What is Rotary Compressor? Explanation, Advantages & Disadvantages

The rotary compressors are positive displacement compressors. In a rotary compressor, the displacement and compression of the vapour refrigerant is achieved by circular or rotary motion of the compressing member. Compressing members of rotary compressors are of four designs in general:

1. Rolling piston.
2. Helical lobe (screw compressor).
3. Rotating vane.
4. Scroll.

Advantages of Rotary Compressors

1. Because of rotary motion, rotary compressors are smoother (si ent) in operation, and there is more constant flow of suction and discharge gases.
2. Small rotary compressors such as rolling piston type and rotating vane type are used in domestic refrigerators and freezers.
3. Large rotary compressors of rotating vane type are widely used with R-22 in multistage compression system.
4. The rotary compressors are satisfactorily used With refrigerants having specific volume at Low suction pressure.

Disadvantages of Rotary Compressors

1. Mechanical Vibration.
2. Discharge Pulsations