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International Compressor Engineering Conference School of Mechanical Engineering
2010
Experimental Performance of a Semi-Hermetic
Reciprocating Compressor working with Propane
Enrico Dai Riva
University of Padova
Davide Del Col
University of Padova
Alberto Cavallini
University of Padova
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Riva, Enrico Dai; Col, Davide Del; and Cavallini, Alberto, "Experimental Performance of a Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressor
working with Propane" (2010). International Compressor Engineering Conference. Paper 2029.
htp://docs.lib.purdue.edu/icec/2029

1448, Page 1

International Compressor Engineering ConIerence at Purdue, July 12-15, 2010

Experimental Performance of a Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressor working with

Propane

Enrico DA RIVA*, Davide DEL COL, Alberto CAVALLINI

University oI Padova, Dip. di Fisica Tecnica, Via Venezia 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
(Tel.: 390498276885, Iax: 390498276896, enrico.darivaunipd.it)

* Corresponding Author


ABSTRACT

The experimental perIormance oI a semihermetic reciprocating compressor working with propane as the reIrigerant
is reported. Tests have been perIormed both with and without an internal heat exchanger between suction vapour
and liquid line. The suction vapour superheating is shown to improve volumetric eIIiciency and, thereIore, global
compression eIIiciency.
Two diIIerent hypotheses have been discussed in order to explain experimental results: the high solubility oI
propane on the lubricating mineral oil and the possibility oI condensation on a cold spot inside the cylinder.



1. INTRODUCTION

Environmental issues about the use oI hydroIluorocarbons (HFCs) have arisen, since mostly used HFCs are strong
greenhouse gases. According to the IPCC (2007), in terms oI CO
2
equivalent, the share oI the Iluorinated gases in
the emissions oI anthropogenic greenhouse gases was estimated to be 1.1 in 2004.
A great stimulus to the search Ior substitutes Ior HFCs has been given within the EU by the Directive 2006/40/EC
which regulates the phase out oI Iluids with GWP~150 in mobile air-conditioning systems. Chemical manuIacturers
have redirected their Iocus to Iluoro-oleIins (R-1234yI in particular), in order to Iind a substitute Ior R134a (Minor
and Spatz, 2008). Fluoro-oleIins generally are more reactive than compounds with only single carbon-carbon bonds,
this greatly reducing ODP and GWP. However, the higher reactivity generally leads to higher toxicity and lower
stability; Iurthermore, these Iluids tend to decompose in proximity to the location oI release, giving birth to products
which could be smog progenitors or contribute to the Iormation oI other chemicals with higher GWP (Calm, 2008).
The adoption oI substances naturally occurring in the environment, and displaying null ODP and negligible GWP,
has been suggested. Among the 'natural Iluids, hydrocarbons (HCs) are the most chemically related with the
halogenated reIrigerants. The main problem is their Ilammability which has prevented their use in large scale: Ior
this reason, additional saIety restrictions and reIrigerant charge minimization are required.
Isobutane (R600a) nowadays dominates the European market oI domestic reIrigerators and its use is increasing in
countries like Japan and Korea, since the required charge is very low, thereIore no saIety concerns are present. It is
interesting to notice how, mainly because oI tort laws which lead manuIacturers to Iear having to deIend against
assertions oI contribution to domestic fres, HCs are not used in reIrigerators in the USA (Calm, 2008).
Regarding applications like heat pumps, air-conditioners and commercial reIrigeration systems, propane (R290)
displays very interesting properties and, Irom a technical point oI view, could be easily adopted as drop-in Ior R22
in traditionally designed equipment. However, medium-capacity hermetic compressors designed to operate with
R290 lack due to the small market and to the additional certiIications and approvals required.
Some manuIacturers have experienced intolerably high Iailure rates oI compressors when using HCs, and this has
been explained by the high solubility oI R290 in the oil, which can lead to a substantial decrease oI the lubricant
viscosity. Other manuIacturers, instead, with the use oI higher viscosity oil, crankcase heaters and/or internal heat
exchanger, have reported Iewer Iailures with HCs than with HFCs or HCFCs (Palm, 2008).

