skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Model-based optimizations of packaged rooftop air conditioners using low global warming potential refrigerants

Journal Article · · International Journal of Refrigeration
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Building Technologies Research and Integration Center

Based on laboratory investigations for R-22 and R-410A alternative low GWP refrigerants in two baseline rooftop air conditioners (RTU), the DOE/ORNL Heat Pump Design Model was used to model the two RTUs and the models were calibrated against the experimental data. We compared the compressor efficiencies and heat exchanger performances. An efficiency-based compressor mapping method was developed. Extensive model-based optimizations were conducted to provide a fair comparison between all the low GWP candidates by selecting optimal configurations. The results illustrate that all the R-22 low GWP refrigerants will lead to slightly lower COPs. ARM-20B appears to be the best R-22 replacement at normal conditions. At higher ambient temperatures, ARM-20A exhibits better performance. All R-410A low GWP candidates will result in similar or better efficiencies than R-410A. R-32 has the best COP while requiring the smallest compressor. Finally, R-452B uses the closest compressor displacement volume and achieves the same efficiency as R-410A.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
1423085
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1582937
Journal Information:
International Journal of Refrigeration, Vol. 87; ISSN 0140-7007
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 11 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science