A non-linear reciprocating compressor model representing the interaction between thermodynamic process and unsteady flow

Abstract

Accurate comprehension of the thermodynamic demeanor and pressure pulsation propagation is of great attractive in a reciprocating compressor plant. A numerical model has been built to consider the reciprocal interaction between compressor and pipelines. Simulation of the thermodynamic process is performed based on mass balance and first law of thermodynamics in the suction chamber, cylinder volume and discharge chamber, together with thermodynamic relationships. Pressure pulsations in the pipelines are predicted by solving one dimensional unsteady flow equations. Comparison between numerical results and previous experimental results encounters good agreement and the mutual influence between thermodynamic process and pressure pulsation is then highlighted by extending a further analysis of the compressor and the pipelines.