Comparative analysis of the regenerative and recuperative cooling of reciprocating compressors

A comparative analysis of the regenerative and recuperative cooling efficiency with respect to reciprocating compressors is performed based on the introduced criterion (Formula presented.) To this end, the cooling time for the internal parts of the piston compressor is evaluated by solving the unsteady heat transfer equation combined with the simplified working processes of that piston pump and compressor. Numerical experiments demonstrated more intensive cooling of the piston by liquid coolant when regenerative heat exchange is organized. Such an intensification of the piston cooling is unachievable with the regular recuperative heat exchange. It is shown that the compressor’s cooling time can be significantly reduced (by up to 30 times) if regenerative heat exchange is adopted instead of recuperative one.