TEST BENCH FOR COMPARATIVE MEASUREMENT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF VARIABLE AND FIXED SPEED SCROLL COMPRESSOR

This paper presents a method for the comparison of energy consumption of Scroll compressors with fixed and variable speed. Results obtained on a test bench are analyzed. High efficiency Scroll compressors have been selected. A test bench has been developed at the Center for Energy Studies of Ecole des Mines de Paris funded both by ADEME 1 and EDF 2 . The comparison protocol is based on the characterization of compressors by their volumetric and global efficiencies. Then the energy consumption is simulated for various heat load scenarios. For low heat load, energy savings associated with variable speed are much more significant. Tests showed « system effects » that might generate losses of the cooling capacity. Solutions were implemented permitting to take advantage of benefits linked to the use of variable speed compressors in refrigerating systems.