Abstract
When CFC-12 is replaced by HFC-134a in small-sized refrigeration compressors for domestic refrigerators, the coefficient of performance (COP) of rotary compressors decreases. On the other hand,the COP of reciprocating compressors is almost the same as that of CFC-12. The main causes of rotary compressor performance decrease are higher viscosity of HFC-134a/oil mixture,and greater re-expansion loss of gas in clearance volume. The performance is improved by optimizing the oil viscosity through directly measuring viscosity of HFC-134a/oil mixture inside the compressor chamber with a viscosity sensor. Difference of oil type has small influence on the COP.
