Different Types of HVAC Compressors

The key to understanding a compressor is by remembering that any system that cools uses an HVAC compressor.

The air conditioners and refrigerators at our homes use HVAC compressors. As the name suggests, an HVAC compressor compresses the gas to alter its pressure and temperature.

There are five types of HVAC compressors. Different HVAC Compressors offer different features and are suitable for different HVAC systems. Let’s look at the different kinds of HVAC compressors. 

1. Reciprocating compressor:

A reciprocating compressor is the most popular HVAC compressor and is found in ACs. It helps in compressing the air with the help of a piston. The piston moves up and down a cylinder and compresses the refrigerant. When the piston moves down it creates a vacuum that takes in the refrigerant. On the other hand, when the piston moves up, the refrigerant gets compressed which then moves into the condenser for further processes to take place. A reciprocating compressor is best suited for ACs.

2. Scroll compressor:

Scroll compressors are the newest addition in the line of compressors. A coil, fixed in the compressor, which is located in the center is called a scroll. One more coil is present in the compressor which rotates around the scroll. This coil while rotating pushes the refrigerant towards the scroll and compresses it. The presence of scroll makes Scroll compressors a popular choice. 

3. Screw compressor:

Screw compressors are the most reliable and efficient compressors. These compressors consist of two different helical rotors which move the air from one end to the other. So, when the refrigerant moves through the Screw compressor, space gets smaller and the refrigerant gets compressed. Screw compressors are best suited for cooling large areas where continuous cooling is required

4. Rotary compressor:

Rotary compressors are available in a number of air conditioner units. These compressors are small as compared to other compressors. Moreover, these compressors are quiet and do not make a lot of noise. So, if noise is your major concern then rotary compressors are perfect for you. The compressor contains a cylinder that consists of a shaft with blades attached to it. The shaft rotates inside the cylinder and helps to push the refrigerant through the cylinder, thereby compressing it simultaneously.

5. Centrifugal compressor:

As the name suggests, centrifugal compressors work on the principle of centrifugal force. This helps to pull in the gas. The impeller present in the centrifugal compressor is used to spin the gas. This helps in compressing the gas. Centrifugal compressors are best used in large HVAC systems. 

In order to properly maintain an HVAC system, it is important to check if the HVAC parts are functioning properly and are free from any damage. Heat exchanger, blower motor, combustion chamber, condenser, evaporator, etc. are some of the most important HVAC parts of an HVAC system.

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elain john Joined: July 28th, 2019