Effects of lubricant oil (PEC4) on condensation and thermophysical properties of refrigerant R450A

We investigate the effects of lubricant oil (PEC4) on condensation behavior and thermophysical properties of refrigerant R450A through molecular dynamics simulations. The effects of varying mass fractions of PEC4 (= 1.57 %, 3.07 %, 4.49 % an d 5.83 %) along with temperatures and pressure are analyzed. The interactions and forces between the molecules of PEC4 and R450A are modeled through the COMPASS-III force field. The effects of PEC4 on condensation time, density, isobaric heat capacity, energies, and both mass transport and structural properties of R450A are analyzed. The results revealed that the condensation time decreased, and the density increased as the mass fraction of PEC4 increased. The isobaric heat capacity of R450A increased with the addition of PEC4, while it decreased with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the electrostatic and van der Waals energies decreased, total valence energy increased, and overall potential energy decreased with increasing PEC4. The diffusion of molecules from vapor to the liquid phase is decreased by increasing PEC4. The analysis of the radial distribution function indicates the solubility of R450A in PEC4. These findings suggest that adding the PEC4 induces a quick condensation process, enhances heat transfer, improves the refrigeration cycle, and consumes less energy.