Question:
The criterion of the thermodynamic efficiency of a reciprocating compressor is isothermal compression while for rotory compressor it is isentropic compression. Discuss the reason for this.
Answer:
The compression process in reciprocating compressor may approach to low speed of compression and cylinder cooling. Therefore isothermal efficiency is used in reciprocating compressor. But in rotary compressor there is high friction and eddies formation due to high velocity air through the compressor. This causes heating of air during compression process. Therefore temperature of air leaving the impeller is higher than the isentropic compression. The compressor may be as high as 1.7 (n>t). Therefore isentropic efficiency is used in rotary compressor.