DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Doornfontein Campus

COMPRESSOR EXPERIMENT
By

TF MOOKETSI
222018915
A Semester 1 Report submitted.
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the module

Thermodynamics 3A (TRDMIA3)
B. ENG TECH Engineering: Mechanical

LECTURER: Dr. S. Gqibani

Date: 31 May 2024

i

DECLARATION
I attest that this task is a product of my personal and creative effort. All supplementary
content I incorporated, whether sourced from physical or digital origins, has been
appropriately recognized and cited in accordance with the guidelines of the Mechanical
Department. This submission has not been previously presented for assessment. I am fully
aware that plagiarism is not permissible, and I have familiarized myself with the department's
regulations on plagiarism and citation as outlined in the Learner guide.
Student’s signature: T.F MOOKETSI

Acknowledgements
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the tutors and lab technician who played a
pivotal role in the successful execution of the experiment. Their guidance, expertise, and
unwavering support were invaluable throughout the entire process, enabling a comprehensive
understanding of the procedures and outcomes. Their contributions significantly enriched the
quality of this experiment.
ii

Contents
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................ i
Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................... i
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ii
List of Tables .............................................................................................................................ii
OBJECTIVE .............................................................................................................................. 1
THEORY/BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................... 1
APPARATUS ............................................................................................................................ 5
PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................ 6
RESULTS .................................................................................................................................. 7
SAMPLE CALCULATION ...................................................................................................... 7
CALCULATED VALUES ...................................................................................................... 13
Graphs ...................................................................................................................................... 13
DISCUSSION .......................................................................................................................... 14
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................ 15
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 16
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................. 17

List of Figures
Figure 1 Layout diagram. ........................................................................................................... 1
Figure 2 P-V diagram................................................................................................................. 2
Figure 3 Two-stage single-acting reciprocating air compressor test rig with pressure gauges,
water manometer, air box with the orifice plate, receiver, thermometers, and tachometer. ...... 5
Figure 4 Two-stage single-acting reciprocating air compressor test rig with pressure gauges,
water manometer, air box with the orifice plate, receiver, thermometers, and tachometer. ...... 6
Figure 5 Work versus cycle graph ........................................................................................... 13
Figure 6 Induced Volume versus Cycle ................................................................................... 14

List of Tables
Table 1 Given results. ................................................................................................................ 7
Table 2 Laboratory Results ........................................................................................................ 7
Table 3 Calculated results 1 ..................................................................................................... 13
OBJECTIVE
The goal of the experiment is to evaluate the mechanical and volumetric efficiency of a two-
stage, single-acting reciprocating air compressor by completing the following tasks:
• Measure the swept volume for both the high-pressure and low-pressure cycles.
• Measure the clearance volume for the low-pressure cycle.
• Determine V1 and V2 for the low-pressure cycle.
• Calculate the induced volume for both the high-pressure and low-pressure cycles.
• Assess the work done by both the high-pressure and low-pressure cycles.
• Calculate the total work done by the compressor per cycle.
• Determine the total power output of the compressor per cycle.
• Measure the brake power of the compressor.
• Evaluate the mechanical efficiency of the compressor.
• Determine the isothermal work done by both the high-pressure and low-pressure
cycles.
• Calculate the isothermal efficiency of both the high-pressure and low-pressure cycles.
• Assess the volumetric efficiency of both the high-pressure and low-pressure cycles.

THEORY/BACKGROUND
The layout diagram for a two-stage single-acting reciprocating air compressor shows the air
compression process step by step. First, air enters the low-pressure (LP) cylinder at the inlet
pressure and temperature. In the first LP cylinder, the air is compressed, increasing its
pressure and temperature. This compressed air then moves to the intercooler, where it cools
down while keeping its pressure high (Khurmi & Gupta, 2005).
After cooling, the air enters the second LP cylinder for more compression, raising its pressure
and temperature even further. In this intermediate state, the air then goes to the high-pressure
(HP) cylinder. Here, it undergoes final compression, reaching its highest pressure and
temperature (Reynolds, 1995). Finally, the fully compressed air exits the HP cylinder, now in
its exit condition, ready for use. This step-by-step compression ensures efficient air
processing and optimal performance (McKenzie, 2009).
The figure below shows the layout diagram of this process.

