Heat pump compressor: what it does and why it is so important

The compressor drives the refrigerant circuit and creates the pressure difference that allows heat transfer.

Suction

Receives low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator.

Discharge

Compresses the vapor to a higher pressure and temperature.

Compressor types

Scroll, rotary, and twin-rotary compressors are frequently used in heat pumps.

Inverter operation

In modern units, the compressor speed is varied so that the power output follows the actual load.