Energy efficiency is a highly relevant topic. Recently, Vibroacustica published a study on the subject, together with Solvay Specialty Polymers.

The focus is on the use of high-performance engineering polymers in the manufacture of hermetic compressor components.

The work was published at the “2022 Herrick Conferences” event at Purdue University. Below, you can find a summary of the research.

High-performance polymeric materials in domestic refrigeration

The study published in 2022 is a continuation of an earlier work. On the occasion, the gain in energy efficiency was evaluated, comparing plastic materials with metallic materials, through computer simulations.

Now, the objective was to experimentally verify the replacement of metal by polymeric materials in the cylinder cover, valve plate and discharge tube.

Considering the functional requirements of each component, equivalent plastic projects were developed. These options were validated and optimized from finite element simulations.

Finally, physical prototypes were manufactured to carry out experimental tests of cooling capacity, electricity consumption and energy efficiency.

Main results and next steps

The plastic components test plan was divided into two stages, short and long term. The article (and this post) only talk about short-term results, the others will be studied and published in the future.

According to short-term tests, a COP gain of up to 2.9% was observed.

In the next step, injection molded prototypes will be used to analyze the long-term durability and stability of the components. That is, to investigate whether polymer components maintain stable performance over the years.

For more information – and for support in carrying out your projects for compressors and/or simulation –, contact us using the button below.