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“Effect of pentaerythritol tetrahexanoate (PEC6) lubricant concentration on thermophysical properties of R32 refrigerant: Molecular simulation study”.

Author(s) : NASUTION F. P., MABUCHI T., NASRUDDIN N.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

The presence of lubricant oil in a refrigerant can substantially alter its thermodynamic and transport properties, thereby influencing the system’s heat transfer performance. This study investigates the effects of varying concentrations of Pentaerythritol Tetrahexanoate (PEC6) on the thermophysical properties of the R32 refrigerant using molecular dynamics simulations. The properties examined include density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity, with PEC6 concentrations ranging from 0 to 13.23 wt%. The overall results show that, as the PEC6 oil
concentration increased, the mixture density initially decreased but then increased linearly with further solvation. Meanwhile, viscosity and thermal conductivity increase linearly with the addition of PEC6, with viscosity being the more sensitive property to the changes in oil concentration. This phenomenon could be attributed to the bulky, complex structure of PEC6, which might disrupt the refrigerant's structural packing and also reduce momentum transport. Furthermore, RDF and molecular energetic analysis suggest that a weak hydrogen-bonding
network is formed between R32 protons and PEC6 ester oxygens, creating interaction pathways that act as a thermal bridge, facilitating efficient vibrational energy transfer and thereby increasing the system's thermal conductivity. These findings provide valuable insights for accurate modeling of refrigerant charging, compressor lubrication, oil return, and overall system efficiency. Furthermore, this work highlights the potential of molecular dynamics simulation as a cost- and time-efficient alternative to experimental approaches in refrigeration and
lubrication research.

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Pages: 14 p.

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Details

  • Original title: “Effect of pentaerythritol tetrahexanoate (PEC6) lubricant concentration on thermophysical properties of R32 refrigerant: Molecular simulation study”.
  • Record ID : 30034767
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 185
  • Publication date: 2026/05
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.02.022

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