CHAPTER 3

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Working Cycle & p-v Diagram
4.3 Indicated Power and Work
4.4 Conditions for Minimum Work
4.5 Mechanical Efficiency
4.6 Isothermal Efficiency
4.7 Clearance Volume
4.8 Volumetric Efficiency
4.9 Multistage Compressor

1
4.1 INTRODUCTION

„ Compressors uses 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

2
Basic Components of a Reciprocating
Compressor Outlet Inlet

„ A compressor consist of: Delivery Induction

‰ crank case encloses the
valve valve
compression volume Piston
‰ crank shaft rotates the crank
Connecting
‰ piston moves through the cylinder rod
during each cycle
Crank
‰ crank and connecting rod connects
the crank with the piston
‰ spring loaded induction and delivery
valves
Crank
‰ cylinder where piston travels
case
„ The crank shaft is usually driven by an
electric motor Schematic Layout

3
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,

4
 4.2 WORKING CYCLE & THE p-V DIAGRAM
„ (d – a): Induction (intake) Delivery
‰ Induction valve opens valve
‰ Air is induced into the cylinder
‰ Volume and mass increases
‰ Pressure and temperature is constant
Induction
during this process valve

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

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

5
4.3 WORK & INDICATED POWER
„ The work done on air for one cycle is the area in the graph (area abcd)
„ Considering a polytropic process which follows the gas law PVn =
constant
p
„ Work for polytropic process is given by:

p v − p1v1 P2 c b
Win = 2 2
1− n
where
n = polytropic index of a gas
P1 d a

V
0 e f

6
„ Work input per cycle p

W in = area abcd
cycle P2 c b
= area abef + area bc0e − area ad0f

=
(p 2V b
− p1V a )
+ p 2V b − p1V a
n −1
p V − p1v a + (n − 1) p 2v b − (n − 1) p1v a
= 2 b P1 d a
n −1
n
= (p 2V b − p 1V a ) 0 e f
V
n −1

Since p1V a = mRT 1 and p 2V b = mRT 2 Indicated Power

n •
So, work input per cycle 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

7
EXAMPLE 4.1
„ 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

8
 n •
ii. Indicated power can be determine using formula IP = m R (T 2 − T 1 )
n −1
n −1

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

n
•
T 1 ⎜⎝ P1 ⎟⎠
1.35 −1
⎛ 7 ⎞ 1.35
T 2 = 288 ⎜ ⎟ = 475 .4K
⎝ 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

9
4.4 CONDITIONS FOR MINIMUM WORK
„ We know that the work done is equal to the area under the graph
„ The smaller the area the lesser the work and the better the
compressor
„ For reciprocating compressors, the pressure ratio is fixed, so the
height of p-v diagram is fixed
„ The volume of cylinder is also fixed so the line d-a is fixed
„ Therefore the area representing work depends the index n.
„ For n = 1,
pV = constant (Isothermal)
„ For n = γ,
pVγ = constant (isentropic)
„ So, the process can be polytropic, isothermal or isentropic

10
„ pV =constant (isothermal) p
b1 b b2
„ pVγ =constant (isentropic) P2 c
„ pVn =constant (polytropic) pV = C
pVn = C
pVγ = C
„ 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
„ So it is best that the gas
temperature is constant
throughout the compression
cycle

11
ISOTHERMAL WORK

Work = area ab1ef + area b1c0e - area ad0f

p1 p
= p 2V b1 ln + p1V b − p 1V a
p2 1
b1
for isothermal process p1V a = p 2V b P2 c
p p
W in = p 2V b ln 1 = p 1V a ln 1 pV = C
1
p2 p2
From pV = mRT
p
W in = mRT ln 1
p2
P1 d a
where T is the constant temperatur e
p
Isothermal power = m& RT ln 1 0 e f
p2 V

12
4.6 ISOTHERMAL EFFICIENCY
„ Isothermal efficiency indicates isothermal work compared to the
indicated work.
Isothermal Work
Isothermal Efficiency ,ηisoth =
Indicated Work

EXAMPLE 4.2

„ 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

13
SOLUTION
kg
„ We know: m& = 1.23 , P1 = 1.023bar @ 102 .3kPa
min
T 1 = 23o C @ 296K and P2 = 8.5bar @ 850kPa

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

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

n
•
T 1 ⎜⎝ P1 ⎟⎠
1 .3 − 1
⎛ 850 ⎞ 1 .3
T 2 = 293 ⎜ ⎟ = 477 .6K
⎝ 102 .3 ⎠

1 .3 1.23
• Indicated power; IP = × × 0.287 (477 .6 − 293 )
1 .3 − 1 60

Indicated Power = 4.7kW

14
 & ⎛ p1 ⎞
•

isothermal = m RT ln⎜
⎜ p ⎟⎟
ii. Isothermal power can be determine using W
⎝ 2⎠
& 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

