MN-00-06-4 -- Experimental Evaluation of Five Refrigerants as Replacements for R-22 PDF

Measurements were performed on refrigerants R-134a, R-290 (propane), R-404A, R-407c, R-410A, and R-22 in a vapor compression experimental setup. The results were used to evaluate and compare the following performance criteria: cooling capacity, coefficient of performance, compressor discharge temperature, input power, refrigerant mass flow, pressure ratio, and volumetric refrigeration capacity. The measurements were taken over a wide range of evaporating temperatures from -20°C to 20°C at a condensing temperature of 55°C on the same experimental setup. This wide selection of evaporating temperatures makes it possible to predict the performance of air-conditioning and refrigerating equipment. The results were used to compare the performances of the different refrigerants as possible substitutes for R-22. It was concluded that propane is a good long-term replacement for R-22.

Units: SI