GREE Secures Key Patent for Gas Bearing Supply System
Zhuhai GREE Electric Appliances, Inc., announced the official grant of its invention
patent titled Gas Bearing Gas Supply System for Compressor, Operation Method and
Refrigeration System (Patent No. CN111878445B) on 15th May, marking a critical
breakthrough in oil-free, high-speed compressor lubrication technology. Developed
independently by GREE's R&D team, this innovative system addresses core pain points in
high-speed centrifugal and scroll compressors, paving the way for next-generation
magnetic levitation and high-efficiency compressor solutions.
Core Innovation: Stable High-Pressure Gaseous Refrigerant Lubrication
Unlike traditional oil-lubricated systems that rely on liquid lubricants, GREE's patented
gas bearing supply system utilizes pressurized gaseous refrigerant from the refrigeration
cycle as the lubrication medium for gas bearings in high-speed compressors. The system
consists of two key components: a primary compressor equipped with gas bearings and
a secondary booster compressor. When the gas pressure in the primary compressor's
refrigeration cycle fails to meet the gas bearing's operational requirements, the secondary
compressor pressurizes the cycle's gaseous refrigerant to the precise pressure needed for
stable bearing operation. This design ensures a continuous, stable supply of high-pressure
gaseous refrigerant to the gas bearings, eliminating the limitations of oil lubrication.
GREE CQE series dynamic pressure gas suspension oil-free centrifugal chillers
Advantages: Enhanced Reliability, Extended Lifespan, Oil-Free Operation
The patent delivers three transformative benefits for compressor performance:
1.Oil-Free Operation: Replaces partial or full oil lubrication with gaseous refrigerant,
eliminating oil contamination risks and reducing maintenance costs—critical for high-
purity refrigerant applications.
2.Improved Reliability: Stable gas bearing support minimizes mechanical wear in high-
speed rotation (up to 100,000+ RPM), reducing failure rates and extending compressor
service life.
3.Wider Application Compatibility: Optimized for magnetic levitation centrifugal
compressors, high-speed scroll compressors, and heat pump compressors, supporting
operating temperatures from -271°C to 200°C and adapting to diverse industrial and
commercial scenarios.
Strategic Significance: Leading the Global Oil-Free Compressor Revolution
This patent reinforces GREE's leadership in autonomous R&D for high-end compressor
core components, following the successful launch of its CQE series gas suspension
centrifugal chillers in 2019. By integrating gas bearing technology with magnetic
levitation and variable-frequency drive systems, GREE aims to drive the HVAC industry
toward higher energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and smarter operation.
As global demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration
solutions grows, GREE's gas bearing supply system patent is poised to accelerate the
adoption of oil-free compressor technology across data centers, commercial buildings,
industrial heat pumps, and renewable energy systems—solidifying the company's
position as a key driver of global HVAC innovation.
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