Figure 1 Layout diagram.

2

The PV diagram, serving as a vital counterpart to the layout diagram, provides a graphical
representation of the pressure-volume (PV) dynamics within the compressor system. It aids in
comprehending the compression process by visually depicting how pressure and volume
change throughout each stage. In this diagram, each compression stage is visually depicted,
showcasing the relationship between volume reduction and pressure increase during
compression. This graphical representation is indispensable for engineers and researchers as
it facilitates the analysis of compressor efficiency and performance.
Furthermore, the PV diagram enables the calculation of essential parameters such as work
done, efficiency, and power consumption. By studying this diagram, one can evaluate the
efficacy of the compressor design and pinpoint areas for enhancement in terms of energy
efficiency and overall performance. Thus, it serves as an invaluable analytical tool for
assessing and optimizing reciprocating air compressor systems.

Figure 2 P-V diagram.

The PV diagram, based on hypotheses, illustrates compression processes. It assumes

disregarding HP clearance, polytropic compression in both cylinders, and air as a perfect gas.
Consistent pressure in suction and air supply is implied. This graphical tool aids in analysing
compressor efficiency by depicting pressure-volume changes throughout compression stages.
The theory delves into key elements of a reciprocating air compressor, from swept volume
derivation to mechanical efficiency assessment. It encompasses equations for swept volume,
clearance, and induced volume, along with work done calculations for low-pressure (LP) and
high-pressure (HP) cycles. Furthermore, it discusses power analysis, including total work and
power, mechanical efficiency, and isothermal work. The theory concludes with formulas for
isothermal efficiency and volumetric efficiency for both LP and HP cycles.
3

The swept volume which is the cylinder volume

𝜋𝐷2 𝐿
𝑉𝑆 =
4

𝐷 = 𝐶𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝑚)

𝐿 = 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑚)

The clearance is usually expressed as percentage of the swept volume [1]

𝑉𝐶 = 𝑥𝑉𝑆

𝑋 = 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

The total volume of the cylinder

𝑉1 = 𝑉𝐶 + 𝑉𝑆

The expanded clearance volume (V4’’) of the low-pressure cycle

𝑃3"" 𝑉3"" 𝑛 = 𝑃4′ 𝑉4′ 𝑛

𝑃3"" = 𝑃2 = 𝑃3 = 𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑘𝑃𝑎)

𝑃4′ = 𝑃1 = 𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑘𝑃𝑎)

𝑉3"" = 𝑉𝐶𝐿𝑃 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑚3 )

𝑛 = 𝑃𝑜𝑙𝑦𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥

The induced volume for low pressure (LP) cycle

𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐿𝑃 𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉4′

Given the absence of clearance volume in the HP cycle, we can ascertain the induced volume
(V3) by employing polytropic compression and general gas equations in the following
manner:

𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑛 = 𝑃2 𝑉2 𝑛

𝑃2 𝑉2 𝑃3 𝑉3
=
𝑇2 𝑇3

𝑇2 = 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑟 (𝐾)

𝑇3 = 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑟 (𝐾)

4

The work done by the pistons on the air.

𝑛−1
𝑛 𝑃2 𝑛
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑦 𝐿𝑃 𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒, 𝑊𝐿𝑃 = 𝑃1 (𝑉1 − 𝑉4′ ) [( ) − 1]
𝑛−1 𝑃1

𝑛−1
𝑛 𝑃4 𝑛
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑦 𝐻𝑃 𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒, 𝑊𝐻𝑃 = 𝑃3 𝑉3 [( ) − 1]
𝑛−1 𝑃3

𝑃4 = 𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 (𝑘𝑃𝑎)

The total work done by the compressor is the sum of the work done by both cycles (Khurmi
& Gupta, 1978)

𝑊𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑊𝐿𝑃 + 𝑊𝐻𝑃

The total power used by the compressor.

𝑊𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑁𝑤
𝐼. 𝑃 =
60

𝑁𝑤 = 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟/𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 𝑁 (𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔)

To calculate the shaft power or brake power, it is necessary to determine the torque.

𝑇 = 𝐹𝑅

𝐹 = 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 (𝑁)

𝑅 = 𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑞𝑢𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑚 (𝑚)

Then the brake power

𝐵. 𝑃 = 𝑇𝜔

2𝜋𝑁
𝜔=
60

Mechanical efficiency represents the proportion of power utilized by the compressor in

relation to the power supplied to the cycles (Khurmi & Gupta, 1978).

