Centrifugal compressors typically use which type of refrigerant?

Centrifugal compressors are specifically designed to handle low pressure refrigerants effectively. This is because they rely on the principles of dynamic compression, which involves the use of impellers to impart velocity to the gas. Low pressure refrigerants are suitable for this application as they can be compressed efficiently over a significant range of pressures, allowing the compressor to maintain optimal performance.

Using low pressure refrigerants minimizes the risk of excessive mechanical stress on the compressor and helps in operating at lower temperatures, which can improve overall system efficiency. Additionally, low pressure refrigerants can help in reducing the energy consumption of the system while ensuring adequate cooling capabilities.

In contrast, high pressure refrigerants typically require different types of compressors that can withstand higher pressures, and may not be as efficient in a centrifugal design. Medium pressure refrigerants also do not align with the operational principles of centrifugal compressors as well as low pressure options do. Non-pressurized gases are not suitable for this application, as they lack the necessary pressure that centrifugal compressors work with to achieve compression. Thus, low pressure refrigerants are the optimal choice for centrifugal compressors due to their compatibility with the design and operational characteristics of these machines.