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Compressors in Heat Pumps

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Machine Dynamics Research
2015, Vol. 39, No 2, 71–83

Compressors in Heat Pumps

Arkadiusz Gużda1 and Norbert Szmolke2

Opole University of Technology

Abstract
Heat pumps, together with increasingly strict rigidities in construction, are selected as a
primary or secondary source of energy needed to heat or cool buildings, as well as in
production of domestic hot water. This article describes the basic structural element of heat
pump - compressor.
The article discusses the function of heat pump compressor, presents the extent
usage of different types of working machines depending on power. The authors portray
various options of compressors construction, together with an indication of selected
advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, the article shows the principle of compressor
selection in heat pump and in the form of a table presents compressors operating properties.
Keywords: heat pumps, compressor, compressors operating properties.

1 Introduction
Heat pumps are heat engines that allow the use of low temperature heat for heating
and production of domestic hot water. Interest in the heat pumps usage is
constantly increasing; this is related to the increase in the prices of energy fuels,
such as coal or natural gas. Moreover, heat pumps are machines with zero carbon
dioxide emission to the atmosphere.
Operation of these machines involves the use of heat of a lower
temperature in order to generate heat of a higher temperature that can be used for
the preparation of hot water or to heat buildings (usually by floor heating).
The process of raising the temperature requires bringing the issue of drive
energy system. The type of energy input depends on the structural solution of heat
pump (e.g. electricity, mechanical or chemical energy).

1 [email protected]
2 [email protected]
72 Gużda A., Szmolke N.

2 Structural components of heat pumps

This article focuses on one of the most important construction components of heat
pump, namely the compressor. Except the compressor the main components
forming heat pump are:
- condensers,
- evaporator,
- throttle devices / control valves,
- pressure switches and thermostats,
- auxiliary devices and security devices.
In order to visualize the process of changes taking place in heat pump a
graph of a theoretical cycle in a pressure-enthalpy (ph) a compression heat pump is
presented in the (Fig. 1).

Fig.1 Chart of theoretical cycle p-h

The refrigerant in the liquid state flowing from the condenser is
decompressed of the pressure pk prevailing in the condenser to the evaporation
pressure p0 (line 3-4) in the expansion valve. In order to change the phase of
refrigerant (line 4-1), heat is drawn from the lower heat source (it can be e.g.
atmospheric air, groundwater or surface water). Working fluid that comes from
the evaporator is compressed in the compressor (line 1-2) to the condensing
pressure pg; this is possible due to adjusting the external additional energy to the
system. Then, the refrigerant gives heat in the condenser (line 2-3), wherein the
process starts.
Working fluids perform an important role in the compression process,
which are also called operating fluids, because using them is possible to transport
heat from a lower to a higher temperature level; currently in heat pumps the most
commonly are working refrigerant: R134a, R407C and R410A (Gużda, 2015).
When designing heat pumps, despite some common features connecting
them with cooling devices, the specific conditions of using these devices should be
 Compressors in heat pumps 73

taken into account. The main difference is a variable thermal load; heat pumps
operate in more varying conditions of heat consumption than refrigeration
equipment.
Moreover, the vast majority of heat pumps can operate in two modes:
heating and cooling. Rearranging the pump (from heating to cooling and vice
versa) occurs e.g. during defrosting of evaporator, and can cause foaming of the oil
and throwing it from the compressor (Rubik, 2006).

3 Compressors used in heat pump

In heat pumps there are usually used positive displacement compressor and flow
compressor (turbocharger) (Rubik, 2006). Cyclical positive displacement
compressors compress refrigerant in the enclosed workspace. The main features of
this type of compressor is (Gaziński et. al, 2014):
1. achieving a high compression using a single-stage compressor,
2. no restrictions on the operation of the compressor due to the range of
suction pressure ,
3. lack of continuity in transporting of refrigerant.
In turn, in flow compressors water vapor undergoes rapid acceleration in
the interblade passage of a rotor, which entails the increase of kinetic energy that a
diffuser is responsible for. The main features of these compressors are (Gaziński
et. al, 2014):
1. factor reduced compression,
2. increased flow rate of the compressed refrigerant.
Fig. 2 presents the scope of usage of various types of compressors.

