The refrigerators in your home or workplace are made up of refrigeration circuits. These same circuits found in AC systems and heat pumps as well. Your refrigerator’s system consists of four key elements; the compressor, pressure regulator, condenser, and evaporator. The compressor is essential in that it compresses the refrigerant gases inside your fridge, giving it the mechanical energy necessary to form the cold air. When settling on a refrigerator, it is essential to consider the refrigeration compressor, as it determines the efficiency of the fridge, depending on what exactly you want it to do for you. Dorin Srl manufactures different compressors to suit different refrigeration requirements. It would help if you looked at various factors when looking for refrigeration.
Firstly, consider the refrigeration capacity that you want because different compressor technologies offer different levels of power. It is also crucial to consider the economic aspect of it. For instance, settling on a refrigerator with an expensive compressor that can be repaired; versus one with an inexpensive compressor that cannot be fixed. Other factors are the noise level of these units, compressors, as well as the space available to keep the refrigerator. For an informed decision, you need to understand the main technologies and systems used by refrigeration compressors inside your refrigerator.
Main technologies
1. Piston compressor
These compressor types are the most common in the market. They are also available in different technologies that are; open, semi-hermetic, as well as hermetic. Piston compressors are available for all the power levels, ranging from the highest to the lowest. This particular compressor requires constant lubrication and high sensitivity to any liquid present at the suction line. The sensitivity usually destroys valves that are found at the suction line. In comparison to other compressor technologies, these compressors are pocket friendly and compact. However, these compressors also possess the least potent technology.
2. Spiral compressor
Spiral compressors are also known as scroll refrigeration compressors. These compressors consist of two rollers, that are spiral in shape. One roller is fixed, and the other makes an orbital and eccentric movement without rotating. This movement moves the coolant into the middle of this spiral, while at the same time decreasing its volume. One feature that makes this compressor technology popular is that this compressor has fewer parts, unlike the piston compressors.
Fewer parts also mean better output. An open refrigeration compressor subjects its engine to lesser torque variations. Consequently, the compressor’s reliability is improved, and its sensitivity to liquid present at the suction reduced. The spiral refrigeration compressor has limited power, but several can be arranged in a parallel pattern to produce high levels of power. Finally, because they are much quieter than their piston counterparts, they are popular in modern fridges as well as many AC units.
3. Screw compressor
This kind of compressor, involves the compression of the refrigerant by a helix-shaped screw, with high-speed rotation. This kind of technology offers two types of configurations; twin-screw and single compressors. Screw refrigeration compressors provide remarkable output and provide impressive product life. They are highly reliable but require correct lubrication to reduce noise, effect sealing between moving parts, and to lower the temperature of the coolant. These compressors are pricier than the piston ones.
Main types
1. Open refrigeration compressor
This type of compressor has the actual compressor and motor separated. The compressor’s drive shaft is fixed to the motor by either a belt and pulley or a coupling sleeve. Different types of motors can be used in the open refrigeration compressor, including electric, gas, and diesel motors, depending on your preferences. Therefore these compressors are desired for their high power rather than for being compact. There are different ways of adjusting the power on an open refrigeration compressor.
2. Hermetic refrigeration compressor
In this compressor, both the compressor and electric motor are enclosed inside a hermetically-welded envelope. The best feature of the hermetic refrigeration compressor is the sealing system. This is because the sealing system is enclosed in the envelope, and is not dependent upon the state of either one or several joints. On the downside, the refrigerant inside the casing cools the motor, which is detrimental to the uninterrupted completion of the refrigeration process.
3. Semi-hermetic refrigeration compressor
These compressors are a compromise between hermetic and open refrigeration compressors. Its compressor and motor are inside a hermetic envelope, but it is not welded, making it possible to access and repair all the parts. It has a sealing system that is better than that of an open refrigeration compressor. These compressors are best for medium power requirements
These are the main types and technologies of the compressors used in domestic and industrial refrigeration.
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