Energy, exergy and environmental (3E) analysis of low GWP refrigerants in cascade refrigeration system for low temperature applications

Sannan Salabat Butt, Uthpala A. Perera, Takahiko Miyazaki, Kyaw Thu, Yukihiro Higashi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study presents a comparative energy, exergy, and life cycle climate performance (LCCP) analysis of various refrigerants in a cascade refrigeration system (CRS). The refrigerants analyzed in the low-temperature cycle (LTC) include R-23, R-116, R-41, R-170, R-1150, and R-1132a whereas high-temperature cycle (HTC) utilizes R-404A, R-455A, R-454C, R-459B, R-161, R-290, R-1270, and R-1234yf. For the first time for CRS, LCCP analysis is conducted and fourth generation low GWP and less flammable prospective refrigerants R-1132a, R-455A, R-454C, R-459B are analyzed. The study aims to find a refrigerant pair that outperforms R-23/R-404A in terms of thermodynamic efficiency while also considering environmental impact and safety considerations. Among the 48 refrigerant groups analyzed, the study reveals that R-170/R-161 and R-41/R-161 demonstrate superior performance in terms of thermodynamic efficiency and environmental impact assessment whereas the largest exergy destruction components are HTC/LTC compressors. However, if flammability is a major concern, the recommended refrigerant pair is R-1132a/R-1234yf, as it is a suitable alternative in terms of safety considerations while still maintaining favorable thermodynamic and environmental performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)373-389
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration
Volume160
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical Engineering

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