Experimental analysis of reciprocating compressor performance with eco-friendly refrigerants

Abstract

This article evaluates the compressor performance using five eco-friendly refrigerants in comparison to R12. Experimental apparatus of a complete refrigeration system with reciprocating compressor was developed and the performance of the system with selected refrigerants was evaluated. The results obtained showed that only R134a and R152a have their coefficients of performances close to that of R12 with 6.6 per cent and 3.1 per cent reductions, respectively. Comparison between refrigeration capacities showed the superiority of R152a with 4.9 per cent higher than that of R12. The volumetric efficiencies obtained were 75.8 per cent, 74.4 per cent, and 77.9 per cent for R12, R134a, and R152a, respectively, whereas those of R23, R32, and R143a were 56.8 per cent, 60.6 per cent, and 69.7 per cent respectively. Therefore, R134a and R152a will perform well as substitutes for R12 in vapour compression refrigeration system.