Common Compressors In Todays HVAC Marketplace

2012 McQuay International

Overview of topics

1.

Review of five common types of compressors (3 mins)

2. Capacity control in scroll compressors: 2-stage, digital, variable/inverter (4 mins)

3. Overview of variable compressor motor types: induction & permanent (4 mins)
4. Comparison of two types of permanent motors: Surface & Internal (3 mins)
5. Brief overview of effects on system of cycling vs. not cycling (2 mins)

6. Video of inverter vs digital operation (2.5 mins)

2012 McQuay International

Rotary Compressors
1. Typically small in size (used for lower capacity applications
ie. window air conditioners, PTACs, etc)
2. Very reliable
3. Quiet
4. Less efficient
5. Works on the principal of trapping and compressing
refrigerant vapor (positive-displacement compressor)

2012 McQuay International

Reciprocating Compressors
1. Most commonly used compressor
(refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, etc)
2. Very economical to operate
3. Piston and cylinder design, similar to an
automotive engine
4. Works on the principal of trapping and
compressing refrigerant vapor (positivedisplacement compressor)

2012 McQuay International

Screw Compressors
1. Most commonly used in water chillers ranging
from 70-450 tons (nominal)

2. Improved reliability and efficiency over

reciprocating compressors
3. Works on the principal of trapping and
compressing refrigerant vapor (positivedisplacement compressor)

2012 McQuay International

Centrifugal Compressors
1. Uses centrifugal force via a rotating impeller to
compress refrigerant vapor.
2. Different than other types of compressors mentioned
because it uses the principal od dynamic compression
(converts energy from one form to another to increase
the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant).
3. Most commonly used in large water cooled chillers.

2012 McQuay International

Scroll Compressors
1. VERY common compressor used in
the HVAC marketplace
2. Very reliable - less moving parts
3. Efficient
4. Works on the principal of trapping and
compressing refrigerant vapor
(positive-displacement compressor)

2012 McQuay International

Variable Output Comp. Technology - Unitary

2-stage scroll
Digital scroll
Variable speed induction compressor motor
Variable speed permanent magnet motors

2012 McQuay International

2-Stage Compressor
1. Available in sizes 2 to 6 tons (nominal)
2. Uses 2 internal bypass ports to enable the system
to run at approx. 67% part load for improved
efficiency and humidity control.
3. Stage 1 and stage 2 determined by pressure
differential that instantly shifts between full-load
and part-load capacity.
4. Slight increase over standard scroll compressor (up
to 5.5%)

2012 McQuay International

Digital Scroll Compressor

1. Available in sizes 3 to 15 tons
2. Uses internal separation and pulsing via valve
3. Has good part load range to 10%
4. Has average part load efficiency:
60% power at 50% load

2012 McQuay International

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Variable Speed Induction Motor Compressor

1. Available in sizes 3 to 20 tons
2. Uses variable frequency drive technology
3. Has average part load range
4. Has better-than-average part load efficiency
5. Still have induction motor losses

2012 McQuay International

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Variable Speed Induction Motor Compressor

Better efficiency than fixed speed compressor

2012 McQuay International

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Variable Speed Permanent Magnet Motor Compressor

Current examples of permanent magnet technology
ECM fan motors
compressors

2012 McQuay International

Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal

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4-Ton G3-Scroll Compressor Technology

Low pressure
Fixed
scroll

gas pressure is increased

towards
the center
Reduced friction
loss

Orbiting
scroll

Sliding thrust
member
High pressure oil

Housing
Crankshaft

2012 McQuay International

Compressed gas
load
High pressure

Inverter Benefits

High efficiency in part-load conditions

Very low startup amperage
No locked rotor amps
No stress on windings or compressor frame
No light flicker
Lubrication of bearings increases before speed
increase
System pressures increase gradually reducing noise
and stress on piping
Quiet compressor startup
Better dehumidification
Fewer start/stop cycles
As room temperature nears set point capacity is
automatically throttled down

2012 McQuay International

Inverter Technology
+V
T(sec)
-V

Frequency (Hz)

+V
T(sec)
-V
Frequency (Hz)

2012 McQuay International

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Variable Speed Permanent Magnet Motor Compressors

Core

2 Different Types

N
S
S

Rare Earth
Magnet

Neodymium
Magnet

Ferrite
Magnet

SPMSM Motor
surface permanent
(ferrite) magnet
synchronous motor

IPMSM Motor internal

permanent (rare earth)
magnet synchronous
motor. Magnets are
neodymium.

Rare earth magnets stronger More Torque

Positioned closer to rotor More Torque
More torque = Better Efficiency & Unloading

2012 McQuay International

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Inverter Motor Compressor Technology

Core

N
S
S N
S
N

Ferrite
Magnet
Surface Permanent Magnetic
2012 McQuay International

N S

Rare Earth
Magnet

Interior Permanent Magnetic

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Compressor Motor Technology

IPM Motor

Efficiency%

90
SPM Motor

80

Induction Motor

70
60
0

Speed
rpm

1800

5400

3600
Core

N
S
S N

Surface Permanent Magnetic

2012 McQuay International

N S
S
N

Ferrite
Magnet

7200

Rare Earth
Magnet

Interior Permanent Magnetic

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Inverter Scroll Performance

60% savings @ 50% load
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Digital Scroll
Rebel

25%
35%
45%
55%
65%
75%
85%
95%

% Compressor Power

% Cooling Capacity

2012 McQuay International

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Cycling Effects
Reduces latent removal
Re-evaporates coil
moisture
As cycling increases,
latent cooling goes to
zero
As humidity goes up,
cycling is more
important
2012 McQuay International

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Scroll Compressor Video

2012 McQuay International

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Daikin Scroll Compressor Video

2012 McQuay International

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