2024-09-25 HVAC/R, Products
CO2 refrigeration systems have established themselves as an environmentally friendly and effi cient solution in refrigeration technology. However, due to the specific physical properties of CO2 as a refrigerant and the high operating pressures, these systems pose particular challenges for oil management. Reliable oil return is crucial to avoid system failures and damage.
CO2 refrigeration systems are widely used in modern refrigeration technology due to their environmental friendliness and efficiency. Despite their advantages, such as the low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of CO2, these systems place specific demands on oil management, particularly because of the high operating pressures and the unique properties of CO2 as a refrigerant. This also imposes high demands on the technology used.
In transcritical applications, operating pressures can reach up to 130 bar, which complicates the return of oil. Another challenge is the low miscibility of CO2 and oil. This causes the oil to settle within the system and prevents uniform return, increasing the complexity of oil return management.
Efficient return of separated oil from the oil separator to the compressor is crucial for the system’s longevity and performance. Without effective oil return, wear and tear increase, leading to more frequent failures and potentially even
damage to the system.
Predefined filling cycles offer limited help in practice, as compressors and operating conditions vary greatly.
The INT280 is optimally suited for use in R744/CO2 systems, thanks to its adaptive algorithm. This algorithm automatically determines the appropriate pause times and filling cycles, which helps, for example, to reduce oil foaming. As a result, the compressor’s oil supply is ensured, regardless of weather conditions or the refrigeration load impacting the system.
Another advantage of the KRIWAN oil level regulator INT280 is that adjustments to the base algorithm can be made easily and precisely using the INTspector app. It is also possible to connect the device with the INT69 diagnostic system, where the running detection feature ensures that an alarm is triggered for oil shortage only when the compressor is running.
Advantages
The advantages of the KRIWAN oil management for new refrigerants are manifold.
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