In this work, the energy performance of a domestic refrigerator has been experimentally investigated using R430A as a possible drop-in substitute to replace R134a. Experiments have been carried out in an R134a-based single evaporator domestic refrigerator of total volume 190 L. The pull-down and ON/OFF cycle performance tests were carried out at 32 +/- 0.3 celcius ambient temperature. The continuous running performance test was carried out for wide range of ambient temperatures between 24 celcius and 43 celcius by maintaining evaporator temperature at -12 +/- 0.2 celcius. The experimental results showed that the R430A has 3.9% lower energy consumption with 3.8%-6.4% higher coefficient of performance when compared to R134a. However, the compressor discharge temperature of R430A was observed to be 2 celcius-4 celcius higher when compared to R134a. The lubricant used in R134a compressors is physically stable and retains its lubricant property at 4 celcius elevated temperature when operating with R430A. The total equivalent warming impact of R430A was found to be 4%-5% lower when compared to R134a due to its higher energy efficiency and lower global warming potential. The results confirmed that R430A is found to be a good drop-in substitute to phase out R134a in domestic refrigerator servicing sectors.
1.Hindustan Coll Engn & Technol, Dept Mech Engn, Coimbatore 641032, Tamil Nadu, India 2.HANS Ind Corp, New Delhi, India
Recommended Citation:
Mohanraj, M.. Experimental investigations on R430A as a drop-in substitute for R134a in domestic refrigerators[J]. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART E-JOURNAL OF PROCESS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING,2019-01-01,233(4):728-738