Performance comparison between reciprocating and scroll compressor heat pumps with R600a refrigerant

Sammanfattning: A performance comparison of heat pumps using a scroll (Sanden) and a reciprocating (Bitzer) compressor was conducted experimentally. The refrigerant used was R600a (isobutane). The heat pump components were evaluated performance-wise through: volumetric and isentropic efficiency of the compressors; the UA-value of the condensers and evaporators; sensible enthalpy differences between the liquid and the suction line in the internal heat exchanger; and overall heat pump system comparison as the coefficient of performance. The Bitzer heat pump had existing measuring devices and equipment installed, and it was already filled with refrigerant. The Sanden heat pump required installation of equipment and measuring devices and a refrigerant refill. The refrigerant charge was decided according to the criteria of the lowest compressor speed, which had an effect of overcharge for higher speeds. The measurements included the temperature of water and refrigerant, pressure of the refrigerant, water volume flow, and compressor power. The heat pumps performances were then evaluated based on these parameters. The Sanden compressor showed higher volumetric efficiency than the Bitzer compressor, for the two lower (out of three) speeds of the compressor. The isentropic efficiency of the Bitzer compressor proved to be higher for all pressure ratios out of the three speeds respectively. The condenser in the Bitzer heat pump showed proper UA-values based on the temperature differences between refrigerant and heat sink. The UA-values of the Sanden heat pump condenser did not increase with compressor speed which then gave a larger temperature difference between refrigerant and heat sink, for the two higher compressor speeds. The evaporators had a similar issue with the temperature difference between refrigerant and heat source, which also showed on the UA-values. The internal heat exchanger in the Bitzer heat pump had a larger sensible enthalpy difference on the suction side compared to the liquid side, when condenser subcooling was low, indicating that some fraction of refrigerant was being condensed instead. The Sanden heat pump instead had higher condenser subcooling and the sensible enthalpy difference showed to be very low in the internal heat exchanger. Finally, the coefficient of performance showed to be slightly higher in the Bitzer heat pump for almost all evaluated condensation and evaporation temperatures.