Performance Assessment of Three Eco-Friendly Hydro-Fluorocarbon and Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Mixtures as R22 Alternatives in Refrigeration Systems

Abstract

In this study, performances of the ozone-friendly hydro-fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon refrigerant mixtures (R413A, R417A and R422A) were investigated theoretically as alternatives to ozone depleting R22 refrigerant. Thermodynamic properties of these refrigerants were analysed using the REFPROP software and the vapour compression refrigeration cycle. The results obtained showed that the vapour pressure and specific volume of the three refrigerant mixtures are very close to those of R22. All the investigated refrigerants have similar performance in terms of refrigerating effect, condenser duty and COP. The average COPs obtained for R413A, R417A and R422A were 4.2, 9.0 and 12.6% less than that of R22. All the three refrigerants exhibited better compressor work input and discharge temperature than R22. R422A performed better in terms of lower discharge temperature and compressor work input.