| Comparative point |
Centrifugal Compressor |
Reciprocating Compressor |
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| Working principle |
It uses centrifugal force to compress the vapour refrigerant. |
It uses reciprocating motion of piston to compress the vapour refrigerant. |
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| Output |
It gives continuous output of compressed vapour refrigerant. |
It gives intermittent output of compressed vapour refrigerant. |
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| Vibrations |
No vibrations. |
Heavy vibrations. |
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| Wear and tear |
Less wear and tear, because valves and piston are absent. |
High wear and tear. |
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| Life |
Longer life. |
Shorter life. |
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| Noise |
Less noisy operation. |
More noisy operation. |
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| Running speed |
It is capable of running at high speeds. |
It runs at lower speeds due to piston limitations. |
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| Volume of vapour refrigerant handled. |
Large. |
Comparatively less. |
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| Efficiency |
High efficiency. |
Low efficiency. |
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| Suitability for systems having capacity below 50 TOR |
It is not practical to use below refrigeration load of 50 TOR. |
It is practical to use below refrigeration load of 50 TOR. |
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| Specific volume of refrigerant to be compressed. |
Refrigerants with high specific volume are compressed. |
Refrigerants with low specific volume are compressed. |
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| Problem of Surging |
Surging is a problem. |
Surging is not a problem. |
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| Increase in pressure per stage |
Less |
More. |
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| Size |
Compact |
Bulk. |
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| Floor area required |
Less |
Large. |
