So what’s the difference?

Power Consumption – Lifetime – Performance

Refrigeration compressors are the driving mechanism or pump for the refrigerant gas in air conditioning systems, domestic refrigerators, commercial refrigeration systems, and industrial cooling applications such as chillers.

Refrigeration compressors are essentially a pump for refrigerant gas, driven by an electric motor. The volume and pressure that the refrigerant can be pumped at determines the cooling capacity and application that the compressor can be used for. Basically – by putting in electrical energy (kW), the refrigeration system removes heat energy (kW) from air, water, or some other substance. The bigger the motor, the bigger kW input, and the bigger the kW cooling capacity. The specific performance of the system depends on the characteristics of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, type of refrigerant gas, and ambient operating conditions.

Refrigeration compressors are categorized according to the pumping mechanism.

Reciprocating compressors have pistons driven by an electric motor. They have a long history, many manufacturers, and have medium to high energy use. Reciprocating compressors are relatively easily repaired and there are a number of compressor rebuilders in Australia. Reciprocating compressors have a typical life of 10-15 years depending on the application they are installed in. Semi-Hermetic compressors have the advantage over hermetic compressors in that they can be re-built a number of times if necessary giving a much longer service life.  

A refrigeration compressor can be hermetically sealed (welded shut) or semi-hermetic (can be unbolted). Electric motors can be built into the compressor or the compressors can have shaft connection (open drive) for separate electric motors.

Please contact Summit Matsu Chilling Systems on Tel: +61 2 9698 4666, Fax: +61 2 9698 4688, or email via the contact us form to discuss your specific water chiller needs.