15
4.5 MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, ηm
„ Because there are moving mechanical parts in the compressor, it is
likely that losses will occur due to friction
„ Therefore power required to drive the compressor is actually more
higher than the indicated power
„ So there is need to measure the mechanical efficiency of the cycle
„ Mechanical efficiency of the compressor is given by:

indicated power
η =
m required power

Power system Compressor

[Power required] > [Indicated power]

16
• 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

17
4.7 CLEARANCE VOLUME (VC)

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

18
Process P

„ 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
„ When piston moves downward,
this gas expands according to
p1
PVn = C until p1 at (d). f d a
„ Then induction begins (d – a)
VC VS v
„ Then gas is compressed
according to PVn = C VC = Clearance volume
„ Finally there is the delivery (b – VS = Swept volume
c)

19
Effect of VC
P
„ Because of the expansion of
e c b
gas remaining in the VC, 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
„ Mass or air per unit time
VC VS v
m& a = m& b and m& c = m& d

„ Mass delivered per unit time =

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

20
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 induced 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

21
„ We see here that the work done per cycle and indicated power per unit mass
is the same whether with or without clearance

22
 Double-acting Compressors
„ A single-acting compressor completes one compression cycle with one revolution of
the crank
„ A double-acting compressor completes two compression cycles with one revolution
of the crank
„ 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

23
EXAMPLE 4.3
„ 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

24
SOLUTION
„ We know: T 1 = 15o C @ 288K and P1 = 1.013bar ; P2 = 6bar and N = 300rpm
„ 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

V s = V a −Vc
V s = V a − 0.05V s
V a = 1.05V s (1)

25
 P
• From polytropic equation P1V d n = P2Vc n c b
1 1
⎛ P2 ⎞
n
⎛ 6 ⎞ 1.3
V d = V c ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = (0.05V s )⎜ ⎟
PV1.3 = C
⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎝ 1.013 ⎠
PV1.3 = C
V d = 0.196V s (2)

Insert (1) and (2) in equation V a −V d = 0.0133 m

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

V s = 0.0156 m 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 161.6 o C
⎝ 1 . 013 ⎠

26
 n •
iii. Indicated power can be determine using IP = m R (T 2 − T 1 )
n −1

• First, find mass induce per cycle

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

m 3
NOTE: we can straight away obtain m using the value of V = 8
& &
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 − T 1 ) = × × 0.287 × (434 .2 − 288 )
n −1 1 .3 − 1 60

IP = 29 .64kW

27
4.5 VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY, ηv
„ Volumetric efficiency is another definition to measure the
performance of a compressor.
„ The are two ways how to define volumetric efficiency:
‰ 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

P1 (Va −Vd ) PoV s

mactual = and mideal =
RT 1 RT o

Where Po is the ambient pressure

To is the ambient temperature

28
 P

„ So by first definition, e c b
p2

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

(V −Vd ) × P1 × T 0
p1
f d a
ηv = a
Vs P0 T1
(V −Vd ) VC VS v
„ If assume P1 = Po and T 1 = T o , ηv = a
Vs
V s + Vc −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)
V s ⎝ Vc ⎠ V s ⎝V c ⎠

29
 n n
„ Since P1Vd = P2Vc
1
n
⎛Vd ⎞ P Vd ⎛ P2 ⎞ n
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = 2 and therefore = ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝V c ⎠ P1 Vc ⎝ P1 ⎠

„ 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

30
VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY, ηv
‰ 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

31
„ 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

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

Vs

ηv =
(Va −Vd ) × P1 × T 0
Vs P0 T1

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

32
FREE AIR DELIVERY (FAD)

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

air temperature & pressure is called free air delivery (FAD).
P T
„ 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

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

33
EXAMPLE 4.4
„ 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

34
 P
SOLUTION
c b
6.5
„ We know:
T 0 = 23o C @ 296K and P0 = 1.014 bar @ 101.4kPa PV1.3 = C
T 1 = 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 − T 1 )
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
T 2 = 316 ⎜ ⎟ = 489K
⎝ 0.98 ⎠

35
 n •
1 .3 3.58
IP = m R (T 2 − T 1 ) = × × 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
& &
We know: m = P1 V a −V d
•
( ) and m& = 3.58
kg
, FAD = 3 m
3