The perIor
compresso
between 4
without an
A 2 kW co
this unit a h
Five herme
POE oil as
signiIicant
In the pres
as the lubr
minichann
reIrigerant
working co

2

A semi-her
the compr
design and
them to set
The experi
with and w
Ior the hot
Temperatu
measured b
R290 displ
a substanti
compresso
decreases b
manuIactu
standstill c
installed in
The presen
Tecnica de




Intern
rmance oI a R
or used was des
and 5 K. A Ie
ny problem (Pal
ooling capacity
hermetic recip
etic reciprocat
s lubricant by
diIIerence bet
sent paper, the
ricant is reporte
el shell-and-tu
charge and i
onIigurations (
2. COMPRE
rmetic reciproc
ressors Ior hal
d protection dev
t the capacity t
imental Iacility
without IHX ca
t water line an
ure and pressur
by an electrica
lays a very hig
ial decrease oI
or is charged w
by increasing
rer oI the com
condition, a 14
n temperate sur
nt experimenta
epartment build
Fig.
national Compr
R290 heat pum
signed to opera
ew scroll comp
lm, 2008).
y reIrigeration s
rocating comp
ing compresso
Navarro et al
tween the oil b
experimental p
ed. The compr
ube condenser
installed togeth
Del Col et al.,
ESSOR DE
cating compres
logenated reIri
vices. The com
to 66. SpeciIi
y used in this w
an be tested at t
d the propane
re are measured
l power analyz
gh solubility w
I the viscosity,
with a higher b
the temperatur
mpressor. In o
40 kW crankca
rroundings and
al Iacility, how
ding, in order t
1: Experiment
ressor Engineer
mp has been m
ate with R407C
pressors have b
system using p
ressor was use
ors designed to
l. (2005). Test
ehaviour with
perIormance o
ressor has been
and an interna
her with comm
2010, Cavallin
ESCRIPTIO
ssor by Bitzer d
igerants, this d
mpressor has 6
Iications oI the
work is depicte
the same opera
line, while an
d at the points
zer. The instrum
ith convention
especially at l
asic viscosity
re, at least 20
order to reduc
ase heater is in
d insulted iI nec
wever, has bee
o provide som
al Iacility.
ring ConIerenc
easured by Fe
C, ester oil was
been operated i
propane has bee
ed with mineral
o operate with
s have been p
R290 and R40
I a semi-herme
n installed in a
al heat exchan
mercial plate
ni et al., 2010)
ON AND OP
designed to op
device display
cylinders with
compressor an
ed in Fig. 1. By
ating condition
electromagnet
depicted in Fig
mentation mea
nal lubricants a
low oil temper
mineral oil. Fu
K superheatin
e high Ioamin
nstalled in the
cessary (Bitzer
en situated ou
e level oI intrin
ce at Purdue, Ju
ernando et al.
s used as the lu
in total 8-1000
en studied also
l oil as lubrican
R407C have b
perIormed with
07C.
etic reciprocati
100 kW heati
nger (IHX) hav
heat exchange
.
PERATION
perate with R29
ys adjustments
h the possibility
nd the lubrican
y switching the
ns. Two Corioli
tic Ilow meter
g. 1 and the po
surement unce
and ester oils. S
rature and high
urthermore, sin
ng at suction a
ng, especially
compressor. B
r, 1997).
utside in the o
nsic saIety.

Table 1: C

Number
cylinder
Bore
Stroke
Volumet
Ilow rate
Capacity
Crankca
Oil type
Oil visco
Oil char
uly 12-15, 201
(2004, 2007).
ubricant and the
00 h during this
o by (Hrnjak an
nt.
been characteri
h 11.1 K super
ing compresso
ing capacity pr
ve been design
ers in order to
N WITH PRO
90 has been tes
s concerning o
y to shut-oII th
t are reported i
e on/oII valves,
is eIIect mass I
is installed in
ower supplied
ertainty is repor
Since this chara
h suction press
nce at Iixed pr
and discharge a
iI staring the
Besides, the co
open air on th
Compressor and
r oI
rs
tric
e (
y control
ase heater

M
osity
rge
1448, Pa
0
The hermetic
e superheat wa
s experimental
nd Hoehne, 200
ized using R29
rheating showi
or using a mine
ropane heat pu
ned to minimi
o compare diI
OPANE
sted. As compa
oil charge, ele
e suction oI a p
in Table1.
, both conIigur
Ilow meters ar
n the cold wate
to the compre
rted in Table 2
acteristic can l
sure (see Fig. 8
ressure the solu
are suggested b
compressor I
ompressor shou
e rooI oI the
d oil speciIicat
6
75 mm
55 mm
126.8 m
3
/h
(1450rpm,50
100 - 66
140 W
Mineral oil 'Sh
Clavus Oil 68
68 cSt at 40
4.75 dm
3


