Industrial or commercial refrigeration compressors are the fundamental part of the equipment and systems responsible for supplying and satisfying the refrigeration needs of a specific space, chamber, process…
The compressor is the main component of refrigeration equipment, its function is to compress the refrigerant gas or fluid, thus allowing pressure changes to occur in the refrigerant gas or fluid, causing it to move along the refrigerant circuit.These changes in pressure and temperature along the refrigerant circuit lead to changes in the state of the refrigerant gas or fluid as it passes through the condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. With these changes in conditions, the refrigeration process takes place in a basic refrigeration circuit. The compressor is thus responsible for the refrigerant or refrigerant fluid to run through the entire refrigeration circuit, increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, causing the other elements to change state.
Compressor operation is identical in both commercial and industrial applications, the only difference between the two could be the size of the compressors used and the types of compressors depending on the refrigeration equipment selected. Similarly, the compressor power will depend on the refrigeration field, which can be commercial or industrial.
For a correct classification of the types of compressors for both industrial and commercial refrigeration and their basic operation, we must take into account two main criteria that differentiate the type of compressor, these are its compression technology and its structure. Although in a general way the classification of compressor types is based on:
The refrigerant is compressed inside a cylinder thanks to the reciprocating motion of a piston by means of a crankshaft driven by an electric motor. This type of compressor is characterised by:
Hermetic. They are used in small commercial applications and are characterised by the fact that their structure is covered by a single casing containing both the compressor and the drive motor, which is totally sealed, thus preventing possible refrigerant leakage. However, as a result of the contact between the components and the drive motor, refrigerants such as ammonia cannot be used which could damage the materials of which it is composed. They also have the disadvantage that they cannot be repaired in the event of a breakdown.
They are characterised by a continuous compression flow, as they do not have suction valves. In addition, oil plays an important role in this type of compressor, as it is responsible for lubrication and sealing. Several types can be distinguished according to the type of rotor movement, although the most common ones:
Paletas or Vane. The refrigerant fluid fills the space between the compressor rotor and stator, driving the movement of the motor shaft. The fluid is compressed as its space decreases at the point of minimum diameter inside the compressor. This type of compressor has a spring-loaded vane located in a slot in the cylinder. This spring is responsible for dividing the suction phase and the discharge chamber of the compressor.
Screw type. It is used for medium and high power ranges, and its application is industrial. It is made up of two rotors of conjugated profiles, one of which, called “male” and which is coupled to the electric motor, forms lobes, while the other “female” has alveoli. Their regulation capacity ranges from 10 to 100%, thanks to a part called a slide, which opens or closes the opening of the fluid to the rotors to vary the power. These compressors are lubricated by direct injection of oil at a controlled temperature, also providing sealing and absorbing the heat of compression. They also have an oil separator and oil injection control.
When we talk about the compressor, we are referring to the core of a refrigeration system, so it is important that we talk about its energy efficiency and the different alternatives that exist.
The screw compressor is currently the most widely used type of compressor in industrial refrigeration, although the reciprocating or piston compressor was once the most widely used. The reasons for this change are:
Nevertheless, the piston compressor is once again a viable alternative in the industrial refrigeration sector, as it is more efficient than the screw compressor both at full and part load.
Now that we are familiar with the most important general aspects of industrial and commercial refrigeration compressors, we must take into account them in order to make the right choice:
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