Theoretical energy performance assessment and environmental impact of various new ozone-friendly refrigerants used in residential air conditioners

Abstract

This study focuses on energy performance investigation and environmental impact analysis of various new ecofriendly refrigerant blends as alternatives to high global warming potential refrigerant R22 theoretically. In this study, 23 refrigerants were considered at various composition. The present work considered the practical vapour compression refrigeration cycle for the performance assessment of various R22 alternatives. Essential studies such as toxicity, flammability, and total equivalent warming index of various novel refrigerants were also conducted in this study. Results obtained from practical vapour compression refrigeration cycle revealed that the energy efficiency ratio of refrigerants such as R1270 (2.860) and RB03 (R290/R152a of 60/40 in mass %) (2.854) was closer to the energy efficiency ratio of R22 (2.940). Volumetric refrigeration capacity (VRC) of R1270 (3293 kJ/m3) was similar to that of R22 (3297 kJ/m3) whereas VRC of RB03 (2908 kJ/m3) was almost similar to that of R407C (2925 kJ/m3) which was an alternative to R22. Compressor discharge temperature of RB03 was 15.78 ℃ lower when compared to R22. Flammability study revealed that all the new refrigerant blends (RB01 to RB04) were classified into weakly flammable (A2) and flammable (A3) category refrigerants whereas toxicity study revealed that all the investigated refrigerants were classified into non-toxic group (A). Refrigerant blend RB03 was less flammable compared to R1270. Total equivalent warming index analysis revealed that the environmental impact of R422A was 27.88% higher than R22 whereas RB03 has 4.97% lower environmental impact compared to R22. Overall, performance of refrigerant blend RB03 was better compared to 23 investigated refrigerants and it was very nearer to the performance of R22 and hence, it could be considered as an ecofriendly alternative to replace high global warming potential refrigerant R22 used in air conditioners. © IMechE 2020.