Experimental study on refrigerant mixing as a drop-in substitute for R134a in a domestic refrigerator

Abstract

This research aims to find ways to use different mixtures instead of R134a refrigerants that are more efficient and better for the environment. The Kyoto Protocol states that hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants must be replaced due to their high Global Warming Potential values, contributing to environmental damage. The two mixtures tested in this research were both types of refrigerants with different performances, temperatures, and pressures. The first mixture comprises R 134a and R1234yf (10:90% by weight), while the second mixture is R600a and R290 (60:40% by weight). The study revealed that the coefficient of performance of the first and second mixture is higher than R134a by 20.44% and 16%, respectively. Also, the power input of R134a is higher than that of the first mixture by 15.3%, while the second mixture is lower than R134a by 25.8%.