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Journals / International Journal of Thermodynamics / 2026 / Volume: 27 Issue: 2

Thermodynamic and Environmental Analysis of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants as Alternatives to R134a in Domestic Refrigerator

Saif Ali Kadhim(University of Technology - Iraq)0000-0003-0359-5022
Pages
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Publication Date
2024-06-01
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The results revealed that all the alternative refrigerants except R601 and R601a have higher thermal and environmental performance than R134a and can be used after refrigerator compressor replacement.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The process of phasing out of medium and high global warming potential refrigerants is accelerating in all areas of refrigeration, particularly since the European F-Gas Regulation No. 517/2014 and the ensuing Kigali amendment went into effect.
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Key Findings & Data:This theoretical study contributes to the evaluation of the thermal and environmental impact of hydrocarbon refrigerants as drop-in alternatives to R134a in domestic refrigerator.
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Conclusion & Impact:The results revealed that all the alternative refrigerants except R601 and R601a have higher thermal and environmental performance than R134a and can be used after refrigerator compressor replacement.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:2014 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Domestic refrigerator · R134a · R290

Abstract

The process of phasing out of medium and high global warming potential refrigerants is accelerating in all areas of refrigeration, particularly since the European F-Gas Regulation No. 517/2014 and the ensuing Kigali amendment went into effect. Hydrocarbon refrigerants are being considered as suitable alternatives due to their low global warming potential and excellent thermal properties, but due to their flammability, safety precautions must be followed. This theoretical study contributes to the evaluation of the thermal and environmental impact of hydrocarbon refrigerants as drop-in alternatives to R134a in domestic refrigerator. In order to conduct an analysis of energy, exergy, and environmental factors, R134a and all hydrocarbons refrigerants proposed by ASHRAE—R290, R600, R600a, R601, R601a, and R1270—were examined as operating fluids used in a domestic refrigerator with a cooling capacity of 157 W and constant condenser temperature of 40°C and variable evaporator temperature every 5°C between -5 and -30°C. The results revealed that all the alternative refrigerants except R601 and R601a have higher thermal and environmental performance than R134a and can be used after refrigerator compressor replacement.

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Cite This Article

Kadhim, S. A. (2024). Thermodynamic and Environmental Analysis of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants as Alternatives to R134a in Domestic Refrigerator. International Journal of Thermodynamics, Volume: 27 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.5541/ijot.1368985

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