Performance analysis of a series of hermetic reciprocating compressors working with R290 (propane) and R407C

In this paper, a series of compressors with different capacities and geometries working with propane as refrigerant are analyzed in terms of the compressor model developed by [E. Navarro, E. Granryd, J.F. Urchueguía, J.M. Corberán, A phenomenological model for analyzing reciprocating compressors, International Journal of Refrigeration, in this issue, doi:10.1016/j.irefrig.2007.02.006]. The relative influence of the diverse compressor losses is estimated as a function of the operating conditions. In addition, a comparison study between propane and R407C was carried out for one compressor and the observed differences were analyzed in terms of the compressor model. This study was also useful to verify the model's goodness with the aim of predicting the compressor performance with an untested refrigerant.