Analysis of a simple vapor compression and ejector refrigeration system working with eco-friendly refrigerants

Abstract

Transitioning to alternative refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) in both vapor compression and ejector refrigeration  systems emerges as a viable strategy to address the environmental impact associated with refrigeration technologies. This shift  necessitates a thorough examination of factors such as thermodynamic performance, safety considerations, and optimization of system  design. The outcomes of this study contribute to the advancement of sustainable refrigeration systems, aligning with global initiatives to  curb greenhouse gas emissions and preserve the environment. The study adopts a thermodynamic approach to numerically investigate  several eco-friendly refrigerants with GWP below 150, including R1234yf, R1234ze, R1270, R152a, R290, and R600a, as potential  alternatives for vapor compression and ejector refrigeration systems. Thermodynamic models, developed in MATLAB using refrigerant  properties, reveal that R600a and R290 exhibit promising potential as replacements for R134a in vapor compression refrigeration  systems. These alternatives demonstrate a noteworthy improvement in the thermodynamic coefficient of performance, with percentages  of 2.47% and 2.12%, respectively, under similar working conditions. For ejector refrigeration systems, R152a, R717, and  R1270 exhibit enhanced coefficients of performance, contributing to significant savings in generator heat load. The results highlight the  ability of these refrigerants to improve both the efficiency and sustainability of refrigeration systems in diverse applications.