COMPRESSORS

Slides from:
Dr. Norasikin Mat Isa

1
 CHAPTER 3
RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
3. Reciprocating Compressor (8 hours)
3.1 Work Cycle, Indicated Work and Power, and
Conditions for Minimum Work
3.2 Compressors with Clearance Test
–7 3.3 Performance Criteria of the Compressor F
(Mechanical Efficiency, Isothermal Efficiency and
Volumetric Efficiency)
3.4 Multistage Compressors

7 TEST 1 – Wednesday 22nd March 2017 (8.00 pm F2 Level 2)

8 MID-SEMESTER BREAK (02 – 08 April 2017)
4. Refrigeration Systems (12 hours) 2
4.1 Reversible Heat Engine
 CHAPTER 3
RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
1.  Introduction
2.  Working Cycle & p-v Diagram
3.  Indicated Power and Work
4.  Conditions for Minimum Work
5.  Isothermal Efficiency
6.  Mechanical Efficiency
7.  Clearance Volume
8.  Volumetric Efficiency
9.  Multistage Compressor

3
1. INTRODUCTION
§  Compressors use mechanical work to take an amount of
fluid and deliver it at a required pressure
§  An efficient compressor increases pressure with
minimum work
§  The amount of fluid is limited by the volume of the
compressor cylinder which is fixed
§  The reciprocating compressor operates in a cyclic
manner
§  The properties of the working fluid at inlet and outlet are
average values

4
1. INTRODUCTION
§  Two types – reciprocating and rotary positive displacement
machines
§  Reciprocating type:
Ø  low mass flow rate and high-pressure ratios
Ø  Pressure up to 500 bar and above
§  Rotary type
Ø  high mass flow rate and low-pressure ratios
Ø  Scavenging & supercharging of engine (exhausting &
vacuum pumping)
Ø  Pressure > 9 bar: vane-type rotary machine

5
Basic Components of a Reciprocating Compressor
A compressor consist of: Outlet Inlet

a.  crank case encloses the compression

Delivery Induction
volume valve valve
b.  crank shaft rotates the crank Piston
c.  piston moves through the cylinder during
Connecting
each cycle rod
d.  crank and connecting rod connects the
Crank
crank with the piston
e.  spring loaded induction and delivery
valves
f.  cylinder where piston travels Crank
case

The crank shaft is usually driven by an electric

motor or mechanical system powered by Schematic
combustion

6
Basic Components of a Reciprocating Compressor

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1. Air intake, 8. Pressure gauge,
2. Compressor pump, 9. Manifold,
3.Outlet, 10. Regulator,
4. Drive belt, 11. Supply line,
5. Motor, 12. Air tank,
6. Control switch, 13. Water drain,
7. Relief valve,

- Example -

8
Types of compressors
(www.brighthubengineering.com)

n  Compressors are classified in many ways out of which

the common one is the classification based on the
principle of operation.

n  Types of Compressors:
a.  Positive Displacement and
b.  Roto-Dynamic Compressors.

n  Positive displacement compressors can be further

divided into Reciprocating and rotary compressors.

9
Types of compressors
(www.brighthubengineering.com)

10
Types of compressors
(www.brighthubengineering.com)

Under the classification of reciprocating compressors, we

have:
a.  In-line compressors,
b.  “V”-shaped compressors,
c.  Tandem Piston compressors.
d.  Single-acting compressors,
e.  Double-acting compressors,
f.  Diaphragm compressors.

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Types of compressors (www.brighthubengineering.com) 12
http://navalfacilities.tpub.com/mo206/mo2060025im.jpg 13
Types of compressors
(www.brighthubengineering.com)

The rotary compressors are divided into:

a.  Screw compressors,
b.  Vane type compressors,
c.  Lobe and scroll compressors and other types.

Under the Roto-dynamic compressors, we have:

a.  Centrifugal compressors
b.  Axial flow compressors.

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Types of compressors
(www.brighthubengineering.com)

The compressors are also classified based on other aspects

like:
a.  Number of stages (single-stage, 2-stage and multi-stage),
b.  Cooling method and medium (Air cooled, water cooled and oil-
cooled),
c.  Drive types ( Engine driven, Motor driven, Turbine driven, Belt,
chain, gear or direct coupling drives),
d.  Lubrication method (Splash lubricated or forced lubrication or oil-
free compressors).
e.  Service Pressure (Low, Medium, High)

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 Types of compressors
(www.brighthubengineering.com)

Single-Acting Compressors:

•  These are usually reciprocating compressors, which has piston working

on air only in one direction.

