Emerging Technologies: Modulating Compressors For Residential Cooling PDF

Most residential air conditioners (AC) and heat pumps use a single compressor that operates at a single speed. Most of the time, however, the cooling or heating loads equal a fraction of a unit’s full capacity, which causes the units to cycle on and off. Several approaches enable units to operate at a fraction of full load, i.e., modulate their cooling output. Modulating compressors offer several advantages over single-speed compressors, including better part-load performance, reduced compressor cycling, and the potential for improved humidity management.