Refrigerants Retrofit as Alternative for R12 and R134a in Household Refrigerators

This paper deals simulation study to investigation for the exploring of environmentally friendly alternative refrigerants for the R-12 and R134a for low Global Warming Potential (GWP), negligible Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a better Coefficient of Performance (COP).This investigation was achieved using a hydro fluoro-olefins-R1234yf, propane-R290 and isobutane-R600a refrigerants. The performance characteristics of household refrigerators were predicted using steady-state model under refrigeration capacity (200 W), constant evaporation temperature (-10 ° C) and condensation temperature (46 ° C). The results obtained showed that hydrocarbon (R600a) refrigerant had lower energy consumption values than among selected alternate refrigerants. The best COP was of R600a then R290, but the flammability issue of R290 and R600a determined usage them as alternative refrigerants. R1234yf which had higher energy consumption values and lower COP was chosen as the best substitute refrigerant due to its other excellent characteristics such as GWP?4, zero ODP and low flammability. Thus, R1234yf of the alternative refrigerant deserves the best option to replace of R12 and R134a.