Design and development of rotating-sleeve refrigerant compressor

Abstract

A Single Vane Rotating Sleeve compression concept is the main focus of this study. Research and development on the concept was carried out to investigate its feasibility on a refrigeration system. The prototype was designed based on the specifications of the existing reciprocating compressor factory installed in a refrigerator which is used as the experimental rig of the present work. In order to design a functional prototype, the author has conducted literature study on existing rotary compressor models such as rolling piston and sliding vane types that are used in room and car air conditioning systems respectively. The literature study is crucial in areas such as the geometrical optimization, material selection, tolerance and surface finishing in designing the prototype. Three prototypes were fabricated and tested. The first two units were not functioning well, but the third prototype showed some positive result. Using a refrigerator mentioned above, a test rig was developed according to the international standard requirement for tropical climate such as ASHRAE, AHAM and ARI, to generate the base data and set as a benchmark in evaluating the performance of the new rotary compressor. The experimental rig was tested and commissioned and produced a refrigeration capacity at 233 W with COP of 2.94. The third prototype was tested and has achieved a volumetric efficiency of 31.3 % with mass flow rate at 0.8 g/s. The indicated power was 26.6 W, with refrigeration capacity of 124.7 W and COP of 4.67. Hence, it is proven that the new concept in principle is successful. However further research and development is needed to improve the compressor performance up to a commercially acceptable level.