A Study on Oil Path Design in the Journal Bearing of a Reciprocating Compressor

Because the performance of a reciprocating compressor in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems is influenced by the lubrication characteristics of sliding components, the lubrication characteristics between the crankshaft and journal bearing have to be researched for the design and the performance improvement of reciprocating compressors. Thus, the proper supply of lubricant for a lubrication between the crankshaft and journal bearing is essential, and an oil path for lubricant supply is installed in the shaft or bearing. However, in order to guarantee the lubrication performance of the journal bearing, it is necessary to design the position of the oil path. Therefore, it is studied to find the optimum position of the oil path by the analysis of the pressure distribution in the journal bearing. The results show that the position of the oil path is significantly influenced by the pressure distribution of the oil film in the journal bearing.