Refrigeration oils
Heat pumps and refrigeration oils
Heat pump is a technology that uses thermal energy in air to perform cooling and heating (air conditioning) or to supply hot water (EcoCute) without burning fuel. It is indispensable for leading a comfortable life while reducing CO2 emissions (Fig. 1).
A typical heat pump consists of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator (Fig. 2).
In a heat pump, the refrigerant (Fig. 3) repeatedly absorbs and releases heat by undergoing the four state changes of “compression → condensation → expansion → evaporation.” This process is called the refrigeration cycle.
The compressor plays a central role in circulating the refrigerant through this refrigeration cycle. Refrigeration oil is enclosed in the compressor to lubricate its sliding parts, and polyolester (POE) refrigeration oil is widely used (Fig. 4).
Development of refrigeration oils that contribute to environmental protection and the realization of a carbon-neutral society
ENEOS is developing refrigeration oils that help protect the environment from a variety of viewpoints. We provide energy-saving refrigeration oils for refrigerators, refrigeration oils for air conditioners having a high global market share, and refrigeration oils for EV air conditioners (Fig. 5).
As for refrigerants, the transition to fluorine-based refrigerants having low global warming potential (GWP) and to natural refrigerants (propane, CO2, etc.) has been a trend. ENEOS seeks to contribute to the creation of a carbon-neutral society through the development of refrigeration oils compatible with next-generation refrigerants.
