Experimental Investigation of the Performance of Vapour Compression Refrigeration System Using Various Refrigerants

Refrigeration and air conditioning plays a major role in modern era. Every year the energy consumption for the refrigeration is also increasing globally. This study comparatively analysis the thermodynamic performance of refrigerants in a vapour compression refrigeration system. The designed experiments were performed and results were analysed using a modified commercial split air conditioning system of capacity 1.5 tons. The refrigerant used in the study are R12 and R22. Results showed that the actual COP and tonnage capacities of R22 is considerably better than that of R12. It is found that the actual COP of R22 is higher by 15%. The tonnage capacity of R22 is higher by 7.36%. This analysis was performed at condenser temperatures ranging from 30 °C and 40 °C and evaporator temperature ranging from 6 °C to 0.6 °C. It is also found that the power input for the compressor was lower for R22 by 35%. Hence, the lower energy consumption, which makes it, had better option than R12 for industrial applications and domestic applications as well. It is concluded that refrigerant R22 is better in all aspects considered in this study when compared with R12.