Experimental investigations and analysis of compressor’s friction losses

Abstract

In this article the results of experimental investigation
of household refrigerating compressor’s friction
losses are summarized and analysed. The main objective of
the research was achieving higher compressors efficiency.
The research revealed that for modern compressors the oils
viscosity has low influence on friction losses. The authors
draw conclusion that friction losses of such compressors
are more determined by boundary lubrication than by hydrodynamic
lubrication. With lower viscosity oils part of
boundary friction losses is increasing. The oils of refrigerating
compressors holds big amount of dissolved refrigerant.
This increases the influence of cavitation on loadcarrying
capacity of oils film. The problem is further complicated
by increasing difference between compressors test
conditions and its operation conditions in refrigerator.