𝐼. 𝑃
𝜂𝑀𝐸 = × 100
𝐵. 𝑃

The isothermal work of the LP and HP cycle can be determined using the following.
5

𝑃2
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐿𝑃 = 𝑃1 (𝑉1 − 𝑉4′ ) ln ( )
𝑃1

𝑃4
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐻𝑃 = 𝑃3 𝑉3 ln ( )
𝑃3

The ratio of isothermal work performed to cycle work is known as the isothermal efficiency.

𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐿𝑃
𝐼𝑠𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐿𝑃 𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒, 𝜂𝐼𝑆𝐿𝑃 = × 100
𝑊𝐿𝑃

𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐻𝑃
𝐼𝑠𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑃 𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒, 𝜂𝐼𝑆𝐻𝑃 = × 100
𝑊𝐻𝑃

The volumetric efficiency of the LP and HP cycle

1
𝑉𝐶𝐿𝑃 𝑃2 𝑛
𝜂𝑉𝐿𝑃 = {1 − [( ) − 1]} × 100
𝑉𝑆𝐿𝑃 𝑃1

1
𝑉𝐶𝐻𝑃 𝑃4 𝑛
𝜂𝑉𝐻𝑃 = {1 − [( ) − 1]} × 100
𝑉𝑆𝐻𝑃 𝑃3

APPARATUS

Figure 3 Two-stage single-acting reciprocating air compressor test rig with pressure gauges, water manometer, air box with
the orifice plate, receiver, thermometers, and tachometer.
6

Figure 4 Two-stage single-acting reciprocating air compressor test rig with pressure gauges, water manometer, air box with
the orifice plate, receiver, thermometers, and tachometer.

PROCEDURE
1. The orange lever depicted in Figure 3 was activated.
2. Verification was conducted to ensure that the voltmeter registered 300 V and that the
light bulb was illuminated.
3. The orange knob located in front of the electrical apparatus was turned on.
4. Following the technician's instructions, the speed was adjusted to 300 RPM using the
black knob positioned in front of the electrical apparatus.
5. The water tap was opened, and confirmation was made that water flowed from the
intercooler system.
6. Table 1 documented the following measurements from the apparatus:
• Intake Pressure from the Barometer, denoted as P1
• Intercooler Gauge Pressure, denoted as P2
• Delivery Gauge Pressure, denoted as P3
• Receiver Gauge Pressure, denoted as P4
• Intake Temperature, denoted as T1
• Temperature Before Intercooler, denoted as T2
• Temperature After Intercooler, denoted as T3
• Delivery Temperature, denoted as T4
• Receiver Temperature, denoted as T5
• Compressor/Motor speed, denoted as N
• Brake Force, denoted as F
• Radius of Torque arm, denoted as R
7

RESULTS
Table 1 Given results.

Bore of High-pressure (HP) cylinder 76.2 mm

Bore of Low-pressure (LP) cylinder 101.6 mm
Stroke, L1 (HP cylinder) 101.6 mm
Stroke, L2 = L1 (LP cylinder) 101.6 mm
Rated speed, rpm 300 - 500 rpm
Clearance volume LP cylinder (% of swept volume) 3.13 %
Motor Power = BP = Tω kW
Torque arm 0.5334 m
For LP and HP, n 1.406

Table 2 Laboratory Results

No. Particulars Notations Unit Observation

1 Intake pressure (barometer) P1 = Patm mmHg 738
2 Inter cooler pressure (gauge) P2 = P3 kPa 240
3 Receiver pressure (gauge) P4 kPa 300
4 Intake temperature (atmospheric temp) T1 ℃ 24
5 Temperature before intercooler T2 ℃ 77.6
6 Temperature after intercooler T3 ℃ 28.3
7 Delivery temperature T4 ℃ 43.2
8 Compressor / Motor speed N rev/min 300
9 Brake force F N 130
10 Radius of Torque arm R m 0,5334

SAMPLE CALCULATION
Since T3 is greater than T1, incomplete intercooling occurred in the system.

