Theoretical evaluation of supermarket refrigeration systems using R1234ze(E) as an alternative to high-global warming potential refrigerants

Abstract

Hydro-fluoro-olefin-1234ze(E) features an insignificant global warming potential and it could be successfully used in supermarket applications in an attempt to foster solutions which are more eco-friendly than the currently employed ones. In this article, four indirect refrigeration systems using R1234ze(E) as the primary working fluid were theoretically compared with both a R404A multi-plex solution and a R744/R134a cascade configuration. The annual electricity consumption and the total equivalent warming impact were assessed in three different American locations and in two European cities. The outcomes obtained demonstrate that R1234ze(E) can suitably replace R404A in commercial refrigerating plants, especially in warm climates. In fact, R1234ze(E)-based solutions exhibits similar energy saving and at least a decrement by 26.7% in total equivalent warming impact beside the configurations employing R404A.