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Design and realization of an automated test-stand for variable capacity household compressors.

Number: pap.1100

Author(s) : VETSCH B., FEICHTER G. A., BACHMANN A. H., et al.

Summary

In Switzerland the efficiency of household refrigerators has to be proven by the manufacturer to get the European energy label for the devices. The efficiency is tested in the beginning of the lifetime of the fridge. However, the compressor might reach its best performance only after some hours of operation. Knowing precisely the compressor characteristics is necessary for the manufacturer to optimize the products. Therefore, an automated compressor test-stand was designed and built to test variable speed compressors on their evolution of isentropic and volumetric efficiencies over time. The test-stand features three expansion valve sections to control the high- and low-pressure states, and the suction gas temperature of the compressor. The test setup was programmed to be automatically controlled. Additional heaters can balance the non-isenthalpic pressure drop through the different components (mass flow meter and expansion valves) and the large internal heat exchange of the compressor enabling high enough suction gas temperatures. Furthermore, the compressor is installed in a temperature-controlled chamber. The power consumption of the compressor is measured with and without the inverter to get additional information. The testing range is 20 to 200 W cooling capacity with pressures of the refrigerant R600a down to its corresponding evaporation temperature (-35°C) and up to its condensing temperature (55°C). The test-stand is equipped with high precision sensors to ensure uncertainties of volumetric and isentropic efficiencies smaller than 5%. This paper reports the design of the test-stand, the control of the system, as well as the first results.

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Pages: 10 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Design and realization of an automated test-stand for variable capacity household compressors.
  • Record ID : 30019582
  • Languages: English
  • Source: 2016 Purdue Conferences. 23rd International Compressor Engineering Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2016/07/11

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