A leakage of oil lubricants affects the heat transfer and flow of refrigerants in vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) systems. In this study

a numerical model of a VCR system using a linear compressor and R1234yf as the refrigerant was developed. The proposed model was validated in terms of pressure drop and cooling capacity through experimental tests under oil-free conditions using a VCR system with an oil-free linear compressor. The mean absolute percentage error of the cooling capacity and pressure drop were 3.9% and 8.2%

respectively. The results showed that the discharge temperature was inversely proportional to the evaporating temperature and the oil circulation ratio (OCR). The cooling capacities under oil-free conditions were 4% and 22% higher than those at 2% and 6% oil circulation ratio

respectively

at a condensing temperature of 50 ℃ and evaporating temperature of 2 ℃in the VCR system. The pressure drop under oil-free and 4% OCR conditions were 61 kPa and 99 kPa

respectively

at a condensing temperature of 50 ℃ and an evaporating temperature of -11 ℃. The pressure drop of the oil-containing system was 5%–82% higher than that of the oil-free system

and the pressure drop in the heat exchanger increased with an increase in the oil circulation ratio.