Performance Analysis of R438a and R417a Refrigerants as an Alternative to R22 in Commercial Cooling Systems

Abstract

In this study, two refrigerants called R-417A and R-438A are thermodynamically examined, which are alternatives to and more environmental friendly than the R22, which is used widely especially in cool warehouses and cooling systems. The performances of R-22, R-417A and R438A are compared. All three refrigerants are tested under variable loads (-8°C, 0°C, -25°C and -31°C) with a computer simulation. Performances of fluids are evaluated using thermodynamics' first and second law for different evaporation temperatures and respective system performance coefficients are calculated. As a result, R438A was found out to have better COPc and COPh values. Better values were also observed with R438A fluid in comparison to R417A regarding condenser and compressor loads. Consequently, it was ascertained that R438A fluid is the best alternative to the R22 among the fluids examined.

Keywords

• Cooling Systems
• COP
• Energy
• Alternative Refrigerants
• Commercial Cooling