Fig. 2. Scope of usage of various types of compressors, (Rubik, 2006)

74 Gużda A., Szmolke N.

3.1 Reciprocating compressors

They are classified among positive displacement compressors. The principle of
operation is based on cycles of suction, discharge and extrusion of water vapor of
working factor. Due to reciprocating movement, performed by the piston in an
enclosed cylinder space, the change of volume of vapor of factor appears. The
main characteristic element of this type of compressor is a crankshaft, which is
designed to convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into reciprocating movement
of the piston. To improve the efficiency the compressor (Bae, Kim, Kim, Chang)
have developed a two-step capacity modulation method for a reciprocation
compressor, by changing the dead volume in the cylinder. Classification of
reciprocating compressors, according to (Rubik,2006), is carried out with the
following characteristics:
- system and number of valves,
- system and number of cylinders,
- construction of the closure of the compressor body,
- number of compression stages and type of refrigerant.

Fig. 3 shows a simplified diagram of a reciprocating compressor.

Fig. 3. Simplified diagram of a reciprocating compressor:1 - compressor suction area, 2 -

working area, 3 - pressure area, 4 - piston of compressor.

3.2 Rotary compressors

In rotary compressors, classified among positive displacement compressors, the
working factor is compressed by the rotation of the piston in the cylinder. By using
the rotating piston, it was possible to eliminate the crankshaft, which facilitates a
 Compressors in heat pumps 75

compact construction and reduce the noise in relation to noise emitted by the
reciprocating compressors.
The operation principle is based on the gas compression by the rotating
piston, which is mounted eccentrically to the cylinder. A blade, under the thrust of
the spring, adjacent to the surface of the piston, divides the space in the cylinder
compressor into two parts: suction and pressure. Fig. 4 shows a diagram of a rotary
compressor.

Fig. 4. Diagram of a rotary compressor

3.3 Scroll compressors

Scroll compressors are also classified as positive displacement compressors. Two
scrolls perform the compression process. One of them is fixedly mounted and the
second does the planetary moves.
Due to the performance of planetary motion the decrease in the
compression from the suction side to the pressure side is occurring. The principle
of operation of the scroll compressor is shown in (Fig.5).
76 Gużda A., Szmolke N.

Fig.5. The principle of operation of the scroll compressor

During the movement of the orbiting scroll, gas is sucked on the outer
circumference of the scroll. Compression occurs by decreasing the space between
the two scrolls. During the compression process, there are three degrees of
compression (Butrymowicz et. al, 2014): low, medium and high in the center part
of the scroll.
In relation to reciprocating compressors, scroll compressors do not have
the harmful space, which gives the advantage of efficiency of nearly 100%.
Sealing element between the scrolls is a thin layer of lubricant film (Butrymowicz
et. al, 2014). By arranging the active scroll on compressor shaft together with
eccentric shift, its orbiting is possible. In turn, scroll is steadily mounted to the
compressor body, and a discharge openning is located in the fixed part. According
to (Jianguo, 2009) for a scroll fluid machine, the orbiting radius should be the most
important basic parameter because orbiting movement of orbiting scroll relative to
the fixed scroll is its basic characteristic.
Compared with reciprocating compressors, scroll compressors have the
following advantages: (Rubik, 2006)
- fewer moving parts,
- smaller size (this stems from the removing of system to convert rotary to
reciprocating motion),
- resistant to water hammer,
- slight variation of dynamic load of the motor shaft,
- low vibration,
- increased service life.
 Compressors in heat pumps 77

3.4 Rotary Screw Compressors

These compressors are among the positive displacement compressors. Their major
structural elements are two helical rotors that vary in the number of teeth and
notches. They are arranged parallel to each other in the closed body with two lids.
Backlash, which must be maintained between the rotors and the hull, is sealed with
lubricant film during compressor operation.
Working fluid is sucked through the suction chamber and extruded
through the pressure side, which is located in the opposite cover. Diagram of
rotary screw compressor is shown in (Fig.6). In operation of this type of
compressors, there are four phases (Butrymowicz et. al, 2014):
- suction,
- transport of a factor towards the pressure side,
- compression,
- extrusion.

