Novel Reduced GWP Refrigerant Compositions to replace R-134a in Stationary Air-conditioning and Refrigeration

摘要

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as non-ozone depleting fluids in many applications, including as refrigerants, solvents, aerosols, and blowing agents for insulating foams. However, some HFCs have relatively high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and are coming under closer scrutiny due to the increasing concern over global climate change. The focus now is on the search for the next generation of environmentally sustainable working fluids with negligible direct environmental impact in terms of both ozone depletion and global warming potential. Development of low-GWP options should be balanced with respect to safety, performance, ease of use, and energy efficiency. Indeed, greenhouse gas emissions come not only from direct emissions but also largely from indirect sources based on energy consumption. It is therefore important that energy efficiency remain a primary consideration when implementing low-GWP solutions, as replacing a high-GWP fluid with a lower GWP, but less efficient option may actually increase greenhouse gas emissions, thereby degrading the overall Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP). This paper introduces ARM-42, a near-azeotropic, low-GWP refrigerant to replace R-134a. The thermodynamic properties of ARM-42 make it a very close match to R-134a from both a performance, capacity, and efficiency as well as operating pressures standpoint. Single Tube Heat Transfer testing confirmed ARM-42's potential to replace R-134a.