Energetic performance analysis of R466A as an alternative to R410A in VRF systems

Abstract

In this study, utilization of R466A with low-GWP is investigated in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems. R410A is widely used in VRF systems. Only non-flammable refrigerants are allowed for these systems since they require high amount of refrigerant charge. However, most of refrigerants, which have low-GWP and may be suitable for air-conditioning systems, are flammable. The analysis was carried out for both cases of cooling mode and heating mode. Three evaporation temperatures (4, 8 and 12 °C) and three condenser temperatures (40, 50, 60 °C) were considered for cooling mode in the study. In heating mode, three different evaporation temperature values (−10, −5 and 0 °C) while single condenser temperature of 45 °C were used for the investigation. The results pointed out that both cooling capacity and heating capacity amounts of R466A were greater in comparison with R410A. COP values of R466A were determined as higher than R410A about by 5–15% and 4% in cooling mode and heating mode, respectively. Thus, R466A can be utilized as a suitable refrigerant for VRF systems and air-conditioners as an alternative to R410A. In the short term, R466A can be directly used without performing any constructional modification in the system operating with R410A.