Theoretical and experimental research on the working process of screw refrigeration compressor under superfeed condition

Abstract In order to increase the refrigeration capacity and improve the coefficient of performance (COP), an economizer arrangement is used in the refrigeration system with screw refrigeration compressor. In this system, the mid-pressure refrigerant gas from the economizer is injected in the screw refrigeration compressor. So it affects the performance of the compressor. In this paper, the working process of a twin screw refrigeration compressor with economizer under different superfeed pressures is studied. A mathematical model for simulating the working process of screw refrigeration compressor under superfeed condition with the economizer is presented; especially the flow coefficient of superfeed is obtained by the experimental research. To verify the model, the p – V diagrams (pressure–volume diagrams) of screw refrigeration compressor under different superfeed pressures with the economizer are recorded successfully by making use of a micro-type pressure sensor that embedded into the groove at the root of the female rotor on the discharge side. The p – V diagrams of theoretical calculation are in good agreement with the results of experimental recorded, which lead to conclusion that the model can be used as a powerful tool for performance prediction of screw refrigeration compressor, also, it is very helpful for refrigeration system design.