Effects of Lubricating oil on the performance of a Four-Intersecting-Vane Rotary Expander / trans. from Engl. M. A. Fedorova

Abstract

Lubrication plays an important aspect in machinery. It seals internal leakage gaps, reduces friction and cools components. The present investigation is intended to test the effects of lubrication to an expander’s performance. Polyester lubricating oil grades (Grade 48 and Grade 68) were tested at various operating conditions. The expander prototype is of the rotary mechanism with four vanes comprising two intersecting bars. An experimental test rig was designed and built. The pressure diagram as function of rotational angle was recorded by six pressure transducers arranged in the working chamber, based on which the features of the expansion process of the four-intersecting-vane rotary expander were analysed. To start with, the working fluid was compressed air, but the eventual intended application is in a vapour compression refrigeration system. The experimental study revealed that the rotary vane expander worked steadily at different operating conditions. The experimental results showed that the expander flow rate was generally lower with a thinner oil (POE grade 46), whereas the volumetric efficiency increased from 23,2 % to 27,2 %. The adiabatic efficiency decreased from 22,5 % to 18,1 % with a higher viscosity lubricating oil (POE grade 68).