HVAC-R Compressors
Air conditioning compressors and refrigeration compressors are the hearts of air conditioning systems and refrigeration systems. A compressor actually is a pump that moves cool gaseous refrigerant from low pressure side (suction line) through fast moving mechanical parts and squeezes it into high pressure side (liquid line) and raises the temperature of refrigerant. Hot refrigerant vapor (around 20% liquid, 80% gas) leaves compressor in a pressurized state, then condenses into 100% liquid refrigerant when it moves through the fin attached condenser coils. Heat of the refrigerant is released into outside environment when ambient temperature moves through coil fins by condenser fan. Compressor is a key component in all HVAC-R systems. Please check how to do a preventive maintenance for compressor.
HVAC-R compressors can be categorized into 5 types based on their inner designed structures.
- Reciprocating Compressor, 2. Rotary Compressor, 3. Scroll Compressor, 4. Screw Compressor, 5. Centrifugal Compressor