Applicable to positive displacement type Reciprocating compressor.
A double acting compressor compresses the air on both the up-stroke and the down-stroke of the piston, doubling the capacity of a given cylinder size. This “double” compression cycle is what makes this type of air compressor very efficient. For example, it is estimated that a single acting compressor will have an operating efficiency between 22 – 24 kW/100 cfm of air while the double acting compressor has an operating efficiency between 15 – 16 kW/100 cfm. Therefore, electricity cost is less with a double-acting reciprocating air compressor to make the same amount of compressed air.