Fig. 6. Diagram of rotary screw compressor 1 - compressor suction area, 2 - screw

compressor rotors, 3 - pressure area.
Rotary screw compressor in comparison to reciprocating compressor are
characterized by the following advantages (Rubik, 2006):
- no flow pulsation and vibration, thanks to the presence of only the
rotation,
- no working valves,
- are not susceptible to water hammer,
- give the possibility of continuously variable heating power in the range of
20-100% of maximum power.
78 Gużda A., Szmolke N.

Until recently, rotary screw compressors were used in heat pumps with
high output. Screw compressors can be either single or multistage machines.
Multistage are used for the compressor where the higher pressure ratio are
required. A special challenge is with the optimisation of the multistage
compressor, because the compressor geometry parameters, operational conditions
and the interstage pressures are optimised (Stosic, Smith, Kovacevic, 2003).
Recently launched compressor so called „miniscrew” is used in thermal
machines with a capacity of greater than 125 kW. They all have the advantages of
their larger counterparts i.e. a small number of moving parts, flexible adjustment
of the performance and low vibration (Rubik, 2006).

3.5 Centrifugal compressors (flow)

In the centrifugal compressor, discharge of the refrigerant occurs through the
action of centrifugal force. In addition, an increase of static pressure can be
obtained due to the diffuser (by decreasing the flow rate of refrigerant). The
direction of flow can be adjusted using the guide vanes. Depending on the
direction of flow of refrigerant vapor, we distinguish axial compressor and radial
compressor, but for the construction of heat pumps, radial compressors are
generally selected. Centrifugal compressors are most commonly used in heat
pumps with high power; it involves the fact that in order to achieve a sufficiently
high efficiency of the flow compressor, the minimum flow rate of refrigerant
vapors, which is drained from the last stage of compression should be 0.2-0.3 m3/s,
at a rotational speed of n = 83.5 -167 1/s (Rubik, 2006). Undoubtedly, an
advantage of centrifugal compressor is the elimination of gear train during the
design stage, which brings further advantages: reducing the number of bearings
and lubrication system simplification. All these features result in a reduction of
mechanical losses that occur in the compressor and affect the reliability of
operation.

4 Selection of compressors
The selection of the appropriate compressor in the heat pump is largely determined
by the required thermal power of this machine, the parameters of the installation
and the type of refrigerant used. In addition to these features, at the design stage,
the conditions of operation in which the compressor will operate should be
determined. Table 1 summarizes some of the performance characteristics of
compressors used in heat pumps.
Table 2 shows some of the characteristic features, including the type of
compressor used in a construction for 28 air - water heat pumps with an integrated
water tank. In all of described heat pumps refrigerant R134a was applied. In the
Fig. 7 test results of the coefficient of performance (COP) for 28 heat pumps was
 Compressors in heat pumps 79

described. The test results of COP was carried out according to the new BS EN
16147 standard (WPZ-Bulletin 08-2015, Information sheet of the Heat Pump Test
Center WPZ in Buchs, Switzerland).

Fig. 7. Test results of COP selected heat pumps

Referring to the data contained in Table 2, with the results shown in Fig. 7,
may notice that in tested air - water heat pumps with an integrated water tank,
applied: rotary compressor (in 25 cases), reciprocating compressor (2 cases) and
one heat pump with scroll compressor. Whereas the COP included in the range:
2.3 - 3.8; the mean value was approximately 3.1.

