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What are the different types of compressors used in air conditioners and refrigerators? What are the main differences between them?
In air conditioners and refrigerators, the commonly used compressors are mainly of the following types, each with its own characteristics in structure, working principle and application scenarios:
Reciprocating Compressor
Working Principle: Compress the gas by reciprocating motion of the piston in the cylinder. The gas is sucked into the cylinder and compressed by the movement of the piston.
Features: Simple structure, easy maintenance, suitable for small and medium-sized refrigeration systems.
Application: Widely used in household refrigerators and air conditioners.
Scroll Compressor
Working Principle: Compress the gas by the relative motion of two scrolls. One scroll is fixed, the other scroll rotates on it, and the gas is compressed between the scrolls.
Features: Smooth operation, low noise, high energy efficiency, compact structure and low failure rate.
Application: Commonly used in commercial and household air conditioners and some high-efficiency refrigerators.
Screw Compressor
Working Principle: Compress the gas by the interaction of two screws. The gas is gradually compressed in the space between the screws.
Features: Suitable for large-scale refrigeration systems, high efficiency, can withstand high loads, and suitable for continuous operation.
Applications: Widely used in industrial refrigeration and central air-conditioning systems.
Centrifugal Compressor
Working Principle: The gas is accelerated and converted into pressure through a high-speed rotating impeller. The gas is accelerated in the impeller, and then the kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy through the diffuser.
Features: Suitable for large-scale refrigeration systems, high efficiency, low noise, suitable for high flow and high pressure occasions.
Applications: Common in large central air-conditioning and industrial cooling systems.
Rotary Compressor
Working Principle: The gas is compressed in the cylinder using a rotating part (usually one or more rotors).
Features: Compact structure, smooth operation, low noise, suitable for small refrigeration equipment.
Applications: Commonly used in household air conditioners and small refrigerators.
Main Differences
Structure and Working Principle: Different types of compressors use different mechanical principles, such as piston type uses piston motion, while vortex and screw types use rotational motion.
Efficiency and energy consumption: Scroll and centrifugal compressors are generally more efficient than piston compressors and are suitable for high loads and long-term operation.
Applicable scenarios: Piston and rotary compressors are suitable for small equipment, while screw and centrifugal compressors are more suitable for large-scale refrigeration needs.
Noise and maintenance: Scroll and rotary compressors are generally quieter and require relatively less maintenance, while piston compressors may require more frequent maintenance.
