A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. An air compressor is a specific type of gas compressor.
Compressors are similar to pumps: both increase the pressure on a fluid and both can transport the fluid through a pipe. As gases are compressible, the compressor also reduces the volume of a gas. Liquids are relatively incompressible; while some can be compressed, the main action of a pump is to pressurize and transport liquids.
Types of Compressor:
There are three main types of technology used for refrigeration compressors: Piston refrigerator compressors. Screw refrigeration compressors. Scroll refrigeration compressors (spiral compressors)
As well as three types of systems:
- Open refrigeration compressors.
- Semi-hermetic compressors.
- Hermetic refrigeration compressors.
It works as a pump to control the circulation of the refrigerant, and it adds pressure to the refrigerant, heating it up. The compressor also draws vapor away from the evaporator to maintain a lower pressure and lower temperature before sending it to the condenser.
The compressor is the pump that enables the flow of the refrigerant. The compressor works by increasing the pressure and temperature of the vaporized refrigerant.