•  The other end of the piston is often free or open which does not perform
any work.

•  The air is compressed only on the top part of the piston.

•  The bottom of the piston is open to crankcase and not utilized for the
compression of air.

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Types of compressors
(www.brighthubengineering.com)
Double-Acting Compressors:

•  These compressors are having two sets of suction/intake and delivery

valves on both sides of the piston.

•  As the piston moves up and down, both sides of the piston is utilized in
compressing the air.

•  The intake and delivery valves operate corresponding to the stroke of the
compressor.

•  The compressed air delivery is comparatively continuous when

compared to a single-acting air compressor.

•  Thus both sides of the pistons are effectively used in compressing the
air.
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 Double-acting Compressors
n  A single-acting compressor completes one compression cycle with
one revolution of the crank
n  A double-acting compressor completes two compression cycles
with one revolution of the crank
n  So the mass induce per revolution is twice than a single acting
where

⎛ kg ⎞ ⎛ kg ⎞
m! = 2 × [N × m ] ⎜ ⎟ or m! = 2 × [N × (ma − md )] ⎜ ⎟
⎝ min ⎠ ⎝ min ⎠

Delivery Delivery

Induction Induction

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 2. WORKING CYCLE & THE p-V DIAGRAM
n  (d – a): Induction (intake) Delivery
q  Induction valve opens valve
q  Air is induced into the cylinder
q  Volume and mass increases
q  Pressure and temperature is constant Induction
during this process valve

n  (a – b): Compression v2 v1
q  Inlet valve closes p
q  Piston compresses air
q  Pressure rises until P2 at (b)
c b
p2
q  Temperature also increases

n  (b – c): Delivery
q  Delivery valve opens
q  High pressure air is delivered
q  Pressure and temperature is constant p1 d a
during this process
e f v
0
n  Compression process is reversible
polytropic and follows the law pVn = C

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3. INDICATED POWER & WORK
n  The work done on air for one cycle is the area in the graph (area abcd)
n  Considering a polytropic process which follows the gas law PVn =
constant
p
n  Work for polytropic process is given by:

p v − p1v 1 P2 c b
Win = 2 2
1− n
where
n = polytropic index of a gas P1 d a

V
0 e f

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n  Work input per cycle p

Win = area abcd

cycle P2 c b
= area abef + area bc0e − area ad0f
(p V − p1Va ) + p V − p V
= 2 b 2 b 1 a
n −1
p V − p1v a + (n − 1) p 2v b − (n − 1) p1v a
= 2 b P1 d a
n −1
n V
= (p 2Vb − p1Va ) 0 e f
n −1

Since p1Va = mRT 1 and p 2Vb = mRT 2 Indicated Power

So, work input per cycle n •
IP = m R (T 2 − T 1 )
n −1
Win n
cycle
= (mRT 2 − mRT 1 ) where m! = N × m and
n −1
n N = R.p.m
= mR (T 2 − T 1 )
n −1

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 n •
ii. Indicated power can be determine using formula IP = m R (T 2 − T1 )
n −1
n −1

Find T2 first using formula T 2 = ⎛⎜ P2 ⎞⎟

n
• 
T 1 ⎜⎝ P1 ⎟⎠
1.35 −1
⎛ 7 ⎞ 1.35
= 475.4K
T 2 = 288⎜ ⎟
⎝ 1.013 ⎠

1.35 1.23
•  Indicated power; IP = × × 0.287(475.4 − 288 )
1.35 − 1 60

Indicated Power = 4.25kW

P (bar)

7 2

1.013 1

V
0

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4. CONDITIONS FOR MINIMUM WORK
n  We know that the work done is equal to the area under the graph
n  The smaller the area the lesser the work and the better the
compressor
n  For reciprocating compressors, the pressure ratio is fixed, so the
height of p-v diagram is fixed
n  The volume of cylinder is also fixed so the line d-a is fixed
n  Therefore the area representing work depends the index n.
n  For n = 1,
pV = constant (Isothermal)
n  For n = γ,
pVγ = constant (isentropic)
n  So, the process can be polytropic, isothermal or isentropic

