From GAWDAwiki
An air compressor is a device that increases the amount of air in a given space. The influx of air increases its pressure, which creates a force used for a variety of industrial purposes.
Types of compressors
- Positive displacement compressors work by filling and then emptying an air chamber. There are three types of positive displacement compressors: reciprocating, rotary screw and rotary sliding vane.
- Dynamic compressors use a rotating device to accelerate and then decelerate air. The air’s velocity increases its pressure. Centrifugal air compressors are dynamic air compressors.[1]
References
- http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-air-compressor.htm