RT 1 min 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

V s = V a −Vc
V s = V a − 0.05V c
V a = 1.05V s (1)
d a

VC VS v

36
 n n
P
• From polytropic equation P1V d = P2V c c b
P2
1 1
⎛ P2 ⎞ n
⎛ 6 .5 ⎞ 1 .3
V d = V c ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = (0.05V s )⎜ ⎟
P
⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 0.98 ⎠

V d = 0.214V s (2)
P1
d a
Insert (1) and (2) in equation V a −V d = 0.00925 m
3
•
v
(1.05 − 0.214 )V s = 0.00925 m 3 VC VS

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
ηv = = = 0.76 @ 76%
V& s 3.938

37
4.6 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

38
 Coolant in Coolant out

P1,Ta Pi,Tb Pi,Ta P2,Tf

Intercooler
LP HP Compressor
Compressor

„ It consist of more than one compressor where the air passes through
an intercooler before entering the next compressor.
„ The size of the next compressor is smaller to compromise Vs.
„ 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).
„ It is assumed that all compressors will have the same polytropic
index.

39
 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.

40
EXAMPLE 4.5
„ 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 clearence
volume of both stages are 5% of their respective swept volumes and it runs
at 300 rpm. If intercooling is complete, calculate:
i. Indicated power
ii. Volumetric efficiency
iii. Cylinder swept volumes required.

41
SOLUTION p(bar)

g f
P2

„ 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
P1 Pi P1 ⎜⎝ P1 ⎟⎠
V
Vc Vs

Pi
= 9 =3
P1

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

42
 n −1
p(bar)
Ti ⎛P ⎞ n
= ⎜⎜ i ⎟⎟ P2
g f
T 1 ⎝ P1 ⎠
HP
1.3 −1
T i = 288 (3) = 371K COMPRESSOR
1 .3

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

43
 p(bar)
ii. Since pressure ratio for and the ratio of
g f
P2
Vc:Vs is the same for both stages,
ηv (LP ) = ηv (HP ) HP
COMPRESSOR

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

condition, so P1 = Po and T 1 = T o Pi

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

Vs P0 T1 Vs
1.013 a
d
We know
V

m m& 4 .5 Vc Vs

= = = 0.015kg
cycle N 300

(Va −Vd ) = m × R ×T1 =

0.015 × 0.287 × 288
= 0.01224 m 3
P1 1.013 × 100

44
From the diagram p(bar)

g f
P2
V s = V a −Vc
V s = V a − 0.05V c HP
COMPRESSOR

V a = 1.05V s (1)
c h e b
Pi
n n
From polytropic equation P1V d = PiVc
1 LP COMPRESSOR
⎛ Pi ⎞n 1
V d = V c ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = (0.05V s )(3)1 .3
P
⎝ 1⎠
1.013 a
d
V d = 0.1164V s (2)
V
Vc Vs

Insert (1) and (2) in equation V a −V d = 0.01224 m

3

(1.05 − 0.1164 )V s = 0.01224 m 3

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

ηv =
(Va −Vd ) 0.01224
= = 0.94 or 94%
Vs 0.013

45
 p(bar)
ii. We already calculated Vs for LP
g f
P2
compressor. Since volumetric efficiency
for both stages is the same
HP
COMPRESSOR

ηv =
(Ve −V h )
= 0.94
Vs Pi
c h e b

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

Te = T1

m × R ×T e = 0.015 × 0.287 × 288

(Ve −V h ) =
1.013 a
d

Pi 3.039 × 100
V
Vc Vs
= 0.00408 m 3

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

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

46
IDEAL INTERMEDIATE PRESSURE

„ The value chosen for the intermediate pressure pi influences the work
to be done on the air and its distribution between the stages.
dW&
„ 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⎬ + m& RT e ⎨⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ − 1⎬ HP
COMPRESSOR
n −1 ⎪⎝ P1 ⎠ ⎪ n −1 ⎪⎝ Pi ⎠ ⎪
⎩ ⎭ ⎩ ⎭
We know T e = T 1
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 a

⎩ ⎭
d

V
Vc Vs

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

47
 n −1
⎛ 2 (nn−1 ) ⎞
(P1P2 ) n = ⎜ Pi ⎟
⎝ ⎠

P1P2 = Pi ( ) 2
or
Pi P2
=
P1 Pi
(pressure ratio is the same for each stage)

„ 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 ⎠ ⎪
⎩ ⎭

„ 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 ⎠ ⎪
⎩ ⎭

48
EXAMPLE 4.6
„ 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

m& =
P0 × FAD
=
(1.013 × 100 ) × 2.83 = 3.47 kg
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

49