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n  pV =constant (isothermal) p
b1 b b2
n  pVγ =constant (isentropic) P2 c
n  pVn =constant (polytropic) pV = C
pVn = C
pVγ = C
n  From here it can be seen
that the isothermal process
is the best because it P1 d a
requires minimum work
0 e f
v2 v1 V
n  So it is best that the gas
temperature is constant
throughout the compression
cycle

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 5. ISOTHERMAL WORK

Work = area ab1ef + area b1c0e - area ad0f

p p
= p2Vb1 ln 1 + p1Vb1 − p1Va b1
p2 P2 c
for isothermal process p1Va = p2Vb
pV = C
p p
Win = p2Vb1 ln 2 = p1Va ln 2
p1 p1
From pV = mRT
P1 d a
p
Win = mRT ln 2
p1 e f
0
where T is the constant temperature V
p2
Isothermal power = m! RT ln
p1

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ISOTHERMAL EFFICIENCY
n  Isothermal efficiency indicates isothermal work
compared to the indicated work.

Isothermal Work
Isothermal Efficiency ,ηisoth =
Indicated Work

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6. MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, ηm
n  Because there are moving mechanical parts in the compressor, it is
likely that losses will occur due to friction
n  Therefore power required to drive the compressor is actually more
higher than the indicated power
n  So there is need to measure the mechanical efficiency of the cycle
n  Mechanical efficiency of the compressor is given by:

indicated power
η =
m required power

Power system Compressor

[Power required] > [Indicated power]

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•  If Indicated power IP = 4.5 kW and mechanical efficiency, ηm is 0.8
the shaft power would be:

4.5kW
Shaft power = = 5.625kW
0.8

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7. CLEARANCE VOLUME (VC)

n  In actual compressors, piston does not reach the top of wall of the
cylinder.
n  Instead it reaches maximum stroke at a certain distance from the wall.
n  The remaining volume of the cylinder where piston does not travel
through is call the clearance volume VC.
n  The volume where the piston does travel through is called the swept
volume, VS.
n  Purpose – to give freedom for working parts and space for valve
operations

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Process P

n  After delivery at (c) (volume is e c b

p2
VC, pressure is p2 and
PVn = C
temperature is T2). So, there are
some gas left in the cylinder PVn = C
n  When piston moves downward,
this gas expands according to
p1
PVn = C until p1 at (d). f d a
n  Then induction begins (d – a)
VC VS v
n  T h e n g a s i s c o m p r e s s e d
according to PVn = C VC = Clearance volume
n  Finally there is the delivery (b – VS = Swept volume
c)

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Effect of VC
P
n  Because of the expansion of
e c b
gas remaining in the V C , p2
induced volume is reduced from PVn = C
swept volume VS to (Va – Vd)
PVn = C
which is the effective volume

V = Va − Vd or V! = V!a − V!d p1
f d a
n  Mass or air per unit time
VC VS v
m! a = m! b and m! c = m! d

n  Mass delivered per unit time =

mass induced per unit time
! =m
m !b −m
!c = m
!a −m
!d

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INDICATED WORK & INDICATED POWER FOR
COMPRESSOR WITH CLEARANCE VOLUME
Work done per cycle
W = area abcd = area abef - area cefd
cycle
n n
Indicated power W! = m! a R (T 2 − T 1 ) − m! d R (T 2 − T 1 )
n −1 n −1
n
= (m! a − m! d )R (T 2 − T1 )
n −1 P
e c b
because m! a − m! d = m! (mass induc ed per unit time ) p2
n −1 PVn = C
⎡ ⎤
n ! n ! ⎛ p ⎞ n
W! = mR (T 2 − T 1 ) = mRT 1 ⎢⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ − 1⎥
n −1 n −1 ⎢⎝ p 1 ⎠ ⎥ PVn = C
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
⎛ kg ⎞
where m! = N × m ⎜ ⎟
⎝ min ⎠ p1
f d a
⎛ kg ⎞
or m! = N × (ma − md ) ⎜ ⎟
⎝ min ⎠
VC VS v

n  We see here that the work done per cycle and indicated power per unit mass
is the same whether with or without clearance 32
8. VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY, ηv
n  Volumetric efficiency is another definition to measure the
performance of a compressor.
n  The are two ways how to define volumetric efficiency:
q  1st definition:

