Influence of Refrigerant Properties and Charge Amount on Performance of Reciprocating Compressor in Air Source Heat Pump

This article investigates how hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant affects compressor operating conditions and system performance using experimental testing under different conditions. In a heat pump or refrigerator cycle, it is necessary to move the fluid in the system to achieve heating or cooling. The compressor is the responsible component in fluid movement and so is a key factor in system power consumption. For this reason, it is essential to discover ways to increase compressor energy efficiency. R404a refrigerant was selected to evaluate the influence of refrigerant on compressor performance. Compressor inlet and discharge temperatures and pressures were measured experimentally. For the tested refrigerant, compressibility factor (Z) and deviation from ideal gas behavior were analyzed cautiously to compute power consumption, isentropic work, coefficient of performance, energy and exergy state, and compressor efficiency. Also analyzed were the influence of condenser water flow rate and the effect of evaporator inlet temperature. The study discussed here provided results that can be used to enhance the performance of compressors in heating/cooling systems. (C) 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.