A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. An air compressor is a specific type of gas compressor.
A compressor in the aerospace context is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas, such as air, by reducing its volume. Compressors are used in a variety of aerospace systems, including propulsion systems, air conditioning systems, and power generation systems.
In propulsion systems, compressors are used to compress air before it is mixed with fuel and burned in the combustion chamber of an engine. This process, known as compression, increases the density of the air, making it more oxygen-rich and allowing for more efficient combustion. Compressors can be found in both jet engines and rocket engines. For example, in a jet engine, the compressor is used to compress the air before it enters the combustion chamber, where it is mixed with fuel and ignited to produce thrust.
In air conditioning systems, compressors are used to compress refrigerant, which is then used to cool the air inside the aircraft. Compressors are also used in power generation systems such as gas turbine engines, to compress the air before it is used to drive the turbine.
Compressors can be classified into several types, such as dynamic compressors, which use kinetic energy to compress the air, and positive displacement compressors, which use mechanical means such as pistons, rotors, or vanes to compress the air. Examples of dynamic compressors are centrifugal compressors and axial compressors, which are commonly used in jet engines. Examples of positive displacement compressors are reciprocating compressors and rotary screw compressors, which are commonly used in air conditioning systems.