The ratio of the actual induced mass (mactual) in the cylinder

with ideal induced mass at free air condition (mideal). Free air
condition is basically the ambient condition

mactual =
P1 (Va −Vd ) and PoV s
mideal =
RT 1 RT o
Where Po is the ambient pressure
To is the ambient temperature

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 P

n  So by first definition, p2
e c b

P1 (Va −Vd ) PVn = C

RT 1 P (V −Vd ) RT 0
ηv = = 1 a × PVn = C
P0V s RT 1 P0V s
RT 0
p1
ηv
(V −Vd ) × P1 × T 0
= a
f d a

Vs P0 T 1
VC VS v
n  If assume P1 = Po and T1 = T o , ηv
(V −Vd )
= a
Vs
V s + V c − V d V s Vc V d
ηv = = + −
Vs Vs Vs Vs
V ⎛ V ⎞ V ⎛V ⎞
ηv = 1 + c ⎜⎜1 − d ⎟⎟ = 1 − c ⎜⎜ d − 1⎟⎟ (1)
Vs ⎝ Vc ⎠ Vs ⎝Vc ⎠

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 n n
n  Since P1Vd = P2Vc
1
n
⎛Vd ⎞ P Vd ⎛ P2 ⎞ n
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = 2 and therefore = ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝Vc ⎠ P1 Vc ⎝ P1 ⎠

n  Insert the above equation to equation (1) and we get

1
⎛ ⎞
Vc ⎜ ⎛ P2 ⎞ n ⎟
ηv = 1 − ⎜ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ − 1 ⎟
V s ⎜ ⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
NOTE:
The above equation is only true when Po=P1 and To=T1

35
VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY, ηv
q  2nd definition:
The ratio of the actual volume (Vactual) in the cylinder that is
measured at free air condition with swept volume (Vs)

Vactual (at free air condition)

ηv =
Vs
We know that actual mass induced is
P1 (Va −Vd )
mactual =
RT 1

If we measure actual mass induced at free air condition, it will be

Po (Vactual )
mactual =
RT o

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n  Combining the two mathematical definition, we get

Po (Vactual ) P1 (Va −Vd )

=
RT o RT 1
P1 T 0
Vactual = (Va −Vd ) × × (1)
P0 T 1

n  Insert equation (1) into ηv = Vactual (at free air condition)

Vs
ηv =
(Va −Vd ) × P1 × T 0
Vs P0 T 1

n  Note that the equation above is the same the one in the first
definition.

37
FREE AIR DELIVERY (FAD)

n  The actual volume of air induced or delivered that is measured at free

air temperature & pressure is called free air delivery (FAD).
P T
n  Looking back at, FAD is Vactual = FAD = (Va −Vd ) × 1 × 0
P0 T 1
Where Po is the ambient pressure
To is the ambient temperature

n  For a single acting compressor, if N rpm, FAD can be defined as

P1 T 0
V!actual = FAD = (Va −Vd ) × × ×N
P0 T 1
n  For a double acting compressor,
P1 T 0
V!actual = FAD = (Va −Vd ) × × × 2N
P0 T 1

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9. MULTI-STAGING COMPRESSOR
•  When delivery pressure is P
increased to a higher value, p4 c” b”
several weaknesses were
found:
p3 c b’
1.  Induce volume will become ’
lesser
2.  Increase in delivery
temperature p2 c b

3.  Decrease of volumetric

efficiency (FAD becomes lesser
were else no change in Vs) p1
d d’ d” a

•  To overcome those matter, V

VC VS
multi-staging compressor is
introduced

39
 Coolant in Coolant out

P1,Ta Pi,Tb Pi,Ta P2,Tc

Intercooler
LP HP Compressor
Compressor

n  It consist of more than one compressor where the air passes through
an intercooler before entering the next compressor.
n  The size of the next compressor is smaller to compromise Vs.
n  In the intercooler, heat is transferred to the surrounding and
temperature will decreased. It will be brought back to its inlet
temperature (before induction process).
n  It is assumed that all compressors will have the same polytropic
index.

