Effect of Hydrofluorocarbons and Hydrofluoroolefins in a Household Refrigerator as a Substitute for R134a

Abstract

Now a days R134a can be used in domestic refrigerators and in air conditioning of automobiles. As per Kyoto protocol the usage of R134a is restricted due to their higher GWP value. The GWP value of this refrigerant is around 1430. So in this article, thermodynamic analysis of HFC-152a, HFO refrigerants-1234ze(E) and 1234yf was done in a household refrigeration system as direct substitute to HFC-134a.The performance of the household refrigerator was compared in terms of outlet temperature of the compressor, volumetric cooling capacity (VCC), refrigeration effect, work done by the compressor and coefficient of performance (COP). The entire analysis is carried out at various operating conditions of condenser and evaporator temperatures i.e. condensation temperature of 25°C,35°C & 45°C and evaporating temperatures ranging between −20°C to 10°C.From the theoretical results, it can be concluded that R1234yf can be used as a direct substitute to R134a.