Selection of a refrigeration oil for R32 refrigerant and evaluation of the compressor reliability.

Abstract

Recently, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants have attracted attention as an alternative to the most commonly used refrigerants. We considered R32 as an alternative to the R410A because of its low GWP and energy saving characteristics. This study focused on the selection of a suitable refrigeration oil for the R32 that would not compromise compressor reliability. We found R32 to be poorly miscible with refrigeration oils used for the R410A. This, combined with higher discharge gas temperature for R32 compared to R410A, would result in lower compressor reliability. We selected a refrigeration oil suitable for the R32 and confirmed compressor reliability equivalent to the R410A.