Compressor design vs. refrigerants properties: What is the main influence on compressor efficiency?
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2022
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Conference Paper
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Abstract
Many knowledge gaps exist on the correlation between compressor efficiency, compressor design, and refrigerant properties. However, particularly for refrigerant assessment and selection, knowledge about compressor behavior is essential as the entire cycle efficiency substantially depends on compressor efficiency. Most selection approaches are based on simulations using process models to assess the performance of refrigerants. The process models applied are mostly simple cycle calculations using a fixed or pressure-dependent isentropic efficiency to represent compressor behavior. Usually, isentropic efficiency is assumed to be constant for all considered refrigerants. However, experimental data of positive displacement compressors imply that compressor efficiency depends more on the refrigerant than on the compressor used. This study aims to analyze for reciprocating piston compressors whether tailoring compressors to refrigerants can overcome the differences in isentropic efficiency caused by refrigerant properties. Using a loss-based model of reciprocating piston compressors that is fitted and validated on experimental data, compressor tailoring to refrigerants is simulated by adjusting the displacement and reducing losses from specific loss mechanisms. The study shows that isentropic efficiency is substantially refrigerant-dependent and less compressor geometry-dependent. Overcoming this refrigerant dependency by tailoring the compressor to each refrigerant is limited. Reducing losses from a specific loss mechanism can lead to a higher efficiency increase for refrigerants more affected by this loss mechanism. However, this effect is not sufficient to equalize the isentropic efficiency of all refrigerants or change the fundamental refrigerant ranking.
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26th International Compressor Engineering Conference at Purdue 2022
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44 - 53
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Curran
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26th International Compressor Engineering Conference at Purdue
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09696 - Bardow, André / Bardow, André
Notes
Conference lecture held on July 13, 2022.