Theoretical performance evaluation of R134a and its low GWP hydrocarbon alternatives in domestic refrigerator

  Chintankumar B Lad,  Dr. Ragesh G Kapadia

As per the recommendation from Montreal Protocol to out of CFCs and HCFCs and Kyoto Protocol even new developed HFCs refrigerants like R-134a should be gradually phased out on or before 2040, due to their high global warming potentials (1430)[13].The present work is to Explore performance evaluation of most promising drop-in replacements of R134a in domestic refrigerator with Zero ODP and low GWP hydro carbons and its blends. The assessed refrigerants are R290, R600a, R430A, R436A. Basic cycle and performance comparison of all alternative refrigerants have been calculated for standard rating cycle, most commonly used condensing and evaporating temperatures 550C and -250C respectively. The result shows that for R290 has the 8% reduce in discharge temperature and COP is increased by 2.09%, compressor power is reduce by 2.06%. R600a was having Compressor power is increased by 9.08% and COP of the system is decreased by 8.32% .For R430A 12.18% and 13.22% reduction in COP & pressure ratio respectively. For R436A COP increased by 24.59%, Also pressure ratio, compressor power, compressor out late temperature and pressure is reduced by 42.68%, 19.75%, 15.9% and 9.45% respectively. Thus R436A having comparable COP and thermodynamic properties that of R134a and can be use as drop in replacement of R134a in domestic refrigerator.

Keywords- Domestic refrigerator, Low GWP, Zero ODP, Drop in replacement

Unique Identification Number - IJEDR1402156
Page Number(s) - 2256-2266
Pubished in - Volume 2 | Issue 2 | June 2014
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) -   
Publisher - IJEDR (ISSN - 2321-9939)

  Chintankumar B Lad,  Dr. Ragesh G Kapadia,   "Theoretical performance evaluation of R134a and its low GWP hydrocarbon alternatives in domestic refrigerator", International Journal of Engineering Development and Research (IJEDR), ISSN:2321-9939, Volume.2, Issue 2, pp.2256-2266, June 2014, Available at :http://www.ijedr.org/papers/IJEDR1402156.pdf