Lesson 1 - Introduction to Compressors

Topics:

Open and hermetic compressors; Reciprocating, rotary, helical, scroll, and centrifugal compressors; Multiple compressor applications; Replacement

Learning Objectives:
– List the five kinds of air conditioning and refrigeration compressors.
– Contrast the operation of positive-displacement and kinetic-displacement compressors.
– Explain how each kind of the five kinds of compressor raises the pressure of the refrigerant vapor.
– Define staging and cascading and explain why each is used.
– List important considerations in compressor replacement.


Lesson 2 - Reciprocating Compressors

Topics:

Reciprocating compressor housings, pistons, rods, crankshafts, bearings, seals, oil pumps, cylinder heads, and valves; Vibration control

Learning Objectives:
– Describe the general construction of open, semi-hermetic, and full-hermetic reciprocating compressors.
– Explain how the basic parts of a reciprocating compressor are assembled.
– Identify common designs of housings, pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, bearings, seals, cylinder heads, and valves used in reciprocating
   compressors.
– Explain how a cylinder unloader controls the capacity of a reciprocating compressor.
– Explain how compressors are lubricated.
– Explain how compressor vibration and noise are controlled.


Lesson 3 - Rotary, Helical, and Scroll Compressors

Topics:

Rotary compressor advantages; Rotary vane, helical, and scroll compressors; Accumulators; Bearings; Lubrication

Learning Objectives:
– Describe the operation of single-vane and multiple-vane rotary compressors, including how each raises refrigerant pressure.
– List several advantages of rotary compressors over reciprocating compressors.
– Define slugging and cavitation.
– Tell the two functions of an accumulator in a rotary compressor.
– Compare and contrast rotary and helical compressors.
– Describe the operation of the single-screw and twin-screw helical compressor.
– Describe the operation of a scroll compressor.


Lesson 4 - Centrifugal Compressors

Topics:

Centrifugal compressor characteristics, construction, bearings, lubrication, and purging; Capacity control; Compressor repair

Learning Objectives:
– Describe the operating principle of a kinetic-displacement compressor.
– List advantages and disadvantages of centrifugal compressors as compared to positive-displacement types.
– Explain reverse hydrostatic sealing.
– Explain how centrifugal compressors deal with thrust forces.
– Trace the operation of a typical centrifugal compressor lubrication system.
– Tell the purpose of a purge system.
– Describe the capacity control methods used in centrifugal compressors.


Lesson 5 - Compressor Motors

Topics:

Basic requirements; Single-phase, split-phase, capacitor, dual-voltage, repulsion, and three-phase motors; Starting switches

Learning Objectives:
– Explain the basic requirements of a compressor motor.
– Name the different types of single-phase and three-phase motors used to power compressors and tell which ones can be used in hermetic
   compressors.
– Explain how to reverse the direction of rotation of a motor.
– Explain how to change voltages on a dual-voltage motor.
– Describe the operation of the current and potential relays used for starting single-phase hermetic compressor motors.


Lesson 6 - Compressor Control and Protection

Topics:

Motor starting devices; Overload protection; High-pressure and low-pressure protection; Oil-pressure safety switches; Crankcase heaters

Learning Objectives:
– Name the two basic categories of motor-starting devices and tell how each operates.
– Explain the function of a reduced-voltage starter and name the five kinds used with compressor motors.
– Describe the three kinds of motor overload protection commonly used with compressor motors.
– Discuss the causes of, effects of, and solutions for high discharge pressure, low suction pressure, and low oil pressure.
– Explain the function of a suction-line accumulator.
– Explain why crankcase heaters are sometimes necessary.
– Explain how heat exchangers improve the performance of a compressor.


Lesson 7 - Compressor Maint., Troubleshooting, & Repair

Topics:

Importance of PM; Common mechanical problems; Repair basics; Disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, and reassembling compressors

Learning Objectives:
– State the first rule of preventive maintenance for compressors and related components.
– List preventive maintenance procedures common to most compressors.
– Explain how to calculate voltage imbalance in a three-phase motor.
– Name at least three possible causes of a low compressor oil level.
– Name at least three possible causes of compressor overheating.
– Explain how electrical problems can cause various system malfunctions
– Explain how to pump down a compressor for repairs.
– Describe compressor disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly procedures.
– Describe motor spot burnouts and cookouts, list their possible causes, and explain how to determine the severity of a burnout.
– Explain how to clean up a system after a motor burnout.