A Study to Determine the Energy Impact of Adding Polarshield to Air Conditioning Systems

Abstract

PolarShield is a polarized refrigerant compressor oil additive containing the a-olefin molecule which is a commonly used oil additive to reduce high pressure viscosity breakdown. The manufacturers of this air conditioner compressor oil additive (COA) claim significant energy savings as a result of using their product. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the potential kWh savings that would result from the addition of an a-olefin molecule COA such as PolarShield to an air conditioner unit operating under typical hot outdoor conditions (95 degrees F). The test was operated in a “before” - “after” manner with each before-after segment operated for twelve days and three tests were conducted - one on a new 2.5 ton system where 1.25 oz. COA was added, one on a 5 ton older unit where 2.5 oz. COA was added, and a third on the same 5 ton unit where an additional 2.5 oz. COA was added to total 5.0 oz added to the system. The heat and humidity loads were carefully held constant for the before and after time periods, and the air conditioner equipment was allowed to cycle on its thermostat to meet the loads and maintain a stable indoor condition. The results of this series of tests showed no energy savings when the PolarShield COA was used.