age 2
scroll
as kept
l study
04). In
90 and
ing no
eral oil
mp. A
ize the
IIerent
ared to
ectrical
pair oI
rations
e used
er line.
ssor is
.
lead to
8), the
ubility
by the
Irom a
uld be
Fisica
tions.
h
0Hz)

hell
8
C

1448, Page 3

International Compressor Engineering ConIerence at Purdue, July 12-15, 2010
Table 2: Instrumentation 'type B measurement uncertainty (68 conIidence level).
Instrument Uncertainty
Compressor suction pressure transducer r 0.035 bar
Compressor discharge pressure transducer r 0.17 bar
Condenser diIIerential pressure transducer r 0.00043 bar
Evaporator diIIerential pressure transducer r 0.0035 bar
Condenser and expansion valve pressure transducer r 0.03 bar
Evaporator outlet pressure transducer r 0.01 bar
Propane mass Ilow meter r 0.0018 kg/s
Hot water volumetric Ilow meter r 0.017 L/s
Cold water mass Ilow meter r 0.005 kg/s
Electric power analyzer r 0.35 oI reading
T-type thermocouples ice point r 0.05 K

3. OPERATING CONDITIONS AND TEST PROCEDURE

Experimental tests have been carried out at both Iull and 66 compressor capacity, at suction pressure varying Irom
4.4 bar up to 5.2 bar, corresponding to around 0C saturation temperature, and discharge pressure varying Irom 13.8
up to 19.6 bar, corresponding to saturation temperature Irom 40C up to 55C. The corresponding water
temperatures ranges Irom 12-7C/30-35C to 10-5C/ 45-50C.
In the test runs without the IHX, the superheat at the compressor suction was varied Irom SH
1
4K up to SH
1
14K
by changing the setting oI the thermostatic expansion valve; the corresponding superheat at the compressor
discharge varied Irom SH
3
20 K up to SH
3
30 K. When using the IHX, the achieved superheat depends on the
temperature diIIerence between the subcooled liquid and the vapour. In the test runs perIormed, at the lowest
condensing pressure the compressor suction superheat was SH
1
20K, while at the highest condensing pressure it
was SH
1
35K. The corresponding discharge superheat varied Irom SH
3
35 K up to SH
3
50 K.
The compressor electric power and the heat Ilow rates at the condenser and evaporator were considered in order to
check the global energy balance. ReIerring to the condenser heating capacity, the maximum unbalance among all the
test runs was around 2 and the standard deviation was 0.6.
Compressor suction and discharge temperatures and pressures are measured. The shell inlet enthalpy h
1
, the actual
discharge enthalpy h
3
and the discharge enthalpy Ior an isentropic process h
3-is
have been obtained by means oI the
NIST database (2007). The global eIIiciency
GLOBAL
has been computed according to the Iollowing equation:

comp
is
GLOBAL
W
h h m ) (
1 3

K
(1)

where m is the R290 mass Ilow rate and W
comp
is the electric power supplied to the compressor.
When using the IHX, the mass Ilow m was directly measured, while without the IHX this was obtained by means oI
energy balances at both the condenser and the evaporator; the average value was then used in Eq. (1). The maximum
deviation observed between the Ilow rate obtained by means oI the condenser and the evaporator energy balances is
around 4 and the standard deviation is 2.0. Considering only the test runs with IHX, the mass Ilow obtained
Irom the energy balances was compared to the value measured by the Coriolis Ilow meter: in the case oI the balance
at the condenser, the maximum deviation was around 5 and the standard deviation was 1.0; in the case oI the
balance at the evaporator, the maximum deviation was around 3 and the standard deviation was 0.9.
The volumetric eIIiciency
VOL
has been computed according to the Iollowing equation:

S
JOL
J
m
1
/ U
K
(2)

where
1
is vapour density at the compressor shell inlet, obtained by means oI the NIST database (2007) Irom the
measurements oI pressure and temperature, while J
S
is the theoretical swept-volume Ilow rate reported in Table 1.
Finally, the isentropic compressor eIIiciency
IS
has been computed according to the Iollowing equation:

) (
) (
1 3
1 3
h h
h h
is
IS

K
(3)

1448, Page 4

International Compressor Engineering ConIerence at Purdue, July 12-15, 2010


Fig. 2: Isentropic eIIiciency versus pressure ratio.

Fig. 3: Global eIIiciency versus pressure ratio.

Fig. 4: Volumetric eIIiciency versus pressure ratio.

Fig. 5: Ratio oI global to volumetric eIIiciency.


