The discharge and shell temperatures in hermetic compressors during its operation in tropical weather conditions

Abstract

Hermetic compressors are essential components of domestic refrigerators and freezers and are usually designed to operate in ambient temperatures under 32°C. This study measures the discharge and shell temperatures of hermetic compressors at different ambient temperatures. To this end, calorimetric tests are conducted in three different hermetic compressors to define the impact of tropical ambient temperatures on the discharge and shell temperatures. Environmental temperatures of 35, and 38°C and voltages of 93, 115, and 127 V were considered during the tests. Thi results are compared to the nominal parameters at 32°C and 115V. Furthermore, to identify if the wear-out of the different components affect the discharge and shell temperatures, the three compressors were tested in the calorimeter after an accelerated life test. In all cases, the evaporation temperature was controlled at -23 °C. Results show that the discharge and shell temperatures of hermetic compressors increase with the ambient temperature. Additionally, it is evidenced that the technology of hermetic compressors strongly influences the discharge and shell temperatures.