Comparative Performance of R438A and R32/R125/R600A Mixture for Replacing HCFC22 used in Air-Conditioners

Abstract

In this study, the energy performance of R438A and M1 (R32/R125/R600A) mixture has been assessed theoretically in a residential air conditioner. The performance has been assessed for five different condensing temperatures, i.e. 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 °C with an evaporator temperature of-10 °C. The volumetric cooling capacity, coefficient of performance, compressor power consumption and compressor discharge temperature were used as the parameters for comparing the performance of the residential air conditioner. Total equivalent warming impact of the air conditioner was assessed for a 15-year life time. The results indicated that volumetric cooling capacities of M1 and R22 are similar, so that R22 compressor can be used for M1 without modifications, but R438A has slightly lower volumetric cooling capacity. The coefficient of performance of R438A was found to be higher than that of M1 by at least 17 % with 26 % lower compressor power consumption at all condenser temperatures. The compressor discharge temperature of R438A was observed to be at least 10°C lower than that of M1. Total equivalent warming impact of R438Awas found to be lower than that of M1 by about 13% due to its higher energy efficiency. The results showed that R438A is a more energy efficient and environment-friendly alternative to R22 than M1 in residential air conditioners. Keywords-R32/R125/R600A Mixture; R438A; Residential air conditioner; Total equivalent warming impact