The history of compressor development is briefly outlined. The authors’ company entered refrigeration compressor design and production in 1897.

The paper concentrates on the modern, high-speed multicylinder compressors, which were first introduced around 1950. The test and design work done since 1974 is described in more detail, showing the influence from compression ratio, compressor speed, and length of stroke on the volumetric and isentropic efficiencies.

Finally some thoughts are given on development in the near future.