Energy enhancement of air conditioner using R32 and R290 refrigerants

Abstract

The Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle is nearly 200 years old, but it does not seem ready to leave the scene any time soon. Vapor compression refrigeration system provides cooling in summer by removing heat and provides heating in winter by adding heat. This is based on reverse engine Carnot cycle. Vapor compression refrigeration cycle is employed in Air- conditioners to cool ambient air temperature in a room. The performance degradation of conventional residential equipment at extreme weather conditions warrants further investigation of the vapor-injection technique. This is focused on the experimental and theoretical investigations of a refrigeration system with an innovative method of vapor injected rotary compressor. Vapor refrigerant injection cycle offers the advantages of more cooling capacity and a better COP than with a conventional cycle. A 1.5 TR vapor compression refrigeration system equipped with a conventional rotary compressor has been built, and tested to serve as a baseline. Unlike the conventional refrigeration system, we additionally use pre-cooler to pre-cool the refrigerant and inject it into the compressor. This enhances the efficiency of the refrigeration system. The baseline versus the improvement on this energy saving system is expected 10-12% using the vapor injection technique. Also we address high ambient operating conditions with the help of Liquid injection.