40
 p

a-b : PVn=C compression P2

g f

b-e : Q from air to surrounding

HP
CPMPRESSOR
Temperature drops from Tb to Te.
Ideally Te=Ta
e-f : PVn=C compression Pi
c h b
e

Advantages:
LP CPMPRESSOR

a.  Slight increase in temperature

b.  Increase in volumetric efficiency a
P1
d

c.  Saving in work ( shaded area)

V
Vc Vs

***NOTES:
a.  Since no mass is allow to escape during its travel, mLP = mHP
b.  If pressure ratio and the ratio of Vc/Vs is the same, volumetric efficiency
for both compressor is the same.

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IDEAL INTERMEDIATE PRESSURE

n  The value chosen for the intermediate pressure pi influences the work
to be done on the air and its distribution between the stages.
dW!
n  Minimum power happen when =0 p(bar)

dPi g f
n −1 n −1 P2
⎧ ⎫ ⎧ ⎫
n ⎪⎛ P ⎞ n
⎪ n ! ⎪⎛ P ⎞ n
⎪
W! = m! RT 1 ⎨⎜⎜ i ⎟⎟ − 1⎬ + mRT e ⎨⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ − 1⎬ HP
COMPRESSOR

n −1 ⎪⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎪ n −1 ⎪⎝ Pi ⎠ ⎪
⎩ ⎭ ⎩ ⎭
We know T e = T1
c h e b
Pi

n −1 n −1 LP COMPRESSOR
⎧ ⎫
n ⎪ ⎛ P ⎞ n ⎛ P ⎞ n
⎪
W! = m! RT 1 ⎨⎜⎜ i ⎟⎟ + ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ − 2⎬
n −1 ⎪⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎝ Pi ⎠ ⎪ 1.013
d
a

⎩ ⎭
V
Vc Vs

dW! n −1
⎛ 2(nn−1) ⎞
= (P1P2 ) − ⎜ Pi
n ⎟=0
dPi ⎝ ⎠

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 n −1
⎛ 2(nn−1 ) ⎞
(P1P2 ) n = ⎜ Pi ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Pi P2
P1P2 = Pi ( ) 2
or =
P1 Pi
(pressure ratio is the same for each stage)

n  The total minimum work can be written as

n −1 n −1
⎧ ⎫
n ⎪ ⎛ P ⎞ n ⎛ P ⎞ n
⎪
W! = m! RT 1 ⎨⎜⎜ i ⎟⎟ + ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ − 2⎬
n −1 ⎪⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎝ Pi ⎠ ⎪
⎩ ⎭
n −1
⎧ ⎫
n ⎪ ⎛ P ⎞ 2n
⎪
W! = 2 × m! RT 1 ⎨⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ − 1⎬
n −1 ⎪⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎪
⎩ ⎭

n  So for compressor with Z stages, total minimum work is

n −1
⎧ ⎫
n ⎪ ⎛ P ⎞ Zn
⎪
W! = Z × m! RT 1 ⎨⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ − 1⎬
n −1 ⎪⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎪
⎩ ⎭

43
EXAMPLES

44
EXAMPLE 4.1
n  A single stage reciprocating compressor operates by inducing
1m3/min of air at 1.013 bar and 15oC and delivers it at 7bar.
Assume the compression process being polytropic and the
polytropic index is 1.35. Calculate:
i.  Mass of air delivered per minute
ii.  Indicated power

SOLUTION

i.  Mass of air delivered per minute can be determine using pV! = m! RT

! pV!
so m =
RT

m! =
(1.013 × 100) × 1 kg
= 1.23
0.287 × (15 + 273) min

45
EXAMPLE 4.2
n  A single stage reciprocating compressor induce 1.23kg/min
of air at pressure 1.023 bar and temperature 23oC and
delivers it at 8.5 bar. If its polytropic index is 1.3,
determine:
i.  Indicated power
ii.  Isothermal power
iii.  Isothermal efficiency

