Detailed Experimental Validation of the Thermal and Fluid Dynamic Behavior of Hermetic Reciprocating Compressors

A detailed experimental analysis of the thermal and fluid dynamic behavior of hermetic reciprocating compressors is presented. A hermetic compressor for household appliances has been experimentally tested. The fluid and solid thermal map evolution has been logged in several strategic points. The absolute instantaneous pressure has been determined in three specific zones: suction muffler, compression chamber, and cylinder head. The pV diagram inside the compressor chamber has also been experimentally obtained for the different working conditions studied without any previous hypothesis to determine the absolute pressure level. A complete description of the experimental equipment and its instrumentation is included. This experimental approach has allowed validating a mathematical model developed for the numerical simulation of the thermal and fluid dynamic behavior of hermetic reciprocating compressors. Good agreement between the detailed numerical results and the experimental data has been obtained, allowin...