Experimental investigation of a prototype R-600 compressor for high temperature heat pump

This research experimentally investigates a prototype compressor in a high temperature heat pump for industrial waste heat recovery from 50 degrees C to heat delivery at 115 degrees C. Compressors are the limiting component in the development of high temperature heat pumps due to the high discharge pressure and temperature. The prototype compressor is tested with butane due to its favourable thermodynamic properties within the operating conditions. The compressor allows the heat pump to provide heating for industrial processes such as pasteurization, drying, sterilization and other processes which require high temperature heat. The heat pump will replace the heating capacities of low-pressure steam boilers. It will also provide cooling for industrial waste heat or other cooling demands, replacing cooling capacities from cooling towers. The experimental setup consists of a 20 kW heat pump designed with the flexibility for multiple operating conditions applicable to different industrial applications. The compressor is designed to enable suction and discharge temperatures up to 80 degrees C and 140 degrees C respectively. It is found to have a total compressor efficiency of 74% and a volumetric efficiency of 83%. The results showed good operating parameters (temperature, pressure) and the potential for even higher temperature heat delivery. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.