Criteria for the choice of low GWP refrigerant for next generation direct expansion airconditioning equipment

DOI: 10.18462/iir.compr.2017.0252

Session: Plenary Session II. Chaired by Katarína Držíková, Didier Coulomb, Václav Havelsky, Marek Zgliczynski, Heinz Juergenssen, Osami Kataoka

Accept state: Submission accepted

Authors

Abstract

In view of the requirement to reduce the climate impact of refrigerants, several refrigerants are proposed for use in direct expansions air-conditioning systems. There are test programs such as AREP and PRAHA to evaluate some of the solutions. The results of these tests do not always give the straight answer that we expect. How does an equipment manufacturer look to these results and what parameters are most important to decide the refrigerant for the specific application. This presentation will give a better insight how the next generation refrigerant is decided for direct expansion AC equipment.
It covers the differences in thermo-physical and other properties of alternatives that affect performance of direct (Air cooled) AC system. Thermo-physical cycle, pressure losses, heat transfer, thermal losses and safety are important factors. Certain saturation pressure of refrigerant is necessary to avoid poor energy efficiency. Some refrigerants may result in higher discharge temperatures. Both for average and high ambient climate a solution has to be prepared. This presentation explains how an equipment manufacturer tackles these challenges.

Keywords

refrigerant GWP flammability energy-efficiency safety