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A Study to Determine the Energy Impact of Adding Polarshield to Air Conditioning Systems
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Date
2001
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)
Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu)
Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu)
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.