5 Summary
Selection of suitable compressor is a challenge for the constructor of heat pumps,
as it requires an appropriate knowledge and strict definition of operating
parameters and type of such a pump. It is also important to determine the
destination (use) of heat pumps, its thermal power, selection of correct refrigerant
and other information, i.e. determination of the static characteristics of the
compressor.
Currently, in heat pumps there are used reciprocating compressors, rotary
screw compressors, spiral and flow compressors. Each of these has a
recommendation for use in certain circumstances. Moreover, at the design stage of
these heat machines, the fact that they operate under dynamically changing thermal
load should be taken into account. It should be noted that (refers to the data
included in Table 2), now the most widely used in air - water heat pumps with an
integrated water tank are rotary compressors.
80 Gużda A., Szmolke N.

Table 1. Chosen performance characteristics of compressors used in heat pumps (Rubik,

2006).
Type of compressor Reciprocating Rotary Centrifugal
Feature Scroll
Rotary screw
Type of compression static static dynamic

Flow of the medium pulsatile continuous continuous

Usage major structural significant slight slight

elements

Sensitivity to moisture large - small

vapor refrigerant

Changing the performance constant constant large

with fluctuations in
discharge pressure

The ability to regulate the displacement stepless stepless

heating power at a constant regulation regulation regulation
engine rpm (constant) (limited)
 Compressors in heat pumps 81

Table 2. Selected features of the heat pumps.

Refrigeran
Number Source
t Indoor/outdoor Type of
of heat temperature
capacity air compressor
pump [°C]
[dm3]
1 1.10 indoor 15 scroll
2 1.25 indoor 15 rotary
3 1.00 indoor 20 rotary
4 1.28 indoor 15 rotary
5 1.45 indoor 15 rotary
6 0.83 indoor 15 rotary
7 1.28 indoor 15 rotary
8 1.70 outdoor 7 rotary
9 1.70 outdoor 7 rotary
10 1.72 outdoor 7 rotary
11 1.20 indoor 15 rotary
12 1.00 outdoor 7 rotary
13 1.00 indoor 15 reciprocating
14 0.90 indoor 15 rotary
15 0.90 indoor 20 reciprocating
16 0.95 indoor 15 rotary
17 0.90 indoor 20 rotary
18 1.10 indoor 15 rotary
19 1.10 indoor 15 rotary
20 0.66 indoor 15 rotary
21 0.85 indoor 15 rotary
22 0.73 indoor 15 rotary
23 1.00 indoor 20 rotary
24 0.90 outdoor 7 rotary
25 0.90 indoor 20 rotary
26 0.90 indoor 20 rotary
27 1.00 indoor 15 rotary
28 1.00 outdoor 7 rotary

References
Bae, Y.J., Kim, J.B. , Kim, J. K., Chang, Y. J., 2008, Mode change design for capacity
modulation in reciprocating compressor, Journal of Mechanical Science and
Technology, 22, 2008, 1391-1399
Butrymowicz, D., Baj, P., Śmierciew, K., 2014, Cooling technique, PWN, Warszawa, in
Polish.
Gaziński, B., et. al., 2014, Refrigerant compressors. Construction and Application, in:
B.Gaziński (ed.), Systherm, Poznań, in Polish.
Gużda, A., 2015, Selected refrigerants used in a heat pumps, Zeszyty Naukowe
Politechniki Opolskiej, Mechanika, z.105, 73-76, in Polish.
 82 Gużda A., Szmolke N.

Jianguo, Q., 2009, Study on basic parameters of scroll fluid machine based on general
profile, Mechanism and Machine Theory, 45, 2010, 212–223.
Rubik, M., 2006, Heat pumps. Guide, Ośrodek Informacji, Technika instalacyjna w
budownictwie, Warszawa, in Polish.
Stosic, N., Smith, I.K., Kovacevic, A., 2003, Optimisation of screw compressors, Applied
Thermal Engineering, 23, 2003, 1177–1195.
WPZ-Bulletin, 2015, Information sheet of the Heat Pump Test Center, WPZ in Buchs,
Switzerland.

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