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Types of compressors for heat pumps

Let's first look at what a heat pump is. A Heat pump is a device that uses heat from air or water to heat rooms and produce water for domestic use, making the process reliable and environmentally friendly. The main components of heat pumps are:
  • Compressor
  • Capacitor
  • Evaporator
  • Refrigerant
  • Valves, switches, thermostats and other safety devices
More details about heat pumps and their operation .

What is a compressor?

A Compressor is a device designed to compress and move gaseous substances. A heat pump compressor is very similar to an air conditioning compressor. However, heat pumps and air conditioners have different thermal loads and different operating conditions. A heat pump compressor has two main purposes: to maintain the flow of refrigerant inside the heat pump and to increase the pressure.  
Heat pump compressor is an important part of heat pumps

Types of Heat Pump Compressors

Piston compressors These are compressors that work by sucking, pumping and then squeezing out water vapor or refrigerant. These are some of the most efficient and fastest compressors and can vary in the number of valves, number of cylinders and number of compression ratios. They are most widely used in high- and medium-power heat pumps due to their high efficiency and reliability. However, they have a high noise level and are quite expensive.
Rotary compressors Rotary compressors use a rotating piston to compress refrigerant. This helps reduce the noise generated by the compressor and minimizes the compression process by simply absorbing and discharging the refrigerant. Scroll compressors These compressors, unlike others, use a central coil called a scroll, which, along with another rotating coil, can create the compression needed to move the refrigerant through the heat pump. These are newer compressors, but they are considered more robust, stable, less vibration, and smaller in size.
Screw compressors This type of compressor is very similar to a rotary compressor, this type of compressor sucks, transports and expels refrigerant. These compressors use two spiral rotors to move refrigerant to perform the compression process. These features make screw compressors much more reliable and often more efficient than others, however they are primarily used in high output heat pumps. Centrifugal compressor Centrifugal compressors use centrifugal force to compress refrigerant, as the name suggests. It simply captures the refrigerant gas and spins it so fast that it compresses without much vibration and is much more efficient. However, centrifugal compressors are only used in large to very large heat pumps as they also help reduce gearing and provide better and easier lubrication during operation.
Single-stage compressor Uses only one speed. If you have an older air conditioner or heat pump, it's most likely a single-stage model. They are cheaper and less efficient than other types of compressors. When they work, they use 100% of their capacity, whether there is a need or not. Even on-demand and short-term operation increases system load and energy consumption. Increased wear and tear with frequent use. Two-stage compressor Unlike the single speed type described above, it has two speeds, high and low, one recommended for high loads (high temperatures) and a low speed for milder weather.
Two-stage compressors operate for less time than variable-speed compressors, but are cycled on and off less frequently than single-stage compressors. Variable speed compressor modulates its power and performance, adjusting its power depending on the load and specified parameters. This type is also known as an inverter driven compressor. The greatest advantage is smooth regulation to the specified parameters, thereby saving energy, resources and reducing wear. Unlike the short cycles of a single stage compressor, a variable speed compressor runs most of the time. As a result, the level of home comfort increases.
02.06.2023