This type of AC unit is suited for larger areas and can go up to 200 horsepower. Unlike other types of AC compressors, the screw air compressor is design for commercial applications.
While these compressors are not cheap, they do provide more power than other types. This means they are more likely to have the cooling capacity that you need. A scroll compressor, on the other hand, does not require as many moving parts.
Reciprocating AC compressors have a large service history. They were the standard for most home AC systems in the past. The downside is that they are not very durable. Also, they may not be as quiet as other types of AC compressors.
Scroll compressors are becoming more popular than reciprocating types. This is because they are more efficient and reliable. With fewer moving parts, they also produce less noise.
Besides being more efficient, a scroll compressor is more affordable. As a result, you are less likely to have to replace parts. Whether or not you want to sacrifice some noise for more reliability depends on your personal needs.
In addition, remanufactured commercial compressors reduce the effects of breakdowns. Purchasing a new unit is an expensive decision.
Rotary #
A Rotary AC compressor is an air conditioning unit that features a rotating shaft with blades. Its operating mechanism is a simple, but efficient one.
The rotary compressor is the ideal choice for those looking for a quiet, small AC unit. However, this is not the only type available. Some units come in the form of screw or scroll compressors. These units are less expensive and are better suited for small and medium-sized AC units.
Rotary compressors are known for their low sound output, which makes them a popular choice in areas with noise concerns. They are usually very compact and are easily install. In addition, they are very energy efficient. This is because they run much cooler.
The blades in a rotary AC compressor rotate at a high speed, which raises the pressure of the refrigerant. As a result, the refrigerant vapor is trap against one side of the cylinder.
Unlike reciprocating compressors, a rotary unit does not require suction and discharge valves. This makes it a reliable option for commercial and industrial applications. Moreover, it is also more efficient than its counterpart.
It is important to note that a rotary AC compressor can handle a range of R22, R454C, and R134a. Besides, they considered to be the best air conditioning machine for paint lines, continuous air applications, and food processing.
Rotary AC compressors can find in two types: the fixed blade and the rotating vanes. The rotary unit is the most energy-efficient. For this reason, it favored for those looking for a more environmentally-friendly unit.
Rotary compressors are also more affordable than their counterparts. Since the machine is small, it requires less energy to run.
Screw #
The screw type of AC compressor is use in a variety of applications. They are highly efficient and reliable. Depending on your needs, you may want to opt for a unit with a higher efficiency rating or one with a lower noise level.
A rotary screw compressor has an impeller which spins at high speeds. This generates a high-pressure refrigerant. It then gets compressed as it moves through the diffuser section of the compressor. In some lubricated rotary screw compressors, a special capacity control valve can be use to adjust output capacity. These special capacity control valves also called spiral valves.
Rotary screw compressors have a very simple design. They can size from less than 1 horsepower to more than 30 horsepower. However, they require a duty cycle of 60%. Most designs include an intercooler to prevent the heat generated during pumping.
Rotary screw compressors can produce air flows of more than 2500 SCFM. They mainly applied in industrial and commercial applications. Unlike vane compressors, rotary screws tend to be smooth-running.
Another advantage of rotary screws is their economy of scale. Typically, they placed using a standard forklift. Their efficiencies are often comparable to a two-stage compressor.
Reciprocating compressors are the most common types of positive displacement air compressors. They have a piston driven by a crankshaft. During the compression stroke, the fresh intake charge pushed into the cylinder. It then clears spent exhaust gasses.
Rotary and scroll compressors are also use in the AC industry. Scroll compressors are relatively new to the industry. They are more compact and are easier to maintain.
Rotary and scroll compressors are typically design with a variable displacement control scheme. This allows for tight control of power consumption.
Scroll #
There are many different types of AC compressors. The scroll compressor is one of the most popular. It has many advantages over the reciprocating type.
A scroll compressor made of two identical spiral-shaped metallic pieces that move in an orbital pattern. During compression, the suction gas heated and pressure rises inside the compressor. This heat transfer is an important component of the compressor’s thermodynamic efficiency.
Another benefit of a scroll compressor is its relatively quiet operation. Some studies suggest that scroll compressors make five to fifteen dBA lower noise than reciprocating type compressors.
Scroll air compressors are much smaller than reciprocating compressors. This means that they can fit in a limited space. Furthermore, they are much more efficient.
Unlike the reciprocating type, a scroll compressor does not have valves or pistons. This helps to increase its durability and efficiency.
The scroll compressor is also capable of reaching 100% volumetric efficiency. However, it is not as effective as the reciprocating type in the vapour injection process.
Scroll compressors are often use in commercial applications. They have shown to perform better under certain meteorological conditions.
Scroll compressors are also useful in providing partial load capacity within a single compressor. With the right combination of differential pressure, it is possible to reach 100% volumetric efficiency.
A scroll compressor’s performance can influence by the choice of the intermediate discharge port. For a high-differential pressure, dynamic discharge valves are a preferred choice. But they can lead to additional throttling losses.
Other factors that affect the performance of a scroll compressor include the temperature of the suction and discharge gases. These can estimate using the temperature profile along the scroll’s wraps.
Centrifugal #
Centrifugal AC compressors work by transferring kinetic energy from the flow through the impeller to the diffuser to raise pressure. There are different types of centrifugal compressors, depending on the application. These compressors can use in several industries.
Typically, there are four parts that form the basic stage of a centrifugal compressor. This includes the impeller, the casing, the rotor, and the nozzles. The casing, for example, often made of cast iron, while the rotor is typically steel.
The rotor itself can be open, or it can cover. Depending on the application, the inlet may bifurcate, or there may be stationary guide vanes or movable guide vanes. In either case, the flow enters the centrifugal compressor axially.
Unlike screw compressors, the flow entering the centrifugal compressor has no vorticity. This allows for a higher constant airflow, with a low cost.
Centrifugal compressors are design to operate at high efficiencies, and often have densities increased by more than 5 percent. They also offer a lower overall footprint per kW, which makes them a preferred choice for large industrial sites. However, their maximum operating speed limited, and they can control to operate at slower speeds.
If you want to know how a centrifugal compressor works, you’ll need to know the following factors: viscosity, density, diameter, diameter radial velocity, velocity, and pressure. Using these data, you can test and estimate the performance of a centrifugal compressor. You can also use a performance map, which shows contours for constant efficiency and pressure ratio.
Ideally, you should be able to generate a complete performance map of your centrifugal compressor, including a vertical characteristic. The most common way to do this is to create a map that produced at a constant throttle setting.
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