Feasibility study of a bowtie compressor with novel capacity modulation

A novel refrigeration compressor with an integrated method of capacity modulation for use in domestic refrigerators/freezers is proposed and analyzed here. The compressor is called bowtie compressor due to its two sector-shaped, opposing compression chambers forming a bowtie. The bowtie compressor modulates the cooling capacity by changing the piston stroke without changes of the clearance volume for better thermodynamic efficiency. The new compressor includes a unique off-center-line mechanism so that the piston stroke can be varied without creating an extra clearance volume. To investigate the feasibility of the proposed compressor, a simulation model has been developed. A detailed description of the bowtie compressor and its simulation model are presented in this paper. In addition, parametric studies have been carried out to see how the proposed compressor performance can be improved.