The efficiency and reliability of hermetic reciprocating compressors adopted for household refrigeration are affected by the temperature distribution of their components. Simulation models developed to assist the thermal design of compressors require heat transfer coefficients in different components, usually estimated from correlations available for simplified geometries. However, the geometries of some components are complex and require more representative heat transfer coefficients. This paper presents experimental results for heat transfer coefficients obtained from measurements of heat flux and temperature in different regions of the suction muffler of a small reciprocating compressor under different operating conditions. A least square method was employed to obtain correlations for local heat transfer coefficients, which were then compared with estimates given by correlations available in the literature for simplified geometries
