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CO2 compressors for light commercial refrigeration.

Author(s) : MACIEL R. A., BASSI M.

Summary

In this search for an environmental friendly technology, carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as a leading candidate to be a replacement for HFCs. Today, there is a strong focus on CO2 potential for beverage cooling application although it is still in the preliminary stages. Moreover, in the design of compressors to run with high pressure refrigerants like CO2, safety aspects must be a mandatory concern. When dealing with high pressure levels, compressor components have their original design adapted to withstand such a high pressures, particularly acoustical mufflers, external shell, and compression mechanism. Regarding the external shell, the design approach goes beyond acoustical and aesthetic features as mostly observed in current refrigerating compressors. In order to safely enclose the compression mechanism the application of a proper design methodology is mandatory to safeguard the structural integrity of both the compressor external shell and the whole refrigerating system. Looking for acceptable, cost-effective safety factors, a simultaneous design approach including advanced structural mechanics techniques, experimentation, safety standards revision, and computer aided engineering tools application is mandatory. The aim of this work is to present how Embraco has been approaching the structural design of its CO2 compressor to ensure safety and reliability. Also, a comparison between a CO2 compressor under development and a standard HFC compressor has been performed in both calorimeter and application tests. Preliminary data have showed that a CO2 can perform competitively to the HFC systems in the field.

Details

  • Original title: CO2 compressors for light commercial refrigeration.
  • Record ID : 2008-2073
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: Technological innovations in air-conditioning and refrigeration industry + CD-ROM.
  • Publication date: 2007/06/08

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