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Effects of lubricating oil on the performance of a semi-hermetic twin screw refrigeration compressor

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 00:43 authored by Wu, X, Xing, Z, He, Z, Xiaolin WangXiaolin Wang, Chen, W
Lubricating oil is often employed in a twin-screw refrigeration compressor for lubricating bearings, sealing leakage paths, cooling refrigerant gas and regulating capacity. In this paper, the effect of lubricating oil on the performance of a semi-hermetic twin-screw refrigeration compressor is investigated. A mathematical model is established and a comprehensive experimental investigation is performed for this purpose. The model is validated using experimental data and then used to investigate the effect on compressor performance of lubricating oil supplied to the suction and discharge end bearings, and returned to the suction pipe. The results show that the compressor performance is reduced as the compensation oil injection flow rate increases in the suction pipe. However, as the compensation oil injection position moves from the suction pipe to a proper compression chamber position, the compressor efficiencies increase as the oil flow rate increases. The results also show that the compressor performance decreases as the oil flow rate increases at the suction end bearing. But the effect on the compressor performance of the lubricating oil supplied to the discharge end bearing depends on the oil temperature. Low temperature oil supplied to the discharge end bearing increases the compressor performance, while high temperature oil lowers the compressor performance. These analyses provide useful information for optimizing lubricating oil distribution to maximize energy efficiency in semi-hermetic twin screw refrigeration compressors.

History

Publication title

Applied Thermal Engineering

Volume

112

Pagination

340-351

ISSN

1359-4311

Department/School

School of Engineering

Publisher

Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd

Place of publication

The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1Gb

Rights statement

Crown Copyright ?2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Residential energy efficiency

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