4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Experimental isentropic eIIiciency and global eIIiciency are reported in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The isentropic eIIiciency

IS
always increases in the range oI pressure ratios considered and a slightly lower isentropic eIIiciency is measured
Ior the test runs without IHX. While the isentropic eIIiciency
IS
, as deIined by Eq. (3), only reIers to the change oI
thermodynamic state oI the vapour between suction and discharge, the global eIIiciency
GLOBAL
deIined by Eq. (1)
is a more signiIicant parameter. As shown in Fig. 3, Ior the test runs using the IHX the global eIIiciency versus
pressure ratio displays a similar curve as the one oI the isentropic eIIiciency, but Ior the test runs without IHX data
is much more scattered and a very important reduction (as compared to isentropic eIIiciency) is measured. At Iull
capacity with IHX the global eIIiciency varies Irom 0.69 up to 0.71, but without IHX the maximum eIIiciency is
0.67 and experimental values as low as 0.62 have been measured.
Experimental data about volumetric eIIiciency versus pressure ratio are reported in Fig. 4. Data about conIigurations
with IHX displays a clear trend versus pressure ratio; on the contrary, data about conIigurations without IHX is
much more scattered and displays considerably lower volumetric eIIiciency. At Iull capacity with IHX the
volumetric eIIiciency varies Irom 0.82 up to 0.89, but without IHX experimental values as low as 0.73 have been
measured. The ratio oI the global to the volumetric eIIiciency is plotted in Fig. 5.
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
2 3 4 5
I
s
e
n
t
r
o
p
i
c

E
f
f
i
c
i
e
n
c
y

I
S


[
-
]
Pressure Ratio [-]
FuII capacity with IHX
FuII capacity w/o IHX
66% capacity with IHX
66% capacity w/o IHX
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
2 3 4 5
G
I
o
b
a
I

E
f
f
i
c
i
e
n
c
y

G
L
O
B
A
L

[
-
]
Pressure Ratio [-]
FuII capacity with IHX
FuII capacity w/o IHX
66% capacity with IHX
66% capacity w/o IHX
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
2 3 4 5
V
o
I
u
m
e
t
r
i
c

E
f
f
i
c
i
e
n
c
y

G
L
O
B
A
L

[
-
]
Pressure Ratio [-]
FuII capacity with IHX
FuII capacity w/o IHX
66% capacity with IHX
66% capacity w/o IHX
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
2 3 4 5

G
L
O
B
A
L
/

V
O
L

[
-
]
Pressure Ratio [-]
FuII capacity with IHX
FuII capacity w/o IHX
66% capacity with IHX
66% capacity w/o IHX

Fig. 6: E

Data displa
can be con
the volume
The global
data series
each series
(SH
1
21~
without IH
eIIiciency.
suited outs
The main c
the volume
Two pheno
perIormanc

4.1 Estim
Pressure an
measured i
compresso
discharge l
experiment
compresso
A phenom
representin
was adjust
stroke, 1~2
(Navarro e
SH
1
11.1
the 90 oI
In the pres
isentropic
0.65 (i.e.
42 oI (h
3
Jacobs (19
compresso
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
G
I
o
b
a
I

E
f
f
i
c
i
e
n
c
y

G
L
O
B
A
L

[
-
]
Intern
EIIiciency at Ii
ays clear trend
ncluded that the
etric eIIiciency
l eIIiciency dat
s has been obta
s in Fig. 6 disp
~35 K), grey p
HX and SH
1

It must be no
side), the evapo
conclusion reg
etric eIIiciency
omena have be
ce: the high pro
mation of Suc
nd temperature
in such a way
or shell, the va
line and this re
tal results rep
or shell (i.e. SH
menological mo
ng the main sou
ed to experime
2 pistons) and
et al., 2007b). A
1 K, the mecha
I these energy
sent estimation
enthalpy rise (
. the average e
3-is
h
1
). Some
976) measured
or with R22 at 7
2
Pre
with IHX,
w/o IHX, S
w/o IHX, S
w/o IHX, S
w/o IHX, S
w/o IHX, S
w/o IHX, S
national Compr

ixed expansion
ds versus press
e inIluence oI
y.
ta points oI Fig
ained at Iixed
plays a clear tr
points reIer to
10 K. As a
ticed that also
orating pressur
garding the exp
y oI the compre
een considered
opane/oil solub
tion Port Sup
e are measured
y does not corr
apour comes in
esults in additio
ported in this
H
2
-

