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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue: 05 | May 2024

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

www.irjet.net

Optimization of Performance and Operation of R290 in Refrigeration System 1Sajjan Kumar, Dr. Shankar Kumar2, Dr. Jitendra Raghuwanshi3 1M.Tech Scholar Department of Mechanical Engineering, LNCT Bhopal 2Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, LNCT Bhopal

3Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, LNCT Bhopal ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------

Abstract - Refrigeration systems are essential for a wide

Therefore, companies need to consider both economic issues and GWP standards when replacing HCFCs in air conditioning systems [1]. HC refrigerants have the advantages of HCFCs and HFCs, such as zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and zero global warming potential (global warming). They also have high performance, low cost, good miscibility with mineral oil (no need for synthetic oil), lower compressor outlet temperature and refrigerant in electronic equipment. Although R-290 is a viable alternative to R-22, its flammability makes it difficult to accept. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hazards associated with the use of R290 in air conditioning. Table 1 lists some characteristic data for R-22 and other refrigerants [2].

range of applications, including industrial, commercial, and residential cooling needs. However, concerns about the environmental impact of traditional refrigerants have prompted research into alternative solutions with lower global warming potential (GWP). Propane (R290) has emerged as a promising refrigerant due to its favorable thermodynamic properties, but its flammability poses safety challenges. This thesis focuses on studying the performance of R290 and explores the potential of blending it with R600a to reduce flammability risks in refrigeration systems. When using R290 alone, it takes approximately 30 minutes for the evaporator temperature to reach 2.9 degrees. However, when R290 is blended with an equal ratio of R600a, the evaporator temperature can reach -3.2 degrees within 24 minutes at a surrounding temperature. The results of this research contribute to the understanding of the performance and flammability characteristics of R290 blended with R600a in refrigeration systems. The findings provide valuable insights into the feasibility of utilizing such blends as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional refrigerants, while ensuring safety measures are implemented effectively. Practical recommendations are presented for reducing flammability risks associated with R290 blends, enabling their wider adoption in diverse refrigeration applications.

Table 1: Selected Characteristics of Several Refrigerants.

Key Words: R290, propane, R600a, refrigeration system, performance, flammability, safety, blend, environmental impact.

1. INTRODUCTION According to data from the China Statistical Yearbook (20002010), China is currently the world's largest producer; In 2010, air conditioning product use in homes exceeded 100. Million pieces. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) such as R22 and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) such as R-410A are the main refrigerants used in domestic air conditioning in China. China remains the largest consumer of HCFCs, accounting for approximately 70% of global consumption in 2010 and approximately 50% in 2007. The rapid phase-out of HCFCs is creating huge competition for China. HFC and hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants are two refrigerants available. Another [5]. However, the most common refrigerant in the world, HFC R410A, has a high global warming potential (GWP) and is in danger of being phased out in the medium to long term.

Impact Factor value: 8.226

Physical Property

Unit

R290

R-22

R-32

R410A

Molar Mass

G mol^1

44.0

86.5

52.0

72.6

Normal Boiling Point

°C

-42

-41

-52

-51.4b

Critical Temperature

°C

96.7

96.2

78.1

70.5

ODP

0.050

GWP100

1700

675

2100

Lower Flammable Limit

2.1

14.4

Heat of Combustion

MJ kg^1

50.4

9.4

Burning Velocity

cm s^-1

46c

6.7d

Refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration, such as (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are generally nontoxic and nontoxic. Although HFCs do not harm the ozone layer, they are classified as greenhouse gases (GHG) under the Kyoto Protocol due to their high global warming potential (GWP). Although HCFCs also emit greenhouse gases, they do not fall under the Kyoto Protocol and are planned to be phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

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