Abstract
The effect of ambient temperatures (19, 21, 23 and 25 °C) on energetic performance of an R134a domestic refrigerator retrofitted with varied mass charges (40, 50, 60 and 70g) of R600a and LPG (60/40 Propane-butane mixture) refrigerants was studied. The R134a domestic refrigerator was slightly modified with valves and integrated with appropriate pressure gauges, digital thermocouples and a watt meter to monitor the pressures, temperatures and the energy consumptions of the refrigerants within the system in the ambient conditions. Performance test investigated at steady state were pressure ratio, energy consumption, discharge and cabinet temperatures respectively. In conclusion, results showed that the retrofitted hydrocarbon refrigerants could be suitable replacements in all regards, provided adequate optimization is done.
Highlights
Domestic refrigerators are considered one of the major energy consuming household appliance [1]
Manufacturers of domestic refrigerators expect them to function optimally irrespective of their climate condition and enclosed or ambient operation temperature. It was concluded in the work of Geppert & Stamminger [3] that ambient temperature of domestic refrigerators is the influential factor on their energy consumption
High energy efficiency and workability of hydrocarbons in existing refrigeration systems with or without modifications is the principal justification for their use in vapour compression refrigeration systems [6], [7]
Summary
Domestic refrigerators are considered one of the major energy consuming household appliance [1]. Manufacturers of domestic refrigerators expect them to function optimally irrespective of their climate condition and enclosed or ambient operation temperature. It was concluded in the work of Geppert & Stamminger [3] that ambient temperature of domestic refrigerators is the influential factor on their energy consumption. Most refrigerators widely adopt R134a (HFC) refrigerant on the basis of its excellent cooling capacity It has high global warming potential (about 1430) which makes it environmentally lethal.
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