SH
1
) is here
odel Ior analyzi
urces oI compr
ental data taken
it was claimed
According to th
anical and elect
losses is expec
n, the speciIic
(h
3-is
h
1
). Acc
xperimental va
estimated valu
an increase oI
7.2C evaporat
3 4
essure Ratio [-]
SH1 = 21~35 K
SH1 = 12~14 K
SH1 = 10~13 K
SH1 = 6~8 K
SH1 = 6~9 K
SH1 = 7~10 K
SH1 = 4~5 K
ressor Engineer
n valve setting.
sure ratio and t
the superheatin
g. 3 Ior Iull cap
expansions va
rend versus pre
o test runs with
a general rule,
some other pa
re or the charge
perimental resu
essor, this incre
d as an explana
bility and the p
perheating
d at the comp
respond to the
n contact with
onal superheat
paper, an es
e attempted.
ing reciprocati
ression losses h
n on Iour herm
d to predict the
his model, at 5
trical losses rep
cted to be trans
enthalpy rise
cording to the r
alue Ior the com
ues are reported
I SH
2
-

SH
1

28
ting temperatur
4 5
ring ConIerenc

Fig. 7:
Red
test runs with I
ng on the glob
pacity test run
alve setting. As
essure ratio. B
hout IHX and
, in Fig. 6 da
arameters, like
e oI reIrigerant
ults reported is
easing the glob
ation oI the inI
possibility oI co
ressor shell in
actual state a
h the motor w
ting. Since this
timation oI th
ing compressor
has been propo
metic reciprocat
e perIormance
50C condensin
present, respec
sIerred to suctio
oI the vapour
results by Nav
mpressor analy
d in Table 3 Io
8 K, correspon
re, 54.4C con
5
ce at Purdue, Ju
: Solubility oI R
duced Irom dat
IHX and witho
al eIIiciency is
s are reported
s one can see,
Black diamond
SH
1
10~14
ata series at hi
the environme
t and oil could
that the use oI
bal compression
Iluence oI the
ondensation in
nlet and the the
at the suction p
indings, the co
s issue is very
he additional
rs eIIiciency in
osed by Navarr
ting compresso
at most points
ng temperature
ctively, the 38
on vapour as h
r (h
2
h
1
) is a
varro et al. (200
yzed), the vapo
or R22 and R29
ding to (h
2
h
densing tempe
uly 12-15, 201
R290 on MO S
ta by Shell Glo
out IHX displa
s mainly due to
again in Fig. 6
while in Fig.
points reIer to
K, empty poin
igher superhea
ent temperatur
have some inIl
I an IHX has a
n eIIiciency.
use oI the IHX
nside the cylind
ermodynamic
port because, u
ompressor bod
important Ior t
superheating
n terms oI a nu
ro et al. (2007a
ors working wi
s with a maxim
e, 0C evaporat
and 40 oI t
heat.
assumed to be
07a, 2007b), an
our enthalpy ris
90 at typical w
h
1
) 0.64 (h
3-is

erature and SH
1
1448, Pa
0
Shell Clavus G
obal Solutions.
ay the same va
o an improvem
6. In this graph
3 data are sca
o test runs with
nts reIer to tes
ating display h
re (the compre
Iluence.
a strong inIluen
X on the comp
der.
state experime
upon entrance
dy and a part
the discussion
achieved insid
umber oI param
a, 2007b). The
ith R290 (30~3
mum deviation
ting temperatu
total losses. Be
e proportional
nd assuming
se (h
2
h
1
) wo
orking conditio
h
1
), Ior a he
1
11.1 K.

age 5

G68.

alue. It
ment oI
h, each
attered,
h IHX
st runs
higher
ssor is
nce on
pressor
entally
to the
oI the
oI the
de the
meters
model
38 mm
oI 3
ure and
esides,
to the

GLOBAL

ould be
ons.
ermetic

1448, Page 6

International Compressor Engineering ConIerence at Purdue, July 12-15, 2010
Table 3: Estimation oI additional superheating inside the compressor shell.

Refrigerant 1
evap
/1
cond
SH
2
-SH
1

R22 0C/40C 15 K
R22 0C/55C 20 K
R290 0C/40C 11 K
R290 0C/55C 15 K

Table 4: Viscosity oI R290/lubricant mixtures at T
evap
-6C, SH
1
16 K, SH
2
-SH
1
20 K by Seeton (2003).
Naphthenic Mineral Oil
ISO VG 32
Alkylbenzene
ISO VG 32
Polyol Ester
ISO VG 32
Polyalkylene Glycol
ISO VG 46
Kinematic Viscosity 22 mm
2
/s 20 mm
2
/s 38 mm
2
/s 51 mm
2
/s


Similar experimental results have been reported by Hiller and Glicksman (1976). It is interesting to notice that the
present estimation would lead to such value iI assuming
GLOBAL
0.55, which can be considered a sound value Ior a
hermetic compressor oI the late 70s.

