Object-oriented simulation of reciprocating compressors: Numerical verification and experimental comparison

Numerical simulation of reciprocating compressors is important for the design, development, improvement and optimization of the elements constituting the compressor circuit. In this work, an object-oriented unstructured modular numerical simulation of reciprocating compressors is presented. Pressure correction approach is applied for the resolution of tubes, chambers and compression chambers, while valve dynamics are modelled assuming a spring-mass system having single degree of freedom. The modular approach offers advantages of handling complex circuitry (e.g. parallel paths, multiple compressor chambers, etc.), coupling different simulation models for each element and adaptability to different configurations without changing the program. The code has been verified with some basic tests for assuring asymptotic behaviour to guarantee error free code and physically realistic results. Cases with different compressor configurations and working fluids (R134a, R600a and R744) have also been worked out. Numerical results are compared with experimental data and illustrative cases of multi-stage compression are also presented.