Energy and environment options of working fluid alternative for different refrigeration configurations

Abstract

Hydrofluorocarbons, currently used as refrigerants, in air-conditioning systems, for high-temperature heat pump systems in industrial applications are potent greenhouse gases. Their contribution to climate change is to increase. Future use of the hydrofluorocarbons as the hydrochlorofluorocarbons will be phased down. There are very different options to replace them and only a few pure fluids possess the combination of chemical, environmental, thermodynamic, and safety properties necessary for a working fluid. Low global warming potential refrigerants are anticipated to be the refrigerants of choice in industrial applications.