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Visualization Study on Oil Return Characteristics of Vapor Compression Heat Pump System

Author

Listed:
  • Chuhao Tang

    (School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, West Xingang Road 135, Guangzhou 510275, China)

  • Zhanfeng Huang

    (School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, West Xingang Road 135, Guangzhou 510275, China)

  • Tingxun Li

    (School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, West Xingang Road 135, Guangzhou 510275, China)

Abstract

Vapor compression heat pump technology is a widely utilized method for energy conversion. Lubricating oil plays a crucial role in the heat pump system cycle by effectively reducing wear on the compressor’s moving parts and preventing refrigerant leakage. However, it can also create an oil film in the heat exchange equipment, which increases thermal resistance and diminishes heat transfer efficiency. This study utilizes a vapor compression heat pump system test bench to investigate factors influencing the system’s oil circulation rate, the two-phase flow patterns of refrigerant and lubricating oil, and the impact of oil circulation on system performance. The findings reveal that as the compressor speed increases, the oil circulation rate initially decreases before increasing again. Additionally, a decrease in the evaporator’s heat load leads to a reduction in oil circulation at high temperatures, while it increases at low temperatures. Furthermore, increasing the opening of the electronic expansion valve results in a gradual decrease in the oil circulation rate, whereas an increase in the refrigerant charge correlates with a rise in the oil circulation rate. The oil return flow pattern can primarily be categorized into three states: slow oil return, oil film flow, and high-speed oil return. These patterns are closely related to the degree of superheat, with lower superheat levels intensifying oil return.

Suggested Citation

  • Chuhao Tang & Zhanfeng Huang & Tingxun Li, 2024. "Visualization Study on Oil Return Characteristics of Vapor Compression Heat Pump System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:21:p:5299-:d:1506266
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fatouh, M. & Elgendy, E., 2011. "Experimental investigation of a vapor compression heat pump used for cooling and heating applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(5), pages 2788-2795.
    2. Cao, Jingyu & Hong, Xiaoqiang & Zheng, Zhanying & Asim, Muhammad & Hu, Mingke & Wang, Qiliang & Pei, Gang & Leung, Michael K.H., 2020. "Performance characteristics of variable conductance loop thermosyphon for energy-efficient building thermal control," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    3. Elgendy, E. & Schmidt, J., 2010. "Experimental study of gas engine driven air to water heat pump in cooling mode," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 2461-2467.
    4. Elgendy, E. & Schmidt, J. & Khalil, A. & Fatouh, M., 2010. "Performance of a gas engine heat pump (GEHP) using R410A for heating and cooling applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 4941-4948.
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