Performance Study of Hydrocarbon Mixture for Green Vehicle Air-conditioning System

Abstract

Experimental tests were conducted to monitor vehicle air-conditioning system in real life using hydrofluorocarbons (HFC-R134a) and hydrocarbon refrigerant as the working fluid for the compressor. The major variable for this study is vehicle speed. The tests were conducted on a roller dynamometer using a 5 door A-segment hatchback vehicle with a 1.3liter petrol engine to stimulate an actual vehicle on a level road with HVAC unit operating at a temperature set point of 21°C and blower speed at 2. The weight and internal heat load from passengers are taken into considerations with ambient temperature of 30°C and humidity of surrounding conditions at 50-65%. The result shows positive improvements on temperature distribution and fuel conservation with a possibility to be as an alternative refrigerant without any necessity of changing parts in the current system.