Swept volume of LP cycle:

𝜋𝐷𝐿𝑃 2 𝐿2
𝑉𝑆𝐿𝑃 =
4

𝜋(0.1016)2 (0.1016)
=
4

∴ 𝑉𝑆𝐿𝑃 = 𝑉3"" = 8.237 × 10−4 𝑚3

8

Swept volume of HP cycle:

𝜋𝐷𝐻𝑃 2 𝐿2
𝑉𝑆𝐻𝑃 =
4

𝜋(0.0762)2 (0.1016)
=
4

∴ 𝑉𝑆𝐻𝑃 = 4.633 × 10−4 𝑚3

Clearance volume of LP cycle:

𝑉𝐶𝐿𝑃 = 0.0313𝑉𝑆𝐿𝑃

= 0.0313(8.237 × 10−4 )

∴ 𝑉𝐶𝐿𝑃 = 2.578 × 10−5 𝑚3

Volume V1 of LP cycle:
𝑉1𝐿𝑃 = 𝑉𝐶𝐿𝑃 + 𝑉𝑆𝐿𝑃
= 8.237 × 10−4 + 2.578 × 10−5
∴ 𝑉1𝐿𝑃 = 𝑉1 = 8.495 × 10−4 𝑚3

Calculated values:
738 𝑚𝑚𝐻𝑔
𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = × 133.3 𝑃𝑎
1 𝑚𝑚𝐻𝑔
∴ 𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 98.38 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃2 = 𝑃3 = 𝑃3′′ = 𝑃𝐺 + 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚
= 240 + 98.38
∴ 𝑃2 = 𝑃3 = 338.38 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃5 = 𝑃4 = 𝑃𝐺 + 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚
= 300 + 98.38
∴ 𝑃4 = 𝑃5 = 398.38 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑇1 = 24 + 273 = 297 𝐾
𝑇2 = 77.6 + 273 = 350.6 𝐾
𝑇3 = 28.3 + 273 = 301.3 𝐾
𝑇4 = 20.4 + 273 = 316,2 𝐾
Volume before intercooling, V2:
9

𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑛 = 𝑃2 𝑉2 𝑛

1
𝑃1 𝑛
𝑉2 = 𝑉1 ( )
𝑃2

1
−4
98.38 1.406
= 8.495 × 10 ( )
338.38

∴ 𝑉2 = 3.528 × 10−4 𝑚3

Induced volume of HP cycle, V3:

𝑉2 𝑇3
𝑉3 =
𝑇2

(3.528 × 10−4 )(301.3)

=
350.6

∴ 𝑉3 = 3.032 × 10−4 𝑚3

Volume V4 of LP cycle:

𝑃3"" 𝑉3"" 𝑛 = 𝑃4′ 𝑉4′ 𝑛

1
𝑃2 𝑛
𝑉4′ = 𝑉3"" ( )
𝑃1

1
−5
338.38 1.406
= 2.578 × 10 ( )
98.38

∴ 𝑉4′ = 𝑉4 = 6.21 × 10−5 𝑚3

Induced volume of LP cycle:

= 𝑉1 − 𝑉4′

= 8.495 × 10−4 − 6.21 × 10−5

∴ 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐿𝑃 𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒 = 7.87 × 10−4 𝑚3

Work done by LP cycle:

𝑛−1
𝑛 𝑃2 𝑛
𝑊𝐿𝑃 = 𝑃1 (𝑉1 − 𝑉4′ ) [( ) − 1]
𝑛−1 𝑃1
10

1.406−1
1.406 338.38 1.406
= (98.38 × 103 )(7.87 × 10−4 ) [( ) − 1]
1.406 − 1 98.38

∴ 𝑊𝐿𝑃 = 114.93 𝐽

Work done by HP cycle:

𝑛−1
𝑛 𝑃4 𝑛
𝑊𝐻𝑃 = 𝑃3 𝑉3 [( ) − 1]
𝑛−1 𝑃3

1.406−1
1.406 398.38 1.406
= (338.38 × 103 )(3.032 × 10−4 ) [( ) − 1]
1.406 − 1 338.38

∴ 𝑊𝐻𝑃 = 17.15 𝐽

Total work done by the compressor:

𝑊𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑊𝐿𝑃 + 𝑊𝐻𝑃

= 114.93 + 17.15

∴ 𝑊𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 132.08 𝐽

Total power used by the compressor:

