The Refrigeration capacity of a compressor depends on the amount of refrigerant being displaced. This amount will depend on the following parameters:
1. Number of Cylinders: reciprocating compressors are usually found in 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 cylinders; the more, the greater the capacity.
2. Rotation: the higher the rotation, the capacity will increase proportionally. You can use direct coupling of the compressor with the engine (maximum 1800rpm) or use a belt and pulley reduction system.
3. Cylinder dimensions: at each turn of the crankshaft, a certain volume of refrigerant is displaced. By increasing this volume, the compressor capacity is increased. So there are compressors with different diameters and strokes, to meet the different capacities required for different types of installations.
The refrigeration compressor, by itself, does not have any refrigerating capacity, but an ability to move a given mass of refrigerant. This mass flow displaced by the compressor in a refrigerating system will be converted into refrigerating capacity by the system's evaporator.
