Analysis of Ecofriendly Refrigerants and Mixture of Refrigerants (Butane & Isobutane) for Replacing CFC's and HCFC's in Vapour Compression System of Refrigeration

Abstract

The objective of this work is to develop an eco-friendly refrigerant and mixture of refrigerants (Blend) with negligible Ozone depletion potential (ODP) and Global warming potential (GWP) values. The present work highlights the comparison of performance of Vapour compression refrigeration system with Hydrocarbon refrigerants and mixture of refrigerants in various proportions which can be considered alternative refrigerant to R-22 and R-134a etc. Viewing the properties of pure refrigerant and the mixture of refrigerants with various proportions in the form of blends and comparing the performance of vapour compression refrigeration system working between the same temperature limits of condenser and evaporator. These refrigerants are found more friendly to the environment, relatively inexpensive, and easily available. From several studies, it was also found that the use of hydrocarbon as refrigerant improves the system performance.

At the advent of the Montreal protocol, R-134a has been suggested as an alternate eco-friendly refrigerant to R-22. R-134a has a high global warming potential and needs to be controlled as per the Kyoto protocol. On the recommendation of Kyoto protocol, fluorinated refrigerants (HFCs) to be phased out, in this view due to favourable thermo physical properties and other compatibility conditions, hydrocarbon refrigerants were given the first priority.