4.2 Solubility of Propane in the Lubricant
The primary Iunctions oI the lubricant are to reduce Iriction, minimize wear and retain pressures. A large reduction
in the viscosity oI the lubricant may aIIect the lubricity and, more likely, the sealing Iunction oI the lubricant.
As a general rule, the lubricant with the lowest viscosity that gives satisIactory volumetric eIIiciency should be
selected. In the case oI reciprocating compressors, kinematic viscosities ranging Irom 32 mm
2
/s up to 65 mm
2
/s are
suggested by ASHRAE (2006) as a guideline. It must be considered that many reIrigerants are highly soluble in oils
and this can have a very strong eIIect on viscosity.
Data by Seeton (2003) oI diIIerent R290/lubricant mixtures viscosities are reported in Table 4. It must be noticed
that, as reported by Seeton (2003), with R134a and POE oil at the same conditions the viscosity would be 48 mm
2
/s.
Navarro et al. (2004) reported identical volumetric eIIiciencies Ior a hermetic piston compressor with R290 using a
MO (Clavus G68) and a POE oil (ISO 32). The compressor eIIiciencies were also similar, but the maximum was
shiIted slightly to lower pressure ratios with the POE oil. It was also Iound that the solubility was higher in MO, that
Ioaming was more excessive in POE and that the oil circulation rate was almost twice as high with POE.
Graphs oI R290/oil solubility and viscosity have been reduced Irom data by the manuIacturer oI the oil used in the
present work and reported in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. As one can see, the solubility is shown to strongly depend on
superheating. The viscosity strongly increases with superheating till reaching a maximum at around SH
2
30~40 K,
then it decreases with superheating; besides, it strongly decreases by increasing the suction pressure. It is clear Irom
these data that the high solubility oI propane in mineral oils could represent a problem, especially Ior applications
such as heat pumps displaying high suction pressures.
The average total superheating is expected to be around SH
2
20 K Ior the test runs perIormed without the IHX,
and around SH
2
35~50 K with the IHX. ThereIore, the compressor is expected to work in the steep region oI the
viscosity versus superheating curve when the IHX is not used, and close to the maximum value with the IHX. The
experimental results reported in the present work can thereIore be explained by means oI the strong inIluence that
the propane solubility could have on the sealing eIIect oI the lubricant between piston and cylinder.

4.3 Condensation Inside the Compressor Cylinder
A part oI the internal surIace oI the cylinder, in particular next to the suction valves, could have, at least during the
end oI the compression stroke, a temperature lower than the saturation one. II this happens, some reIrigerant would
condense and it would most likely keep inside the cylinder; later during the expansion stroke, it would evaporate,
this locally keeping the surIace temperature cool, and the process would repeat. Provided that the dynamics oI these
processes are Iast enough, the eIIect would be equivalent to an increase oI the dead volume ratio.
According to Granryd et al. (1999), this phenomenon may be one oI the reasons why volumetric and isentropic
eIIiciency are generally improved by increasing suction gas superheat. Such phenomenon has been taken into
account also in the phenomenological model Ior reciprocating compressors by Navarro et al. (2007a, 2007b).
This phenomenon should be more relevant Ior those reIrigerants displaying an isentropic compression curve closer
to the saturation curve. A qualitative estimation, aimed to provide a comparison among reIrigerants and show the
positive inIluence oI superheating, is given in Fig. 9.

Fi
Redu

Here, it ha
average tem
saturation
suction pre
inside the c
increasing
port superh
inside the
Ior R22, bu
By means
occurring d
occur with


The global
compresso
between su
ratio rangin
In the test
IHX suctio
shell becau
The use oI
varies Irom
have been
to an impro
Such exper
the lubrica
viscosity o
30~40 K s
poor sealin
The possib
phenomeno
that also in


