Performance evaluation of multi pressure refrigeration system using R32

Abstract

One of the present worldwide trends in refrigeration sector is to substitute the refrigerant which contributes to the global warming such as R134a with a low global warming refrigerant. The aim of this paper is to investigate the use of R32 as a potential substitute for R134a and R152a in refrigeration system. The performance of R32 is compared with R134a and R152a at different condenser and evaporator temperatures. For this study, performance parameters such as coefficient of performance (COP), work done, refrigeration effect and compressor discharge temperature were considered. Thermo physical characteristics of the chosen refrigerants were compared under the operating range of temperatures. Results indicate that COP of R32 nearly matches with the R152a and is 5–7% higher than R134a. COP is more sensitive to the evaporator temperature than condenser temperature. The compressor exit temperature of the selected refrigerants is lower than their critical temperatures, therefore no condensation problems during heat rejection. R32 and R152a have a reduced global warming potential than R134a, which indicates that R32 can be used as substitute for R134a in refrigeration systems.