A compressor that uses a high-speed impeller to throw the refrigerant outwards is known as a?

A compressor that operates using a high-speed impeller to throw the refrigerant outwards is classified as a centrifugal compressor. This type of compressor utilizes the kinetic energy generated by the impeller to convert the fluid's energy into pressure, enabling efficient transport of refrigerant.

In centrifugal compressors, the impeller rotates at high speed, accelerating the refrigerant and directing it outward through a diffuser, which then increases the pressure of the refrigerant. This design is particularly effective for high flow rates and larger systems, commonly found in commercial and industrial HVAC applications.

Understanding this mechanism of a centrifugal compressor helps distinguish it from other types. Rotary compressors use rolling elements to compress the refrigerant, reciprocating compressors operate by moving pistons back and forth in cylinders, and axial compressors use blades arranged in an axial flow configuration. Each of these alternatives operates on different principles, making them suitable for specific applications, but it is the centrifugal compressor that specifically relies on impeller action for its functional design.