What type of compressor uses two rotating scrolls to compress refrigerant?

The type of compressor that uses two rotating scrolls to compress refrigerant is known as a scroll compressor. This design features two spiral-shaped scrolls, one fixed and the other orbiting around it, which helps in compressing the refrigerant as it moves through the scrolls. This mechanism allows for efficient compression with fewer moving parts, resulting in quieter operation and reduced vibration compared to other compressor types.

Scroll compressors are widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration applications due to their efficiency and reliability. Their unique design allows them to handle varying loads better than other compressor styles, such as reciprocating or rotary compressors, which rely on different mechanisms to compress refrigerant. In comparison to a vacuum compressor, which is primarily used to remove air and moisture from a system rather than compress refrigerants, the scroll compressor is specifically designed for the compression process in HVAC systems.