Lubrication characteristics of a rotary compressor used for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems (the influence of alternative refrigerants)

Abstract

The rolling piston type rotary compressor has been widely used for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems due to its compactness and high-speed characteristics. However, it is necessary to develop alternative refrigerants that can guarantee environmental protection. In addition, advanced refrigerant compressors must be further developed to overcome the compatibility problems inherent in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. The refrigerant compressor is the most important mechanical component, which determines the performances of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Therefore, we theoretically investigated the lubrication characteristics of the rotary compressor currently used in both refrigeration and air-conditioning systems with an alternative refrigerant. In the theoretical investigation, the Runge-Kutta method is used to analyze the behavior of a rolling piston in the rotary compressor. Subsequently, the Newton-Raphson method is used, which provided good performance in the analysis of the elastohydrodynamic lubrication of the line contacts between a rolling piston and a vane in the rotary compressor. The results demonstrate that the alternative refrigerants influence the friction force and the energy loss between the vane and the rolling piston.

Performance Evaluation of Small Scale Air-Conditioning System Using R22 and Alternative Refrigerants

“…The overall compressor efficiency determines the actual amount of electrical energy required to drive the compressor. This efficiency is calculated by Cho andJung ( 2010), andSakaino et al (1984) as;…”

A Review on Sliding Vane and Rolling Piston Compressors

“…Subsequently, lubrication models for the vane tip and roller interface were formulated, the earliest model employing the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory [144,145]. Subsequently, mixed lubrication models [146,147] were developed to better model the interface, with considerations for asperity contact [148][149][150] and for elastic deformation [151].…”

“…Additionally, with regards to compressor lubrication and internal leakage, characteristics and compatibility of the new refrigerants with lubricating oils would have to be assessed as well. The different solubility rates of the refrigerants would affect the viscosity, which may impair lubrication [181], especially at the vane tip [150].…”

Numerical Performance Analysis of the Swing Compressor

“…롤링 피스톤형 로터리 압축기에 대한 연구는 크 게 베인과 실린더 사이의 누설해석, (1) 베인의 마찰 에 대한 분석, (2) 베인 선단부와 롤러외면간의 오일 막 해석 (3) 그리고 압축기의 시스템에 대한 해석 (4) 으 로 분류된다. 롤링 피스톤형 로터리 압축기에 대한 초기 연구는 Okada and Kuyama (5) 에 의해 수행되 었다.…”