Validation of a Computerised Analytical Model for Evaluating Natural Hydrocarbon Mixtures as Alternative Refrigerants

Abstract

This paper describes a computer-based thermodynamic model that evaluates the performance of hydrocarbon (HC) mixtures as alternative refrigerants to conventional synthetic refrigerants. By estimating the refrigeration effect, compressor work, and coefficient of performance, the analytical tool helps to optimize the system’s design to suit a particular HC mixture or to identify the best HC mixture to be used as a drop-in refrigerant for an existing conventional system. The model is validated against experimental data that compared the performance of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to that of refrigerant R12 for domestic refrigeration. The results obtained show that the model correctly predicts the differences observed in the experiment. In agreement with the experimental data, the model's estimates show an improved performance for LPG compared to R12.