A potential approach for reducing the R290 charge in air conditioners and heat pumps

Zhou, Wenjie; Gan, Zhihua

doi:10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2019.02.030

Cited by 31 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…The system inner volume is decreased using smaller heat exchangers with enhanced heat transfer surfaces. Among these are fin-and-tube condensers with airside peripheral fins [14], micro bare-tube heat exchangers [15], microchannel parallel-flow heat exchangers [16], falling film condensers [17], and tank-wrapped D-tube and roll-bond heat exchangers [18]. 2.…”

Section: Innovative Techniques For Propane Heat Pump Charge Reductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A thermal network model for hydrocarbon heat pump systems: A coupling analysis of configuration, working condition, and refrigeration distribution

Liang

Zhu

Sun

et al. 2022

Energy Conversion and Management

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Section: Innovative Techniques For Propane Heat Pump Charge Reductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A thermal network model for hydrocarbon heat pump systems: A coupling analysis of configuration, working condition, and refrigeration distribution

Liang

Zhu

Sun

et al. 2022

Energy Conversion and Management

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“…Refrigerant charge also impacts the performance of a system particularly in tropical countries. Zhou and Gan 6 have reported that the charge of HC-290 can be limited to 248 g for a split AC of 3.645 kW cooling capacity. For higher capacities, the charge is bound to be more and may be violating some of the current limits.…”

Section: Flammability Limits and Requirement For Charge Reductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

CFD simulation of HC-290 leakage from a split type room air conditioner

Prakash

Gautham

Lal

et al. 2021

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E:

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HC-290 is one of the alternatives to HCFC22 in room air-conditioners. With the phase-down schedules in Kigali Amendment, it is imperative to use HC-290. However, there are concerns about its flammability in the event of a leak from the AC indoor unit (IDU). IEC 60335-2-40 has been revised to extend the capacity ranges for A2L refrigerants and is being further revised with a focus on A2 and A3 refrigerants. In real-life situations, furniture and occupants are present inside the room and these may positively or negatively influence the dispersion of any leaked HC-290. CFD simulation of dispersion of leaked HC-290 has been carried out for a variety of scenarios. The variables include leakage rates, IDU installation heights, IDU blower ON or OFF and types of furniture. Furniture, in general, appears to promote mixing, thereby reducing HC-290 stratification. The maximum concentration occurs on the side where the leak is directed by the momentum of the jet from IDU. There is no significant effect on the concentration distribution by the type and size of furniture with legs, although solid furniture has some marginal effect due to reduction of room free volume. The average concentration of HC-290 in the room is slightly more when the solid furniture like cupboards are placed some distance away from the IDU. The highest concentration at 30 cm above floor level, is 44% of LFL when the blower is ON, while it is 62% when the blower is OFF.

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“…In addition to the very low GWP and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) values, hydrocarbons have other advantages, such as their low cost, compatibility with mineral and alkyl-benzene oils, and availability [6], as well as excellent thermodynamic and suitable physical and chemical properties. Together, these advantages make hydrocarbons longterm alternatives to heat pumps and refrigeration systems [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy, Exergy, and Environmental (3E) Analysis of Hydrocarbons as Low GWP Alternatives to R134a in Vapor Compression Refrigeration Configurations

et al. 2021

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The phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons and substitution with low global warming potential values are consequences of the awareness about the environmental impacts of greenhouse gases. This theoretical study evaluated the energy and exergy performances and the environmental impact of three vapor compression system configurations operating with the hydrocarbons R290, R600a, and R1270 as alternatives to R134a. The refrigeration cycle configurations investigated in this study include a single-stage cycle, a cycle equipped with an internal heat exchanger, and a two-stage cycle with vapor injection. According to the results, the alternative hydrocarbon refrigerants could provide comparable system performance to R134a. The analysis results also revealed that using an internal heat exchanger or a flash tank vapor injection could improve the system’s efficiency while decreasing the heating capacity. The most efficient configuration was the two-stage refrigeration cycle with vapor injection, as revealed by the exergy analysis. The environmental impact analysis indicated that the utilization of environmentally-friendly refrigerants and improving the refrigeration system’s efficiency could mitigate equivalent CO2 emissions significantly. The utilization of hydrocarbons reduced the carbon footprint by 50%, while a 1% to 8% reduction could be achieved using the internal heat exchanger and flash tank vapor injection.

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A potential approach for reducing the R290 charge in air conditioners and heat pumps

Cited by 31 publications

References 11 publications

A thermal network model for hydrocarbon heat pump systems: A coupling analysis of configuration, working condition, and refrigeration distribution

A thermal network model for hydrocarbon heat pump systems: A coupling analysis of configuration, working condition, and refrigeration distribution

CFD simulation of HC-290 leakage from a split type room air conditioner

Energy, Exergy, and Environmental (3E) Analysis of Hydrocarbons as Low GWP Alternatives to R134a in Vapor Compression Refrigeration Configurations

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