The theoretical and experimental research on the thermodynamic process in transcritical carbon dioxide piston compressor

Abstract

The general mathematical model of the transcritical CO2 compressor was presented to assess the compressor efficiencies including isentropic efficiency and volumetric efficiency based on the thermodynamic theories and compressor structures. Furthermore, the prototype of the transcritical CO2 system was established and relative measurements were carried out to evaluate the precision of the simulation. Results showed that the volumetric efficiency of the compressor kept decreasing while the isentropic efficiency increased first and then kept almost constant and even declined with the increase in the pressure ratio. Besides, the indicated efficiency and volumetric efficiency declined slightly with the decrease in the suction density corresponding to the increase in suction superheating. As for the effects of compressor structures on the performances, the indicated efficiency increased sharply and then decreased gradually, while the volumetric efficiency kept declining with the increase in the cylinder diameter-to-height ratio, respectively.