Paper No 598 – Preliminary test result of an oil compatibility of a low-GWP refrigerant as an alternative to R410A in a compressor test loop – 14th IEA Heat Pump Conference, Chicago, USA
A new alternative refrigerant has to be tested under real operating conditions to investigate its compatibility with lubricant oil, additives, seals, copper or any metal components and varnish in a compressor driving motor. In this study, oil compatibility characteristics of a low-GWP refrigerant as an alternative to R410A in a compressor test loop is preliminarily studied. To determine short and long-term lubricant oil compatibility of a low-GWP refrigerant in a compressor, a simple heat pump cycle test loop is designed and preliminarily tested under accelerated test protocol. R466A is selected as an alternative to R410A. A 6 hp of compressor for R410A, a 20 kW of condenser are selected. To reduce heat source capacity and to control inlet condition of a compressor, a shell type evaporator with a 15 kW electric heater is designed. An oil characteristic such as a viscosity and a decomposed ion using an ion chromatography are measured after each operation time schedule.