Submission
IMPACT OF REFRIGERANT TYPE ON LEAKAGE RATE AND RESULTING FLAMMABILITY RISK
DOI: 10.18462/iir.compr.2024.0694
Session: Rotary, scroll, screw, ... compressors I
Accept state: Submission accepted
Authors
| Name | Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| Jafar Esmaeelian | KTH University | |
| Rahmatollah Khodabandeh | KTH University | |
| Björn Palm | KTH University | |
Abstract
The adoption of natural refrigerants is increasing due to their low global warming potential and favorable thermodynamic properties. However, leaks involving these flammable refrigerants can present significant safety risks. This paper investigates how different refrigerants influence leakage rates during accidental releases, challenging the assumption in some previous research and standards that all refrigerants leak at the same rate.
A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, validated through experiments, is used to simulate the dispersion of refrigerants in a confined space. The differences in leakage rates are then incorporated into the CFD simulations, which analyze the flow dynamics and concentration profiles of R290 and R600a within a typical room setting.
The results demonstrate significant differences in leakage rates between R290 and R600a. Additionally, the CFD simulations reveal distinct dispersion patterns for each refrigerant. By showing that refrigerant type affects both leakage rate and dispersion, this study highlights the necessity for safety protocols that consider the specific properties of different flammable refrigerants. This is crucial for the safe use of these environmentally friendly yet flammable refrigerants.
Keywords
Refrigeration
Leakage
Flammability
CFD
Propane
Isobutane
Safety standards