Generic network modeling of reciprocating compressors

•A generic network model of reciprocating compressors is developed.•The network model consists of refrigerant flow, heat flow, power flow and air flow.•A graphical drag-and-drop modeling tool is developed with the OOP method.•The model is in good agreement with the experimental data.

With the increasing applications of CO2 trans-critical cycles, the design of reciprocating compressors returns to the center stage. Quick design and optimization of a compressor with arbitrary configuration is always a big challenge. This paper presents a new generic modeling approach to reciprocating compressors design. The reciprocating compressors were firstly torn down to components, e.g. compression chamber, valve, shaft, motor, crankcase, etc. Then the component models were developed to feature the sub-processes inside the components. Refrigerant flow, heat flow, power flow, and air flow (for intermediate cooler) between components were described on a network basis. Finally, the object-oriented programming method was applied to develop a graphical user interface for generic drag-and-drop modeling of reciprocating compressors with arbitrary configuration. Experimental data of a CO2 two-stage compressor and a R410A single-stage compressor were used to validate the generic modeling tool. The deviations in the mass flow rate and power consumption of R410A compressor are mostly within ±3% and ±5%, respectively, while the deviations in the mass flow rate and power consumption of CO2 compressor are mostly within ±8% and ±5%, respectively.