Part load performance analysis of vapour compression refrigeration system with hydrocarbon refrigerants

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to study the effect of evaporator load on performance of vapour compression refrigeration system with hydrocarbon refrigerants at different loads in evaporator. Hydrocarbon mixture (HCM) is an alternative refrigerant for hydro fluorocarbon (HFC) and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds due to their lower global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). The impact on the environment is also reduced due usage of hydrocarbons as refrigerants. 50% of Propane (R290) and 50% of Isobutene (R600a) by mass fraction is used as a refrigerant in this analysis. Effects of condenser and evaporator temperature are computationally analysised. Various performance parameters like compressor input power, discharge temperature, heat rejected in the condenser, refrigeration effect and coefficient of performance are investigated at various loads of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% in the evaporator. As compared to other loads, 75% load in the evaporator is

economic mode to operate the system due to 3.81% reduction in compressor input power, 4.76 % reduction in discharge temperature, better condenser heat rejection rate and refrigeration effect.