Experimental validation of mathematical model for small air compressor

Development process of reciprocating compressors can be simplified by using simulation tools. Modelling of a compressor requires a trade-off between computational effort and accuracy of desired results. This paper presents experimental validation of the simulation tool, which can be used to predict compressor behaviour under different working conditions. The mathematical model provides fast results with very good accuracy, however the model must be calibrated for a certain type of compressor. Small air compressor was used to validate an in-house simulation tool, which is based on mass and energy conservation in a control volume. The simulation tool calculates pressure and temperature history inside the cylinder, valve characteristics, mass flow and heat losses during the cycle of the compressor. A test bench for the compressor consisted of pressure sensors on both discharge and suction side, temperature sensor on discharge side and flow meter with calorimetric principle sensor.