The effect of internal heat exchanger using R1234ze(E) as an alternative refrigerant in a mobile air-conditioning system

Abstract

In this study, the use of R1234ze(E) refrigerant in an R134a-based mobile air-conditioning (MAC) system was experimentally investigated. Additionally, the effect of internal heat exchanger (IHX) on the performance of MAC was determined using R1234ze(E). Under the same conditions, we have tested and compared two different cases that use R1234ze(E) with and without an IHX by taking the performance of R134a as a reference. The inlet airflow temperatures of the evaporator and condenser were kept at 27 °C and 35 °C during the experiments, respectively. Performance parameters were determined using energy and exergy analysis. Compressor power was reduced by an average of 19 %, and the COP of R1234ze(E) were increased by an average of 4 % after activating the IHX. Moreover, it was determined that the value of exergy destruction of the system with R1234ze(E) was decreased by an average of 50 % when compared to R134a.