Energy Analysis of Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle Using a New Generation Refrigerants with Low Global Warming Potential

Abstract

An energy analysis study carried out on a vapor compression refrigeration cycle using refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) of the Hydro-Fluoro-Olefin (HFO) type, in particular R1234yf and R1234ze fluids to replace HFC refrigerants. Computer code was developed using software for solving engineering equations to calculate performance parameters; for this, three HFC type fluids (R134a, R404A and R410A) were selected for a comparative study. The results showed that R1234ze is the best refrigerant among those selected for the mechanical vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The thermodynamic analysis showed the effect of the evaporator temperature (22 °C to 10 °C) and the condenser temperature (30 °C to 50 °C) on the steam cycle performance. Compression refrigeration, including the coefficient of performance. The results showed that the HFO-R1234ze with low GWP gives the best coefficient of performance of 3.14 close to that of the R134a fluid (3.17). In addition, R1234ze is considered an alternative fluid to R134a for their ecological properties. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.