Abstract
Due to the environmental concerns, especially the greenhouse effect and GWP (Global Warming Potential), the carbon dioxide was investigated as an alternative natural refrigerant to replace HFCs (HydroFluoroCarbons) in refrigerator or air conditioning systems. Because new compressor with carbon dioxide is going to be operated under the high pressure, the tribology of sliding surfaces in the compressor becomes very important. To improve of wear resistance in compressor parts, especially rotary type, the friction and wear characteristics of improved sliding surfaces between vane and flange were evaluated in this paper. The method of reformed sliding surface, such as micro-dimple processes, was applied on surfaces in order to improve the tribological characteristics, and their performances were evaluated experimentally. The vane-on-flange type lubricated sliding tests were performed with a high pressure wear tester using carbon dioxide. Test results showed that the reformed surfaces were very effective to reduce the friction and the wear amounts of vane surfaces. The method of improved surfaces showed good tribological properties at vane and flange.