Final answer:
The scroll compressor is the most commonly used in air conditioners and chillers due to its efficiency and reliability in compressing refrigerant between two spiraled scrolls.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of compressor that is most commonly used in chillers and air conditioners is the scroll compressor. Among the options provided, which include centrifugal, sliding vane, screw, and scroll, the scroll compressor is widely recognized for its efficiency and reliability. The scroll compressor operates by having one fixed scroll that remains stationary, while a second scroll moves in a small eccentric orbit, causing pockets of refrigerant to be compressed between the two scrolls.
The functioning of the compressor in an air conditioning system is crucial, as it is the component that raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant gas and then forces it into the condenser coils, which are located inside the heated space. This is where the heat transfer to the room occurs, and the gas condenses back into a liquid. The type of compressor chosen can affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the air conditioning process.