Enhancing the Efficiency of Reciprocating Compressors by Incorporating with Quick Return Mechanism

Abstract

A reciprocating compressor is a positive displacement machine that uses a piston driven by a crankshaft to deliver gases at high pressure. Innovations in the field of compressors paved way for the invention of modified types of compressors like screw compressors and scroll compressors. They replaced the conventional reciprocating compressors in many fields like refrigeration due to their compact size and higher efficiencies. However, reciprocating compressors are still being used in some industrial applications due to their peculiar properties suited for these areas. One of the factors that affect the efficiency of compressor is the time taken for a complete cycle of process. If we can reduce the time, we can improve the efficiency. Although it is possible to reduce the time taken for suction stroke as well as compression stroke, it is not possible to reduce the time of compression stroke without increasing the power input. However, we can reduce the time taken for the suction stroke where less power is required as compared to compression stroke. Our fundamental aim is to reduce the overall cycle time of the compressor by incorporating quick return mechanism in it. The quick return mechanism can reduce the time for suction stroke thereby increasing its efficiency.

Design of Double Oscillating Sliding Mechanism

“…Some of these mechanisms are based on reciprocating type of mechanisms; they are used, for example, in shaping machines and in concrete pumps, with the role of reducing the time in the return stroke in relation to the working time (e.g. : [1,2]).…”