Exergy Analysis of R1234yf and R1234ze as an Alternative to R134a in a Domestic Refrigeration System

Abstract

A computational model based on the exergy destruction using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) is developed to analyze the exergy losses in the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and the expansion valve of the system for the refrigerant R134a and its alternatives: R600a, R290, R1234yf, and R1234ze. Coefficient of performance, refrigeration effect, total exergy destruction, and exergy efficiency for the various operating ranges of condensing and evaporator temperatures are evaluated for a particular alternate refrigerant. The results inferred that R600a, R290, R1234yf, and R1234ze refrigerants in comparison with R134a perform well for domestic residential applications within evaporator temperature (263–293 K) and condenser temperature (303–323 K). Although the performance parameters for R1234yf and R1234ze fall short than that of R134a as per the first law of thermodynamics, its eco-friendly properties, low exergy loss for lower capacity refrigeration system such as domestic refrigeration system, and lower work input requirement offset the gap and make it a suitable alternative for R134a.