The performance parameters of vapor compression refrigeration units that used the refrigerant R-404A were studied by developing a computer simulation algorithm. The various performance parameters investigated per one kilowatt of refrigeration capacity, such as the mass flow rate, the compressor power consumption, the condenser heat rejection rate, the compressor exit temperature and the coefficient of performance. Two refrigeration cycles were tested under various evaporating and condensing temperatures: the standard cycle and the ideal cycle with superheating and sub-cooling. The results of the present work reveal that the compressor power variation over the evaporating temperature range from –10℃ to 15℃at Tc = 40℃ is decreased by 38.8% for standard cycle and by 43.8% for ideal cycle. The compressor power variation over the condensing temperature range from 30℃ to 50℃ at Te = 10℃ is increased by 122% for standard cycle and by 54.5% for ideal cycle. On the other hand, the COP for the ideal cycle with 5℃ superheating and sub-cooling is approximately 25% higher than that of the standard cycle at Te = 10℃ and Tc = 40℃ for the refrigerant R-404A.
References
[1]
Mottaa, S.F., Pariseb, J. and Braga, S.L. (2000) Critical Flow of Refrigerants through Adiabatic Capillary Tubes: Experimental Study of Zeotropic Mixtures R-407a and R-404a. ASHRAE Transactions, 106, 929.
[2]
Zhanga, M. and Webbb, R.L. (2000) Correlation of Two-Phase Friction for Refrigerants in Small-Diameter Tubes. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 25, 131-139.
[3]
Mottaa, S., Pariseb, J. and Braga, S.L. (2002) A Visual Study of R-404A/Oil Flow through adiabatic Capillary Tubes. International Journal of Refrigeration, 25, 586-596. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-7007(01)00057-3
[4]
Ould Didi, M.B., Kattan, N. and Thome, J.R. (2002) Prediction of Two-Phase Pressure Gradients of Refrigerants in Horizontal Tubes. International Journal of Refrigeration, 25, 935-947.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-7007(01)00099-8
[5]
Llopis, R., Torrella, E., Cabello, R. and Sánchez, D. (2010) Performance Evaluation of R404A and R507A Refrigerant Mixtures in an Experimental Double-Stage Vapour Compression Plant. Applied Energy, 87, 1546-1553.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2009.10.020
[6]
Zhou, Z., Chen, B., Wang, Y., Guo, L. and Wang, G. (2012) An Experimental Study on Pulsed Spray Cooling with Refrigerant R-404a in Laser Surgery. Applied Thermal Engineering, 39, 29-36.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2012.01.028
[7]
Sapali, S.N. and Pradeep, A.P. (2010) Heat Transfer during Condensation of HFC-134a and R-404A inside of a Horizontal Smooth and Micro-Fin Tube. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 34, 1133-1141.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2010.03.013
[8]
Chena, J. and Kruseb, H. (1997) Concentration Shift Simulation for the Mixed Refrigerants R-404A, R-32/134a, and R-407C in an Air Conditioning System. HVAC&R Research, 3, 149-157.
[9]
Jung, D.S. and Radermacher, R. (1991) Performance Simulation of Single-Evaporator Domestic Refrigerators Charged with Pure and Mixed Refrigerants. International Journal of Refrigeration, 14, 223-232.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0140-7007(91)90007-4
[10]
Alshqirate, A.S. (2003) Computer Simulation Study to Investigate the Performance of a Window Type Air Conditioning Unit That Uses the Refrigerant R407c Instead of R22. M. Sc. Thesis, University of Jordan, Amman.
[11]
Joudi, K.A., Mohammed, A.S. and Aljanabi, M. (2003) Experimental and Computer Performance Study of an Automotive Air Conditioning System with Alternative Refrigerants. Energy Conversion and Management, 44, 2959-2976.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0196-8904(03)00051-7
[12]
DuPontTM Suva Refrigerants (2005) The Miracles of Science, Thermodynamic Properties of DuPont Suva 404A refrigerant, USA.
