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

• Published in: International journal of refrigeration 2024-04, Vol.160, p.373-389
• Main Authors: Butt, Sannan Salabat, Perera, Uthpala A, Miyazaki, Takahiko, Thu, Kyaw, Higashi, Yukihiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cascade refrigeration system; Coefficient de performance; Coefficient of performance; Efficacité exergétique; Exergy efficiency; Frigorigène à faible PRP; LCCP; Low GWP refrigerant; R-1132a; R-23; Système frigorifique en cascade
• ISSN: 0140-7007; 1879-2081
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2023.12.020

•A comparative energy, exergy and environmental (3E) analysis is performed.•Prospective low GWP and low flammable alternatives are assessed.•R-170/R-161 and R-41/R-161 show superb performance and environmental friendliness.•R-1132a/R-1234yf pair is a low flammable alternative with comparable performance. 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.