Intern
ig. 8: Viscosity
uced Irom data
s been assumed
mperature betw
pressure corre
essure p
1
and d
cylinder increa
the superheat.
heating SH
2
is
compressor sh
ut comparable
oI the propos
during some te
h propane as co
l, volumetric a
or working with
uction vapour
ng Irom 3 up to
runs without t
on superheat r
use oI motor co
I the IHX is sh
m 0.69 up to 0.7
measured. The
ovement oI the
rimental result
ant. The solubi
oI the oil/reIri
superheating. W
ng property oI t
bility oI conden
on is here prop
n this case the s
national Compr
y oI R290/MO
by Shell Globa
d that the temp
ween suction an
esponding to th
discharge press
ases, till possib
According to
s higher than 5
hell (see Table
to that estimat
sed simpliIied
est runs. In an
ompared to R22
and isentropic c
h propane hav
and liquid lin
o 4.5.
the IHX, sucti
ranged Irom 20
ooling and mec
hown to increas
71, but withou
e positive inIlu
e volumetric eI
ts can be expla
ility is shown
igerant mixture
When the IHX
the lubricant.
nsation inside
posed, showing
suction superhe

ressor Engineer

mixture.
al Solutions.
perature oI the
nd discharge, a
he estimated va
sure p
3
at diIIe
bly becoming h
the present sim
5 K Ior R22 a
3) is higher th
ted Ior R290.
analysis, it is
ny case, it can
2.
5. CO
compression e
e been measur
e. Tests have
ion superheat w
0K up to 35K
chanical losses
se the compres
t IHX the max
uence oI the su
IIiciency.
ained by means
to strongly de
e strongly inc
is not used, th
the cylinder h
g that it is expe
eat would have
ring ConIerenc
Fig. 9
valve plate wa
and that the ise
alve plate temp
erent superheat
higher than p
sat
mpliIied analy
and 13~17 K I
han the estima
not possible t
be concluded
NCLUSION
eIIiciencies oI a
red. Tests have
been perIorme
was varied Irom
K. The addition
is estimated to
ssion eIIiciency
ximum eIIicienc
uperheating on
s oI the high s
ecrease by inc
reases with su
he volumetric e
as also been c
ected to be mor
e a positive inI
0
20
40
60
80
100
(
p
s
a
t
_
v
a
I
v
e
-
p
I
a
t
e
-
p
1
)

/

(
p
3

-
p
1
)

*

1
0
0



[
%
]
ce at Purdue, Ju
: Estimation oI
insid
as uniIorm and
entropic compr
perature p
satval
ting. During th
valve-plate
; as on
ysis, this condit
Ior R290. The
ated superheati
to predict iI an
that such kind
NS
a 125 m
3
/h Ilo
e been perIorm
ed at 4.4~5.2 b
m 4 K up to 14
nal superheatin
o be around 10
y: at Iull capac
cy is 0.67 and
n the global eII
solubility oI pr
creasing the su
uperheating til
eIIiciency is ex
onsidered. A r
re relevant wit
Iluence on the v
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 5
S
R290
R22
uly 12-15, 201
I the possibility
de the cylinder
constant, and
ression eIIicien
lve-plate
is comp
he compression
e can see, this
tion is never re
estimated add
ing required to
ny condensatio
d oI phenomen
ow rate semihe
med both with
bar suction pre
4 K, while in th
ng achieved in
0~15 K.
city with IHX t
experimental v
Iiciency is show
ropane with the
uperheating; as
ll reaching a m
xpected to dec
rough qualitativ
th propane as c
volumetric eIIi
10 15
Superheating [K]
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R600a
R134a
1448, Pa
0
y oI condensati
r.
corresponding
ncy was
IS
0.
pared in Fig. 9
n stroke, the pr
instant is delay
eached iI the s
ditional superh
o avoid conden
on has been ac
non is more lik
ermetic recipro
and without an
essure with pr
he test runs wi
nside the comp
the global eIIic
values as low a
wn to be main
e mineral oil u
s a consequenc
maximum at a
crease because
ve estimation o
compared to R2
iciency.
20 2

R290 0/40C
R290 0/50C
R22 0/40C
R22 0/50C
R600a 0/40C
R600a 0/50C
R134a 0/40C
R134a 0/50C

age 7

ion
g to the
7. The
to the
ressure
yed by
suction
heating
nsation
ctually
kely to
ocating
n IHX
ressure
ith the
pressor
ciency
as 0.62
nly due
used as
ce, the
around
oI the
oI this
22 and
25

1448, Page 8

International Compressor Engineering ConIerence at Purdue, July 12-15, 2010
NOMENCLATURE

h speciIic enthalpy (J kg
-1
) Subscripts
IHX internal heat exchanger 1 compressor shell inlet
SH superheating (K) 2 cylinder inlet

