HVAC Math Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The theoretical efficiency formula used to calculate volumetric efficiency is derived from the relationship between the actual volume of air or gas that a compressor moves and the theoretical volume it is capable of moving under ideal conditions.

Volumetric efficiency is a measure of how effectively a compressor can fill its cylinder with the air or gas it is designed to process. The formula takes the actual volume, which is the amount of substance the compressor actually displaces, and divides it by the theoretical volume, which represents the maximum volume the compressor could ideally handle based on its displacement. Multiplying this ratio by 100 converts it into a percentage, providing a clearer understanding of the efficiency.

This formula clarifies how much of the theoretical capability is utilized in real-world operations, making it essential for evaluating compressor performance. Other formulas presented do not accurately reflect this relationship and would misrepresent the calculation of volumetric efficiency.