Bearing performance for compressors using high energy refrigerants with sulfur-based oil additives

Abstract

Methods for improving bearing performance in compressors, especially for those that use high energy refrigerants or that have a high-side design, are provided. The compressor comprises a bearing that is substantially free of lead. The bearing comprises copper and at least one lubricant particle type selected from a group consisting of: molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), tungsten disulfide (WS2), zinc sulfide (ZnS), hexagonal boron nitride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), carbon fiber, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon particles, thermoset polyimide, and combinations thereof. The compressor processes a high energy refrigerant and a lubricant oil comprising a sulfur-based additive. The sulfur-based additive reacts with the copper in the bearing to enhance lubricity and improve performance of the bearing in the compressor machine. Compressors having such features and improved bearing performance are also contemplated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.