Centrifugal Compressors - Chillers HVAC

This video tutorial by Paul from theengineeringmindset.com explores the centrifugal compressor, a key component in centrifugal chillers. It covers the compressor's operation, its importance in the refrigeration cycle, and provides real-world examples. The video delves into the mechanics of the compressor, including its components like the impeller and diffuser, and explains the dynamics of centrifugal force and tangent velocity. It also includes calculations related to compressor performance, emphasizing the significance of impeller size and speed in chiller design.

What is the primary role of the compressor in a chiller system?

• To cool the refrigerant

• To compress the refrigerant and circulate it

• To heat the refrigerant

• To filter the refrigerant

Why is it important for the refrigerant to enter the condenser at a higher temperature than the return water?

• To prevent freezing

• To ensure heat rejection

• To reduce energy consumption

• To increase pressure

What happens to the refrigerant particles when they are compressed in the chiller?

• They lose energy

• They cool down

• They expand

• They become more energetic and increase in temperature

What component in the centrifugal compressor slows down the refrigerant and converts kinetic energy into static pressure?

• Suction line

• Diffuser

• Volute

• Impeller

Which component of the centrifugal compressor is responsible for dividing the refrigerant into equal portions?

• Volute

• Impeller

• Suction line

• Diffuser

What is the purpose of the volute in a centrifugal compressor?

• To increase refrigerant temperature

• To direct refrigerant flow and build head pressure

• To cool the refrigerant

• To filter the refrigerant

How does increasing the impeller size affect the centrifugal force and tangent velocity?

• Both increase

• Centrifugal force increases, tangent velocity decreases

• Centrifugal force decreases, tangent velocity increases

• Both decrease

What is the effect of increasing the rotational speed of the impeller while keeping the radius constant?

• Tangent velocity increases

• Centrifugal force remains the same

• Tangent velocity remains the same

• Centrifugal force decreases

What is the formula used to calculate the work done by a compressor?

• W = pressure x volume

• W = force x distance

• W = mass flow rate x change in enthalpy

• W = temperature x entropy

How is the energy used by a compressor related to the enthalpy difference between the suction and discharge lines?

• It is unrelated

• It is exponentially related

• It is inversely proportional

• It is directly proportional