𝑊𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑁𝑤
𝐼. 𝑃 =
60

(132.08)(300)
=
60

∴ 𝐼. 𝑃 = 660.4 𝑊

Torque using equation:

𝑇 = 𝐹𝑅

= (130)(0.5334)

∴ 𝑇 = 69.342 𝑁𝑚

Compressor speed:
11

2𝜋𝑁
𝜔=
60

2𝜋(300)
=
60

∴ 𝜔 = 31.416 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠

Brake power supplied:

𝐵. 𝑃 = 𝑇𝜔

= (69.342)(31.416)

∴ 𝐵. 𝑃 = 2178.45 𝑊

Mechanical efficiency of compressor:

𝐼. 𝑃
𝜂𝑀𝐸 = × 100
𝐵. 𝑃

660.4
= × 100
2178.45

∴ 𝜂𝑀𝐸 = 30.32 %

Isothermal work of LP cycle:

𝑃2
𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐿𝑃 = 𝑃1 (𝑉1 − 𝑉4′ ) ln ( )
𝑃1

338.38
= (98.38 × 103 )(7.87 × 10−4 ) ln ( )
98.38

∴ 𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐿𝑃 = 95.65 𝐽

Isothermal efficiency of LP cycle:

𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐿𝑃
𝜂𝐼𝑆𝐿𝑃 = × 100
𝑊𝐿𝑃

95.65
= × 100
114.93

∴ 𝜂𝐼𝑆𝐿𝑃 = 85.22 %

Isothermal work of HP cycle:

12

𝑃4
𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐻𝑃 = 𝑃3 𝑉3 ln ( )
𝑃3

398.38
= (338.38 × 103 )(3.032 × 10−4 ) ln ( )
338.38

∴ 𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐻𝑃 = 16.75 𝐽

Isothermal efficiency of HP cycle:

𝑊𝐼𝑆𝐻𝑃
𝜂𝐼𝑆𝐻𝑃 = × 100
𝑊𝐻𝑃

16.75
= × 100
17.15

∴ 𝜂𝐼𝑆𝐻𝑃 = 97.67 %

Volumetric efficiency of LP cycle:

1
𝑉𝐶𝐿𝑃 𝑃2 𝑛
𝜂𝑉𝐿𝑃 = {1 − [( ) − 1]} × 100
𝑉𝑆𝐿𝑃 𝑃1

1
2.578 × 10−5 338.38 1.406
= {1 − [( ) − 1]} × 100
8.237 × 10−4 98.38

∴ 𝜂𝑉𝐿𝑃 = 95.59 %

Volumetric efficiency of HP cycle:

1
𝑉𝐶𝐻𝑃 𝑃4 𝑛
𝜂𝑉𝐻𝑃 = {1 − [( ) − 1]} × 100
𝑉𝑆𝐻𝑃 𝑃3

1
0 328.91 1.406
= {1 − [( ) − 1]} × 100
4.633 × 10−4 288.91

∴ 𝜂𝑉𝐻𝑃 = 100 %
13

CALCULATED VALUES
Table 3 Calculated results 1

No. Description. Calculation Results.

1 Swept volume LP cycle 8.237 × 10−4 𝑚3
2 Swept volume HP cycle 4.633 × 10−4 𝑚3
3 Clearance volume 2.578 × 10−5 𝑚3
4 Volume V1 LP cycle 8.495 × 10−4 𝑚3
5 Volume V4 LP cycle 6.21 × 10−4 𝑚3
6 Induced volume LP cycle 7.87 × 10−4 𝑚3
7 Work LP cycle 114.93 𝐽
8 Induced volume HP cycle 3.032 × 10−4 𝑚3
9 Work HP cycle 17.15 𝐽
10 Total compressor work per cycle 132.08 𝐽
11 Total compressor power per cycle 660.4 𝑊
12 Brake power 2178.45 𝑊
13 Mechanical efficiency 30.32 %
14 Isothermal work LP cycle 95.65 𝐽
15 Isothermal efficiency LP cycle 85.22 %
16 Isothermal work HP cycle 16.75 𝐽
17 Isothermal efficiency HP cycle 97.67 %
18 Volumetric efficiency LP cycle 95.59 %
19 Volumetric efficiency HP cycle 100 %

