Experimental studies on direct expansion solar thermal heat pump systems using R430A as a substitute to R134a

Abstract

The use of halogen-based refrigerants in heat pump applications is restricted because of their high global warming potential (GWP). Therefore, it is necessary to identify a low GWP substitute for heat pump applications. This article presents the energy performance of a direct expansion solar thermal heat pump system (DXSTHPS) using R430A as an environmentally friendly substitute to phase out R134a. The effects of ambient parameters on compressor discharge temperature, compressor energy consumption, condenser heating capacity and coefficient of performance (COP) of a DXSTHPS using R134a and R430A are estimated and compared. Moreover, the total equivalent global warming impacts (TEGWI) of a DXSTHPS using R134a and R430A are evaluated. The results showed that the R430A has 0.7–1.9% lower compressor energy consumption than R134a. The condenser heating capacity and COP of a DXSTHPS using R430A are higher than R134a by 4.6–8.7% and 5.1–10.2%, respectively. The compressor discharge temperature observed in a DXSTHPS using R430A is 5.8 °C higher than R134a. The lubricant physical properties are retained at higher compressor operating temperatures, ensuring compressor reliability. The DXSTHPS using R430A has 4.2–12.9% lower TEGWI due to its lower GWP with lower compressor energy consumption than R134a.