The present paper is a coupling between a modular object oriented one-dimensional and transient numerical simulation model for the thermal and fluid dynamic analysis of compressor behaviour and CFD&HT code over the circulating flow between the compressor and the shell evaluated under Large Eddy Simulation turbulence models. Both computational strategies and their coupling are here presented. The use of new refrigerants, new compressor circuitry, new designs, some aspects like several parallel paths, more than one compression chamber, etc., have obliged to develop new modelling strategies. Thermal and fluid dynamic behaviour of hermetic reciprocating compressors is characterized by complex heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena: three-dimensional, turbulent, fast transient, etc. Thus, CFD&HT codes coupled with the compressors numerical simulation model, under specific critical points are necessary to help on compressor improvement and efficiency optimization. The development and knowledge of both computational methodologies allow better results interpretation and deeper phenomena comprehension. The first numerical results presented, not only show the possibilities that this kind of coupling technique offers, but also the circulating flow influence on compressor behaviour.

Peer Reviewed