Graphs
Work vs Cycle
140
120
100
Work (J)

80
60
40
20
0
Work HP cycle Work LP cycle
Different cycles

Figure 5 Work versus cycle graph

In the graph depicting the work of the HP cycle and LP cycle in a Two-Stage Single-Acting
Reciprocating Air Compressor, the values for the work done are illustrated. The HP cycle
exhibits a work value of 17.15 J, while the LP cycle shows a significantly higher value of
114.93 J. This discrepancy in work values suggests that the LP cycle contributes significantly
more to the overall compression process compared to the HP cycle. It implies that the LP
cylinder is primarily responsible for the initial compression of the air, while the HP cylinder
14

further enhances the compression, albeit with less work input compared to the LP cylinder.
Overall, this graph highlights the respective contributions of each cycle in achieving the
desired compression of the air in the reciprocating compressor system.

Induced colume vs cycle

0,0009
0,0008
0,0007
Induced volume.

0,0006
0,0005
0,0004
0,0003
0,0002
0,0001
0
Induced volume HP cycle Induced volume LP cycle

Figure 6 Induced Volume versus Cycle

In a Two-Stage Single-Acting Reciprocating Air Compressor, the graph above depicting

induced volume for both the high-pressure (HP) and low-pressure (LP) cycles showcases
essential operational characteristics. With the induced volume for the HP cycle measured at
0.0003032 m^3 and for the LP cycle at 0.000787 m^3, significant differences in compression
stages are apparent. The HP cycle, characterized by a smaller induced volume, indicates a
more intense compression phase, typically occurring in the latter stages of compression,
resulting in higher pressures. Conversely, the larger induced volume in the LP cycle suggests
a less severe compression process, usually in the initial stages, reflecting lower pressures but
higher volumes of compressed air. This differential compression ensures efficient overall
compression and delivery of compressed air at desired pressure levels.

DISCUSSION
The calculated values in Table 3 offer crucial insights into the operation of a Two-Stage
Single-Acting Reciprocating Air Compressor. Swept volumes for both the low-pressure (LP)
and high-pressure (HP) cycles show the volumes displaced during compression, with the LP
cycle having a larger volume, indicating its primary role in initial compression. Furthermore,
induced volumes for LP and HP cycles reveal different compression stages. The LP cycle
induces a larger volume of compressed air, suggesting lower pressures but higher volumes,
while the HP cycle induces a smaller volume, indicating more intense compression, resulting
in higher pressures.
The considerable difference in work done by each cycle underscores their distinct
contributions. The LP cycle performs significantly more work than the HP cycle, highlighting
its crucial role in initiating compression, while the HP cycle contributes to further
compression with less work input. Examining isothermal efficiencies of both cycles, high
values are observed, indicating effective compression processes with minimal heat exchange.
This ensures energy efficiency and optimal compressor performance, as heat losses are
minimized during compression.
15

In summary, values from Table 3 illustrate the coordinated operation of LP and HP cycles in
achieving efficient compression and delivery of compressed air. The LP cycle initiates
compression, while the HP cycle further enhances it, resulting in a well-coordinated
compression process with optimal energy efficiency.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the experiment with the Two-Stage Single-Acting Reciprocating Air
Compressor has proven successful in providing valuable insights into its performance.
Through detailed analysis, we've observed the distinct roles of the low-pressure (LP) and
high-pressure (HP) cycles and noted their contributions to efficient compression. The high
isothermal efficiencies emphasize effective temperature management. Moving forward, I
recommend exploring further compressor design optimizations for improved efficiency and
performance. Additionally, investigating alternative materials for enhanced durability and
advanced control systems for better operational control could be beneficial. This successful
experiment underscores the importance of thorough analysis and opens avenues for future
research in compressor technology.
16

REFERENCES
1. Khurmi, R. S., & Gupta, J. K. (2005). A Textbook of Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning. S. Chand.
2. Reynolds, W. C. (1995). Thermodynamics: Fundamentals for Applications.
Cambridge University Press.
3. McKenzie, J. D. (2009). Compressors and Modern Process Applications. John Wiley
& Sons.
4. Khurmi, R.S. and Gupta, J.K. (©1978). A Textbook of Thermal Engineering [SI
UNITS]. India: S Chand and Company Limited.
17

APPENDIX