Experimental study of an R1234ze(E)/R134a mixture (R450A) as R134a replacement

• Published in: International journal of refrigeration 2015-03, Vol.51, p.52-58
• Main Authors: Mota-Babiloni, Adrián, Navarro-Esbrí, Joaquín, Barragán-Cervera, Ángel, Molés, Francisco, Peris, Bernardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Drop-in; Efficacité énergétique; Energy efficiency; Frigorigène de remplacement immédiat; Mixture; Mélange de frigorigènes; R134a; R450A; Refrigeration; Réfrigération
• ISSN: 0140-7007; 1879-2081
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2014.12.010

This work presents an experimental analysis of a non-flammable R1234ze(E)/R134a mixture (R450A) as R134a drop-in replacement. While R134a has a high GWP value (1430), the R450A GWP is only 547. The experimental tests are carried out in a vapour compression plant equipped with a variable-speed compressor. The replacement suitability has been studied combining different operating conditions: evaporation temperature, condensation temperature and the use of an internal heat exchanger (IHX). The drop-in cooling capacity of R450A compared with R134a is 6% lower as average. R450A COP is even higher to those resulting with R134a (approximately 1%). The discharge temperature of R450A is lower than that of R134a, 2K as average. The IHX has a similar positive influence on the energy performance of both fluids. In conclusion, R450A can be considered as a good candidate to replace R134a. •We present an experimental analysis of R450A as R134a drop-in replacement.•The R450A cooling capacity is 6% lower (as average) than those of R134a.•The R450A COP is similar or even higher than those of R134a.•The discharge temperature of R450A is 2K lower (as average) than those of R134a.•The IHX has a similar influence on both refrigerants.