Influence of Refrigerant solubility on Characteristics of Bearings in Scroll Compressors

Abstract

We measured the friction force on the bearings in a scroll compressor, then investigated the effects of dissolving refrigerant in the lubricating oil on the frictional characteristics. By comparing the experimental coefficient of friction with the theoretical one, we estimated the effect of dissolving refrigerant on oil's viscosity and on the coefficient of friction.