Compressor Basics

The Heart of HVAC Systems

Compressors are often thought of as the heart of an HVAC system. YORK® chillers use a variety of compressor types designed to meet the unique demands of each project.

Compressors are the most critical component in a heating and cooling system. The compressor sets the overall performance by establishing the limit of the thermodynamic efficiency. They also account for the most energy consumption of a system and impact efficiency.

Because of their critical function, compressors represent 25-40% of total system costs and play a role in determining the value range of the entire system.

Compressors used in YORK® Chillers include centrifugal, screw and scroll.

• Centrifugal Compressors: Centrifugal compressors rely on centrifugal force to compress refrigerant vapor. These are ideal for complex projects with medium to large cooling loads, such as hospitals, universities or naval ships.
• Screw Compressors: Screw compressors, also known as rotary compressors, move refrigerant from low pressure to high pressure via two rotors, or screws, that trap and compress gas in a compressor casing. Screw compressors are ideal for medium-load cooling projects, such as multistory office buildings and facilities with critical temperature requirements such as surgical centers.
• Scroll Compressors: Scroll compressors use one orbiting and one fixed scroll to provide continuous compression of the refrigerant. Scroll compressors can be used in a variety of applications, such as office buildings, hotels, schools or clinics.

Watch this video to learn more about the different compressor types used in YORK® equipment and YORK® chiller products.