Numerical software for the simulation of thermal and fluid-dynamic behavior of hermetic reciprocating compressors is a must for its understanding and improvement. Hence, these tools are widely used to improve compressor performance in terms of COP. However there is a trade of between COP increase and noise levels produced by the compressor. The work is focused on numerical prediction of noise generation due to the fluid flow phenomena, with special attention to pressure perturbations. Because the suction muffler is a key-point in noise reduction, this element is numerically studied using two modeling approaches, first through compressible CFD and second through simplified one-dimensional models. The obtained numerical data is post-processed in order to obtain the characteristic frequency charts of the muffler geometry setup working under the compressor boundary conditions.

Peer Reviewed