A Study of Methods to Represent Compressor Performance Data over an Operating Envelope Based on a Finite Set of Test Data

This presentation demonstrates determining the optimal method to predict compressor performance over the application envelope maximizing accuracy for a given number of test points. The uncertainty in each method is estimated as a function of measurement reproducibility and/or product-to-product variation, especially at the typical rating points given in the performance rating standard. The AHRI standard 540 was evaluated using three sets of compressor test data, and showed small uncertainty within the operating envelope. The study included uncertainty analysis in power and mass flow rate extrapolation outside the envelope.  The presentation also covers a study on the effect of superheat.