EPA's Research Projects Relating to the Dual-Circuit and Lorenz Refrigerator /Freezers

Abstract

At a meeting in February 1989, EPA presented to several research universities, national laboratories, and refrigerator/freezer (RF) manufacturers the Agency's desire to replace CFC-12 as a refrigerant in the RF vapor compression cycle and increase RF energy efficiency. EPA recognized that, while eliminating CFCs, energy benefits could be gained by further product development (e.g., improving compressor efficiency or heat transfer surface areas). The largest cycle energy gains, however, were expected to be a result of completely different vapor compression configuration. Two new vapor compression configurations were suggested by the participants - the Lorenz design and the dual-circuit design. A decision was made to construct and test modified RFs as proof that the advanced refrigerants and cycles could achieve energy gains. An RF computer model has been updated and expanded which can model both the Lorenz and dual-circuit RF. Modified RF testing and component testing in test stands is being performed to determine the increased energy performance of these configurations.