Theoretical and experimental investigation on the performance of screw refrigeration compressor under part-load conditions

Slide valve is normally employed in screw refrigeration compressor to meet the cooling capacity demanded by the load variation. A mathematical model describing the working process of screw refrigeration compressor with a slide valve assembly under part-load conditions is established based on the calculation of the effective by-pass area and radial discharge area. Experimental investigation on a screw refrigeration compressor under part-load conditions with several evaporation and condensation temperatures is also carried out. Simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental ones. With the validated model, effects of key design parameters, i.e. the installation angles of the slide valve relative to the cylinder and the slide stop length, on the working process and performance of screw refrigeration compressor have been analyzed. These results can be useful for optimum design of the slide valve assembly to improve the energy efficiency of refrigeration system with screw compressor under part-load conditions.