Conversion of a Refrigerator Compressor into a Portable Silent Air Compressor for Use Onboard Vessels

Robert Poku^1, , Bebeteidoh O. Lucky¹ and Tokoni W. Oyinki¹

¹Department of Marine/Mechanical Engineering, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Cite this paper:
Robert Poku, Bebeteidoh O. Lucky and Tokoni W. Oyinki. Conversion of a Refrigerator Compressor into a Portable Silent Air Compressor for Use Onboard Vessels. American Journal of Marine Science. 2017; 5(1):9-17. doi: 10.12691/marine-5-1-2

Abstract

The noise emitted by portable electric air compressors can often be annoying or potentially hazardous to the operator or others nearby. In present scenarios the demand for a portable silent air compressor which can retain its efficiency is increasing on daily bases as efficient and portable silent air compressors can earn so much significance. Therefore reducing the noise level of these air compressors is desired. In order to provide solutions to these challenges, this study was developed which is aimed at creating a quiet air compressor with a target below 55decibels for the efficient and conducive performance of machineries and humans as well. The methodology was based on the replacement of the electric motor of conventional air compressor with a refrigerator compressor which is hermetically sealed and thus quieter. The results using a Sound Level Meter and dB sound Meter software at various frequency bands ranging from 25Hz to 8000Hz and at 100seconds test time showed that the design is the quietest amongst other air compressors tested at same rated conditions. The Portable (Chuko) Silent air compressor maintains a volumetric efficiency of 72.24% and an average sound level of about 38.4dB which is rated as a whisper sound and thus reducing the sound level by 51% when compared with other conventional air compressors. This result also affirms the fact that air compressors should be seen and not heard.

Keywords:
conversion refrigerator compressor electric air compressor portable silent air compressor noise level volumetric efficiency

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