Experimental and theoretical examination of the energy performance and CO2 emissions of room air conditioners utilizing natural refrigerant R290 as a substitute for R22

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the performance of an air conditioner that uses natural refrigerant R290 both analytically and experimentally. The feasibility of R290 for R22 air conditioner is examined thoroughly. Since the alternatives used in R22 air conditioners possess high GWPs and they are controlled by the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol mainly indicates that the high GWP refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning sectors are classified into one among the targeted greenhouse gases. Therefore, the present work focuses on ecofriendly-refrigerant R290 as a substitute to R22. In comparison to R22, R290 has no ODP and a very low GWP. An analytical study is conducted based on the actual VCR cycle. An experimental study was conducted on the R22 air conditioner with R290 at various outdoor conditions. Test results revealed that electrical energy consumption of air conditioner with R290 was 12.30% lower compared to R22 for the lower operating conditions and it was 11.40% lower compared to R22 for the higher operating conditions. Cooling capacity of R290 compared to R22 is lower in the range of 6.37-9.24% for the test conditions studied. For the operating circumstances studied, the energy efficiency ratio of R290 is higher than R22, ranging from 2.41 to 6.77%. Compressor discharge temperature of R290 is lower in the range of 8.67-15.32 ? for all the investigated conditions. When compared to R22, CO2 emissions from air conditioners operating with R290 are lower in the range from 13.10 to 14.18%. The study revealed that R290 is a viable option to replace R22 used in air conditioners in terms of performance and environmental aspects.