AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF THE USE OF WATER AS A REFRIGERANT

摘要

This paper summarizes the results of a 21CR research project funded by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute (ARTI) that investigated the economic feasibility of a water-based vapor compression chiller with a nominal capacity of 1000 tons. Presented are various potential cycle configurations and results of simulations for those cycle configurations. The simulations were performed using component level models developed to accurately size equipment and predict system performance for the most attractive cycle configuration. These component models address issues that are particularly crucial in water as refrigerant cycles, such as compressor discharge superheat and refrigerant side pressure drop. Where possible, these component models were verified through comparison against the current state-of-the-art technology for large chillers. The capital cost and the expected operating costs are determined to quantify the payback time associated with using water as a refrigerant relative to traditional halocarbon refrigerants currently in use.