46
SOLUTION
kg
n  We know: m! = 1.23 , P1 = 1.023bar @ 102.3kPa
min
T1 = 23o C @ 296K and P2 = 8.5bar @ 850kPa

n •
i. Indicated power can be determine using IP = m R (T 2 − T1 )
n −1
n −1

Find T2 first using formula T 2 = ⎛⎜ P2 ⎞⎟

n
• 
T 1 ⎜⎝ P1 ⎟⎠
1.3 −1
⎛ 850 ⎞ 1.3
= 477.6K
T 2 = 293⎜ ⎟
⎝ 102.3 ⎠

1.3 1.23
•  Indicated power; IP = × × 0.287(477.6 − 293)
1.3 − 1 60

Indicated Power = 4.7kW

47
 !
• ⎛p ⎞
ii. Isothermal power can be determine using W isothermal = m RT ln⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟
⎝ p1 ⎠
! 1.23 ⎛ 850 ⎞
W isothermal = × 0.287 × 296 × ln⎜ ⎟ = 3.68kW
60 ⎝ 102.3 ⎠

isothermal power
iii. Isothermal efficiency can be determine using ηisoth =
indicated power

W!isothermal 3.68
ηisoth = = = 0.78 @ 78%
IP 4.7

48
EXAMPLE 4.3
n  A single stage, double-acting compressor is required to deliver 8m3/min of
air measured at pressure of 1.013 bar and 15oC. Delivery pressure is 6 bar
and crank speed is 300rpm. The clearance volume is 5% of swept volume
and the compression index is 1.3. Calculate
i.  Swept volume, VS
ii.  Delivery temperature, T2
iii.  Indicated power

49
SOLUTION
n  We know: T1 = 15o C @ 288K and P1 = 1.013bar ; P2 = 6bar and N = 300rpm
n  Since it is double acting, per minute, it will P
have 300 x 2 = 600 cycle that induces 8 c b
m3. It means for one cycle it will induce; 6

PV1.3 = C
8
V a −V d = = 0.0133m 3
600 PV1.3 = C

i. Swept volume can be determine using the 1.013

d a
information of the induced air volume per
cycle
VC VS v
•  From the diagram

Vs = Va −Vc
Vs = Va − 0.05Vs
Va = 1.05Vs (1)

50
 P
•  From polytropic equation P1Vd n = P2Vc n c b
1 1
⎛ P2 ⎞
n
⎛ 6 ⎞ 1.3
PV1.3 = C
Vd = Vc ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = (0.05Vs )⎜ ⎟
⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎝ 1.013 ⎠
PV1.3 = C
Vd = 0.196Vs (2)

Insert (1) and (2) in equation Va −Vd = 0.0133m

3
• 
d a
(1.05 − 0.196 )Vs = 0.0133m 3

V s = 0.0156m 3 or 15.6 litre VC VS v

n −1
T 2 ⎛ P2 ⎞ n
ii. Delivery temperature, T2 can be determine using =⎜ ⎟
T 1 ⎜⎝ P1 ⎟⎠
1.3 −1
⎛ 6 ⎞ 1.3
T 2 = 288⎜ ⎟ = 434.6K or 161.6o C
⎝ 1.013 ⎠

51
 n •
iii. Indicated power can be determine using IP = m R (T 2 − T1 )
n −1

•  First, find mass induce per cycle

P1 (Va −Vd ) (1.013 × 100 ) × 0.0133
m= = = 0.0163kg
RT 1 0.287 × 288
kg
•  Since it is double acting, m! = 2 × N × m = 2 × 300 × 0.0163 = 9.78
min

! !
NOTE: we can straight away obtain m using the value of V = 8
m 3

min
P V! (1.013 × 100 ) × 8 kg
m! = 1 = = 9.8
RT 1 0.287 × 288 min

n •
1.3 9.78
IP = m R (T 2 − T1 ) = × × 0.287 × (434.2 − 288 )
n −1 1.3 − 1 60

IP = 29.64kW

52
EXAMPLE 4.4
n  A single stage, single-acting compressor delivers 3m3/min of air measured
at pressure of 1.014bar and 23oC. During induction, pressure and
temperature or air is 0.98 bar and 43oC respectively. Delivery pressure is
6.5 bar and crank speed is 358 rpm. The clearance volume is 5% of swept
volume and the compression index is 1.3. Calculate
i.  Indicated power
ii.  Volumetric efficiency

