The steam compressor converts low-temperature, low-pressure steam into high-temperature, high-pressure steam through mechanical work. Its core process follows the thermodynamic cycle and mainly includes the following four processes:
1. ‌Compression Process‌: The compressor draws in low-temperature, low-pressure steam and compresses it through mechanical action (such as rotor rotation or piston movement), significantly increasing its pressure and temperature. For example, a centrifugal compressor does work on the steam through a high-speed rotating impeller.
2. ‌Condensation Process‌: High-temperature and high-pressure steam enters the condenser, exchanges heat with the cooling medium (water or air), and condenses into high-pressure liquid, releasing latent heat.
3. ‌Expansion Process‌: High-pressure liquid passes through a throttling device (such as an expansion valve) to reduce pressure, with part of the liquid vaporizing into low-temperature, low-pressure steam.
4. ‌Evaporation Process‌: Low-temperature steam absorbs environmental heat in the evaporator, completely vaporizes, and then re-enters the compressor to complete the cycle. ‌Key Parameters‌: The pressure ratio (outlet/inlet pressure ratio) and temperature rise are core indicators, for example, the pressure ratio of a Roots compressor can reach 2, with a temperature rise of 20℃.