Energy Analysis of HFC-152a, HFO-1234yf and HFC/HFO Mixtures as a Direct Substitute to HFC-134a in a Domestic Refrigerator

Abstract

Abstract The Kyoto protocol emphasized the need of replacement of HFC refrigerant due to their high GWP values that causes pollution in the environment. So in this paper the refrigerants R1234yf, R152a and HFOs/HFCs mixtures of R134a/R152a/R1234yf such as ARM42 (in the ratio of 8.5/14 /77.5 by mass), ARM42a (in the ratio of 7/11/82 by mass) with a view of replacement of the refrigerant HFC-134a in a domestic refrigerator were analyzed theoretically. Volumetric cooling capacity, compressor discharge temperature, coefficient of performance, compressor energy consumption and refrigeration capacity are the main parameters to estimate the performance of the refrigerator. The results are revealed that HFC-152a had gave a superior performance as compared to HFC-134a in terms of COP and equal cooling and volumetric cooling capacities. However, the refrigerant HFC-152a was flammable and runs with high compressor outlet temperature which may restrict its usage. The HFO refrigerant R1234yf showed an almost equal volumetric cooling capacity, compressor energy consumption, refrigerating effect and COP when compared with HFC-134a. Among the refrigerants ARM42 and ARM42a, the refrigerant ARM42a was selected as a good alternative for HFC-134a because the Volumetric cooling capacity and COP of ARM42a were almost equal to HFC-134a. Therefore ARM42a had better choice of direct substitute to HFC-134a in a domestic refrigerator when the corresponding safety requirements are adopted. So on overall comparison of every property of refrigerants we can conclude that R1234yf can be treated as best alternative to HFC-134a in a domestic refrigerator.