Dynamic characteristics of refrigerant and lubricant in R290 rolling piston compressor of low-temperature air to water heat pump (LT-AWHP) during defrosting cycle

Abstract

The dynamic characteristics of refrigerant and lubricant in R290 rolling piston compressor used in LT-AWHP (ambient temperature (ta) of 7 ∼ −30 °C) are not clear at present. In this study, the changing characteristics of suction and discharge pressure and temperature, physical properties of oil sump (temperature, viscosity, solubility) and oil sump liquid level in the high pressure shell double-cylinder rolling piston compressor during defrosting cycle (steady state→ defrosting→ steady state) were experimentally researched in a R290 LT-AWHP with the rated power consumption of 1.9 kW using PAG40 and POE68 lubricants at ta of −12 and −20 °C. The results show that, the defrosting time and the change rule of oil sump physical properties are different when completely miscible oil and partially miscible oil used, but the defrosting time (about 3 – 5 min) is less than that of the R290 air to air heat pump (about 8 min). After defrosting, the fluid in the upside of compressor shell remains liquid and gas mixture for a long time, which would decrease total heating performance of the heat pump. After defrosting, oil sump viscosity is lower than the steady state value for a long time after discharge pressure is stabilized again. Within a period after the four-way valve reversing, the oil sump liquid level drops a lot, which may result in metal wear for insufficient oil supply on the side of sliding vane. This research would promote the improvement of defrosting process and provide guidance for the lubricant selection of R290 LT-AWHP.