GLOBAL
global eIIiciency (Eq. 1) (-) 3 compressor shell outlet

IS
isentropic eIIiciency (Eq. 3) (-)

JOL
volumetric eIIiciency (Eq. 2) (-)

REFERENCES

ASHRAE Handbook - ReIrigeration, SI Edition, 2006, Chapter 7
Bitzer Technical Documentation KT-660-2, 1997, Application oI propane (R290) with semi-hermetic reciprocating
compressors, Available Irom http://www.bitzer.de/download/download.php?P/doc/&Nkt-660-
2.pdI&ccodeDE (accessed 04.07.2010).
Calm, J.M., 2008, The next generation oI reIrigerants Historical review, considerations, and outlook, IJR, vol. 31,
1123-1133.
Cavallini A., Da Riva E., Del Col D., 2010, PerIormance oI a large capacity propane heat pump with low charge
heat exchangers, IJR, vol. 33, p. 242-250.
Del Col D., Cavallini A., Da Riva E., Mancin S., Censi G., 2010, Shell-and-tube minichannel condenser Ior low
reIrigerant charge, Heat Transfer Engineering, vol. 31, p. 509-517.
Fernando P., Palm B., Lundqvist P., Granryd E., 2004, Propane heat pump with low reIrigerant charge: design and
laboratory tests, IJR, vol. 27, p. 761-773.
Fernando, P., Palm, B., Lundqvist, P., Granryd, E., 2007. PerIormance oI a single-Iamily heat pump at diIIerent
working conditions using small quantity oI propane as reIrigerant, Experimental Heat Transfer, vol. 20, 57-71.
Granryd E., Ekroth I., Lundqvist P., Melinder A., Palm B., Rohlin P., 1999, ReIrigeration Engineering, Chapter 7,
KTH, Stockholm, pp 7:8-7:9.
Hiller, C.C., Glicksman, L.R., 1976. Improving heat pump perIormance via compressor capacity control-analysis
and test, Report No. 24525-96, Heat Transfer Laboratorv, Massachusetts Institute of Technologv.
Hrnjak P.S., Hoehne M. R., 2004, Charge minimization in systems and components using hydrocarbons as a
reIrigerant, ACRC TR-224, University oI Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007. Fourth Assessment Report, Climate Change 2007.
Jacobs, J.J., 1976. Analytical and experimental techniques Ior evaluating compressor perIormance losses,
Proceedings of 1978 Purdue Compressor Technologv Conference, Purdue University, July 6-9 1976.
Minor, B., Spatz, M., 2008. HFO-1234yI low GWP reIrigerant updates, International Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Conference at Purdue, July 14-17, West LaIayette, IN, USA.
Navarro, E., Urchueguia, J.F., Gonzalvez, J., Corberan, J.M., 2004. Comparative experimental investigation oI oil
behaviour in a hermetic piston compressor using propane (R290) as reIrigerant. Proceedings of the Sixth IIR-
Gustav Lorent:en Conference on Natural Working Fluids, Glasgow, 4549.
Navarro, E., Urchueguia, J.F., Gonzalvez, J., Corberan, J.M., 2005. Test results oI perIormance and oil circulation
rate oI commercial reciprocating compressors oI diIIerent capacities working with propane (R290) as
reIrigerant, IJ R, vol. 28, p. 881-888.
Navarro E., Urchueguia J.F., Corberan J.M., Granryd E., 2007a, PerIormance analysis oI a series oI hermetic
reciprocating compressors working with R290 (propane) and R407C, IJR, vol. 30, p. 1244-1253.
Navarro E., Granryd E., Urchueguia J.F., Corberan J.M., 2007b, A phenomenological model Ior analyzing
reciprocating compressors, IJR, vol. 30, p. 1254-1265.
NIST, 2007, National Institute oI Standard and Technology, ReIprop 8.0, Boulder Colorado.
Palm B., 2008, Hydrocarbons as reIrigerants in small heat pump and reIrigeration systems A review, IJR, vol. 31,
552-563.
Seeton, C., 2003, Solubility, miscibility, and liquid vioscosity oI lubricants with CO
2
and propane, Chicago 2003
ASHRAE Winter ConIerence, available Irom http://tc81.ashraetcs.org/pdI/Seeton20-
20ASHRAE20Winter202003.pdI (accessed on 04.07.2010).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
HireI SpA (Tribano, Italy) is acknowledged Ior manuIacturing the heat pump within the SHERHPA project.