Friday, December 3, 2010

Polarized Refrigerant Oil Additives

Regarding polarized refrigerant oil additives.  I actually ran a four month field test measuring compressor energy consumption and weather conditions allowing me to normalize test results based on differences in temp and humidity over time.  The "treated" low temp system saved more energy than the medium temp "treated" system because oil viscosity in the low temp system caused oil fouling buildup to occur more rapidly.  Compressor energy reduced about 8%.  We also tested a stand-alone compressor group with the new poly oil refrigerant which everyone will need to go to eventually according to law.  This system showed no energy savings because the new refrigerants have a high PH value which results in the removal of oil fouling.  These new oils also have nano particles which improve the ability to transfer and carry heat (laminar flow) which compensated for the additive's secondary benefit of causing boil off to occur more aggressively which can improve heat exchange.  Bottom line:  PROA's work but not with the new refrigerants.