Emerging Technologies: Small Centrifugal Compressors

This is the eighth article covering one of several new energysaving technologies evaluated in a recent DOE report, which is available at www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/documents.

Centrifugal compressors are used in chillers with capacities in excess of 80 tons (280 kW).1 The trend has been for screw compressor-based chillers to be used in most applications below 300 to 400 tons (1055 to 1400 kW), with centrifugal compressors used in larger capacities. Small centrifugal compressors combine high-speed motor technology with centrifugal compressor technology to lower the optimum capacity range. This provides centrifugal compressors for chillers and unitary air conditioners in smaller sizes (25 to 80 tons [88 to 280 kW]) currently served primarily by scroll and reciprocating compressors.