Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena. Ediciones UPCT
Abstract
The ability to modulate the compressor’s speed and adapt the capacity to the load
has permitted to decrease the annual energy consumption in many applications. However,
in the compressor, having the correct lubrication at high speeds usually imply having insufficient
lubrication at low speeds. This fact has to be considered by manufacturers as it limits
the speed range of the compressor.
In this study, a methodology to establish the working limit of a compressor is proposed. It is
based on the specific consumption surface of the compressor and no oil circulation measurements
are required. A compressor working between 6600 and 900rpm with propane and
POE oil has been used to test the proposed methodology. The results show that lubricating
issues in this compressor start at 1800rpm and rise as speed decreases.The authors would like to acknowledge the Spanish “MINISTERIO DE ECONOMIA Y COMPETITIVIDAD”,
through the project ref- ENE2017-83665-C2-1-P “Maximización de la eficiencia y
minimización del impacto ambiental de bombas de calor para la descarbonización de la calefacción/
acs en los edificios de consumo casi nulo” for the given support. In addition, Ruben
Ossorio would like to thank the Spanish government for his PhD scholarship with reference
PRE2018-083535