As a result of the Montreal Protocol (UNEP 1987) that limits the production of ozone-depleting refrigerants, manufacturers are searching for alternatives to replace the R12 that is presently used in residential refrigeratorfreezers. Before an alternative can be selected, several issues must be resolved. Among these are energy impacts, system compatibility, cost, and availability. In an effort to determine the energy impacts of some of the alternatives, energy consumption tests were performed in accordance with section 8 of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (A HAM) standard for household refrigerators and household freezers (AHAM 1985). The results are presented for an 18 ft ~ (0.51 m3), top-mount refrigerator-freezer with a static condenser using the following refrigerants: R12, R500, R12/dimethylether (DME), R22/R142b, and R134a. Conclusions from the AHAM test are that R500 and R12/DME have a reduced energy consumption relative to R12 when replaced in the test unff with no modifications to the refrigeration system. Run times were slightly lower than R12 for both refrigerants, indicating a higher capaci~ While the R134a and R22/RI42b results were less promising (7.8% and 8.6% higher energy consumption, respectively), changes to the refrigeration system, such as a different capillary tube or compressor, may improve their performance. It is noted that the test results are only an initial step in determining a replacement for R12. Further analysis should be performed to determine long-term effects on compressor life and operation over a wide range of ambient temperatures
Citation: ASHRAE Transactions, vol. 95, pt. 2, Vancouver, BC 1989
Product Details
- Published:
- 1989
- Number of Pages:
- 5
- File Size:
- 1 file , 660 KB
- Product Code(s):
- D-27162