53
SOLUTION P
c b
6.5
n  We know:
T 0 = 23o C @ 296K and P0 = 1.014bar @ 101.4kPa PV1.3 = C
T1 = 43o C @ 316K and P1 = 0.98bar @ 98kPa
PV1.3 = C
FAD = 3 m
3
, N = 358 rpm and P2 = 6.5bar @ 650 kPa
min

i.  Indicated power can be determine using 0.98

d a
n •
IP = m R (T 2 − T1 )
n −1
VC VS v
We know:
•
Po × FAD = 101.4 × 3 = 3.58 kg
m=
RT o 0.287 × 296 min
n −1
T 2 ⎛ P2 ⎞ n
T2 can be determine using =⎜ ⎟
T 1 ⎜⎝ P1 ⎟⎠
1.3 −1
⎛ 6.5 ⎞ 1.3
= 489K
T 2 = 316⎜ ⎟
⎝ 0.98 ⎠

54
 n •
1.3 3.58
IP = m R (T 2 − T1 ) = × × 0.287(489 − 316 ) = 12.84kW
n −1 1.3 − 1 60

V!actual @ FAD
ii.  Volumetric efficiency can be determine using ηv =
V!s
! !( ) kg
We know: m = P1 Va −Vd , FAD = 3 m
• 3
and m! = 3.58 min
RT 1 min

! ! m! × R ×T 1 3.58 × 0.287 × 316 = 3.31 m 3

V a −V d = = min
P1 98
3.31
Since N = 358 rpm, Va −Vd = = 0.00925m 3
358 P
c b
From the diagram

Vs = Va −Vc
Vs = Va − 0.05Vc
Va = 1.05Vs (1)
d a

VC VS v

55
 P
•  From polytropic equation P1Vd n = P2Vc n c b
P2
1 1
⎛ P2 ⎞ n
⎛ 6.5 ⎞ 1.3
Vd = Vc ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = (0.05V s )⎜ ⎟
P
⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 0.98 ⎠

Vd = 0.214Vs (2)
P1
d a
Insert (1) and (2) in equation Va −Vd = 0.00925m
3
• 
VC VS v
(1.05 − 0.214 )Vs = 0.00925m 3
V s = 0.011m 3 or 11 litre

Since N = 358 rpm, V!s = 0.011 × 358 = 3.938 m

3

min

V!actual @ FAD = 3 = 0.76 @ 76%

ηv = !V 3.938
s

56
www.brighthubengineering.com 57
EXAMPLE 4.5
n  In a single acting, two-stage reciprocating air compressor, 4.5 kg/min of air is
compressed from 1.013 bar and 15oC surrounding conditions through a
pressure ratio of 9 to 1. Both stages have the same pressure ratio, and the
law of compression and expansion in both stages is PV1.3=C. The clearance
volume of both stages are 5% of their respective swept volumes and it runs
at 300 rpm. If inter cooling is complete, calculate:
i.  Indicated power
ii.  Volumetric efficiency
iii.  Cylinder swept volumes required.
iv.  Shows the power saving on p -v diagram and get the value in
percentage.

58
SOLUTION p(bar)

g f
P2

n  We know: HP
kg COMPRESSOR
m! = 4.5 , N = 300rpm,T 1 = 288K and n = 1.3
min
P2 P P
= 9 , 2 = i and T 1 = T e c h e b
P1 Pi P1 Pi

LP COMPRESSOR

i.  Indicated power can be determine using

IP = IP(HP ) + IP(LP )
1.013 a
d
2
P2 P2 Pi ⎛ Pi ⎞
= × =⎜ ⎟ =9 V
P1 Pi P1 ⎜⎝ P1 ⎟⎠ Vc Vs

