Which type of compressor utilizes positive displacement for refrigerant movement?

The scroll compressor is a type of positive displacement compressor, which means it moves refrigerant by reducing its volume through a mechanical process. In a scroll compressor, two spiral-shaped elements work together: one remains stationary while the other orbits around it. As the orbiting scroll moves, it traps and compresses the refrigerant within the pockets formed by the spirals, effectively reducing its volume and increasing its pressure.

Positive displacement compressors operate on the principle of physically decreasing the volume of the refrigerant, ensuring a consistent flow of refrigerant into the evaporator and creating the necessary pressure differential for the system to function effectively. This method is essential for ensuring that the refrigerant is efficiently compressed and delivered to the next stage in the refrigeration cycle.

In contrast, a centrifugal compressor operates differently. It employs kinetic energy and velocity to move refrigerant rather than using positive displacement mechanisms. Centrifugal compressors increase the pressure of the refrigerant by converting its kinetic energy into pressure as it moves through the impeller and around the volute.

Rotary compressors also have a positive displacement mechanism, but the scroll design is a particularly notable example. It’s important to identify that while various compressors can utilize positive displacement, the specific reference to the scroll compressor in the context of this