Rolling-Piston Compressor With Flow-Through Lubrication

The figure presents a simplified and partly schematic view of a two-stage rolling-piston compressor that is undergoing development for use as the prime mover in a vapor-compression heat pump. In comparison with equally rated compressors used heretofore in vapor-compression heat pumps, this compressor would perform better, would operate with higher efficiency, would be smaller, and would weigh less. Unlike prior compressors, this compressor could function in any orientation with respect to the gravitational field and/or acceleration, or in the absence of gravitation and acceleration.