HYDROCARBON REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The investigation aims to apply the mixture of hydrocarbon refrigerants, R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutane) with each 50% component ratio, instead of refrigerant R134a for domestic refrigerators. The hydrocarbon refrigerants of R290 and R600a are friendly for environmental protection and have good refrigerating behavior in comparison with CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs refrigerants. We have used 165 liter capacity domestic refrigerator for experiment, which generally works with 200g R134a refrigerant. During test the R134a refrigerant was replaced by hydrocarbon refrigerant, which was mixed by R290 and R600a. Main purpose of this refrigeration system is to reduce the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and maintaining Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) as zero. Results also show that in comparison to the base refrigerator working with R134a, the ON time ratio and energy consumption per day were reduced by 12% and 5% respectively. The charge amount of refrigerant used in this system is reduced as compared to R134a hence increasing the COP of refrigerator.