Pi
= 9 =3
P1

n
IP(LP ) = × m! × R (T i − T 1 )
n −1

59
 n −1
p(bar)
Ti ⎛P ⎞ n
= ⎜⎜ i ⎟⎟ P2
g f
T 1 ⎝ P1 ⎠
HP
1.3 −1
T i = 288(3) 1.3 = 371K COMPRESSOR

n
IP(LP ) = × m! × R (T i − T 1 ) c h
n −1
e b
Pi

1.3 ⎛ 4.5 ⎞
IP(LP ) = ×⎜ ⎟ × 0.287 (371 − 288 ) = 7.74kW
1.3 − 1 ⎝ 60 ⎠ LP COMPRESSOR

n
IP(HP ) = × m! × R (T 2 − T e ) and Te = T1 1.013 a
n −1 d

n −1 V
T 2 ⎛ P2 ⎞ n Vc Vs

=⎜ ⎟
T e ⎜⎝ Pi ⎟⎠
1.3 −1
T i = 288(3) 1.3 = 371K

n 1.3 ⎛ 4.5 ⎞
IP(HP ) = × m! × R (T 2 − T e ) = ×⎜ ⎟ × 0.287 (371 − 288 ) = 7.74kW
n −1 1.3 − 1 ⎝ 60 ⎠

IP = IP(HP ) + IP(LP ) = 7.74 × 2 = 15.48kW

60
 p(bar)
ii.  Since pressure ratio for and the ratio of
g f
Vc:Vs is the same for both stages, P2

ηv (LP ) = ηv (HP ) HP
COMPRESSOR

We know that air is induced at free air c h e b

condition, so P1 = Po and T1 = To Pi

ηv
(V −Vd ) × P1 × T 0
= a
(V −Vd )
= a
LP COMPRESSOR

Vs P0 T 1 Vs
1.013 a
We know d

m m! 4 .5 Vc Vs

cycle
= = = 0.015kg
N 300

(Va −Vd ) = m × R ×T 1 =
0.015 × 0.287 × 288
= 0.01224m 3
P1 1.013 × 100

61
From the diagram p(bar)

g f
P2
Vs = Va −Vc
Vs = Va − 0.05Vc HP
COMPRESSOR

Va = 1.05Vs (1)
c h e b
Pi
n n
From polytropic equation P1Vd = PiVc
1 LP COMPRESSOR
⎛ P ⎞n 1
Vd = Vc ⎜⎜ i ⎟⎟ = (0.05Vs )(3)1.3
⎝ P1 ⎠
1.013 a
d
Vd = 0.1164Vs (2)
V
Vc Vs

Insert (1) and (2) in equation Va −Vd = 0.01224 m

3

(1.05 − 0.1164 )Vs = 0.01224m 3

V s (LP ) = 0.013m 3 or 13 litres

(Va −Vd ) 0.01224

ηv = = = 0.94 or 94%
Vs 0.013

62
 p(bar)
ii.  We already calculated Vs for LP
g f
compressor. Since volumetric efficiency P2

for both stages is the same

HP
COMPRESSOR

ηv =
(Ve −Vh ) = 0.94
Vs Pi
c h e b

We know m (LP ) = m (HP ) and Pi = 3 × P1 = 3.039bar LP COMPRESSOR

Te = T1

0.015 × 0.287 × 288

(Ve −Vh ) = m × R ×T e
1.013 a
= d

Pi 3.039 × 100
V
Vc Vs
= 0.00408m 3

Vs =
(Ve −Vh ) =
0.00408
= 0.00434m 3 or 4.34litres
ηv 0.94

***NOTES:
Easier steps are shown in McConkey page 399-400

63
EXAMPLE 4.6
n  A three stage, single acting compressor running in an atmosphere at 1.013
bar and 15oC has an FAD of 2.83 m3/min. The induced pressure and
temperature is 0.98 bar and 32oC respectively. The delivery pressure is 70
bar. Assuming complete intercooling, n =1.3 and that the machine is design
for minimum work, calculate the indicated power required.

SOLUTION

P0 × FAD (1.013 × 100) × 2.83 kg

m! = = = 3.47
RT 0 0.287 × (15 + 273) min

n −1 1.3 −1
⎧ ⎫ ⎧ ⎫
n ⎪ ⎛ P ⎞ Zn
⎪ 1 .3 3 .47 70 3 (1.3 )
W! = Z × m! RT 1 ⎨⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ − 1⎬ = 3 ×
2 ⎛
⎜
⎞ ⎪
⎟0.287 × 288 ⎨⎜
⎛ ⎞
⎟
⎪
− 1⎬
n −1 ⎪⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎪ 1.3 − 1 ⎝ 60 ⎠ ⎪⎩⎝ 0.98 ⎠ ⎪⎭
⎩ ⎭

W! = 24.2kW

64