Theoretical thermodynamic performance assessment of various environment-friendly novel refrigerants used in refrigeration systems

Abstract

The present investigation focuses on theoretical performance of various new environment-friendly refrigerant mixtures as substitutes to high global warming potential refrigerant R22. In this investigation, 34 refrigerants were considered at various composition. In this work, both complex vapor compression cycle (actual cycle) and standard vapor compression cycle (ideal cycle) was considered for the performance assessment of refrigerants. Vital studies such as flammability, toxicity, and environmental impact of various novel refrigerants were also carried out in this study. Results obtained from actual cycle showed that the coefficient of performance of refrigerant mixture RM40 (R1270/R134a 90/10 in mass %) (2.728) was the greatest among 34 investigated alternatives and it was closer to the coefficient of performance of R22 (2.770). Compressor discharge temperature of RM40 was 13.36 ℃ lower when compared with R22. Volumetric refrigeration capacity of RM40 (3335 kJ/m3) was slightly higher than that of R22 (3297 kJ/m3). Power spent per ton of refrigeration of RM40 (1.288 kW/TR) was marginally higher than that of R22 (1.269 kW/TR). Global warming potential (GWP100) of RM40 (133) was very low compared to the GWP100 of R22 (1760). Total equivalent warming index (environmental impact) of RM40 was 5.61% lower than R22. However, performance results obtained from standard cycle for various investigated refrigerants were better than actual cycle, since various losses occur were neglected in the standard cycle. Overall, thermodynamic performance of refrigerant mixture RM40 (R1270/R134a 90/10 in mass %) obtained from both actual and standard cycle was the highest among 34 investigated refrigerants and it was very closer to the performance of R22 and hence, it could be considered as an environment-friendly alternative to replace high GWP refrigerant R22 used in refrigeration systems.

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