A conjugate heat transfer analysis of a hermetic reciprocating compressor

Thermodynamic efficiency of a household refrigeration compressor is considerably affected by superheating that occurs inside the compressor. This phenomenon can be defined as the temperature increment of the refrigerant before entering the compression volume. On its flow path; refrigerant gains heat from suction pipe, suction muffler, suction chamber and related compressor components, which are at higher temperatures. In purpose of investigating conjugated heat transfer mechanism inside a hermetic reciprocating compressor a detailed numerical model is presented. The numerical conjugate heat and flow model is formed both with fluid domain (refrigerant) and solid domain (compressor components). Effects of using different materials on temperature distribution of some key components such as the crankcase, cylinder head and the valve plate are investigated. In addition to steady state analysis, transient CFD analysis is performed in order to understand fluid flow characteristics and its influence on superheating of the refrigerant.