Polyvinyl Ether Lubricant for R32 Refrigeration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lubricating oil compositions for compression refrigerating machines using saturated fluorinated hydrocarbons with low carbon numbers and low global warming potential face challenges in achieving excellent heat/oxidation stability, as existing antioxidant or acid scavenger additions do not sufficiently enhance thermal/chemical stability.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating oil composition using an oxygen-containing organic compound with a hydroxyl value of not more than 15 mgKOH/g, preferably not more than 10 mgKOH/g, as the base oil, specifically polyvinyl ether or copolymers of poly(oxy)alkylene glycol and polyvinyl ether, to maintain stability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing antioxidant or acid scavenger is added to lubricating oil composition, then some protection against deterioration is provided, but heat/oxidation stability is not sufficiently improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the base oil from conventional types to polyoxyalkylene glycol compounds with specific molecular structures and properties. This parameter change enables the lubricating oil to achieve excellent heat/oxidation stability when used with R32 refrigerant, resolving the contradiction between providing protection and achieving sufficient improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite lubricating oil system by combining polyoxyalkylene glycol base oil with specific additives (antioxidants, acid scavengers, extreme pressure agents) in optimized proportions. This composite approach synergistically improves heat/oxidation stability beyond what any single component could achieve alone.
2Use of energy by moving object
If R32 refrigerant is used to improve energy efficiency and heat transfer, then theoretical COP and heat transfer coefficient increase, but discharge temperature increases by about 20°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polyoxyalkylene glycol base oil as an intermediary lubricating medium that mediates between the high energy efficiency benefits of R32 refrigerant and the adverse effect of high discharge temperature. The base oil's specific molecular structure allows it to maintain stability and protective function under the thermal conditions created by R32 operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If saturated fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigerant with low carbon number is used to protect ozone layer, then ozone depletion is reduced, but heat/oxidation stability of lubricating oil deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the lubricating oil base oil to polyoxyalkylene glycol compounds that are specifically compatible with saturated fluorinated hydrocarbons. This parameter change allows the system to maintain excellent heat/oxidation stability while using environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant that protects the ozone layer.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is able to provide a lubricating oil composition for compression refrigerating machine having excellent thermal/chemical stability even when used for a compression refrigerating machine using a saturated fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigerant having a low carbon number and a low global warming potential, by using a refrigerant containing a saturated fluorinated hydrocarbon having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, which uses, as a base oil, an oxygen-containing organic compound composed of at least one member selected from a polyoxyalkylene glycol, a polyvinyl ether, a copolymer of a poly(oxy)alkylene glycol and a polyvinyl ether, a copolymer of a poly(oxy)alkylene glycol monoether and a polyvinyl ether, and a polyol ester, each having a hydroxyl value of not more than 15 mgKOH/g.