Thermodynamic analysis of reciprocating compressors

A global model for the thermodynamic analysis of reciprocating compressors is presented. The model is based on five main and four secondary dimensionless physically meaningful parameters. Expressions for the volumetric effectiveness, the work per unit mass and the indicated efficiency are derived. The model has been used in order to predict the performance of a reciprocating air compressor under various operating conditions. The model proves to be a very accurate and useful tool to analyse the compressor performance. The relative importance of the various losses and the influence of different parameters on the reciprocating compressor behaviour are discussed. Especially the in-cylinder residual mass fraction and the walt to fluid heat transfer influences on the reciprocating compressor performance are highlighted. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.