Options for low-global-warming-potential and natural refrigerants part I: Constrains of the shape of the P–T and T–S saturation phase boundaries
Current research focus is migrating toward low-global-warming-potential (GWP) and natural refrigerants to address the human impact on climate change. In this paper, we examine 13 refrigerants from the perspective of the characteristic shape of their respective temperature–entropy (T–S) and the logarithm of the pressure versus inverse absolute temperature (log P vs. T–1) saturated phase boundary. Such analyses explain why certain refrigerants possess a re-entrant characteristic while others do not. The re-entrant region is due to skewness of the saturation boundary. The cause of skewness is investigated for its importance in heat pump performance, design, and configuration. Re-entrant behavior contributes to premature mechanical wear of compressor components. Knowledge of the properties of the phase boundary on either side of the critical point, is useful for a better perspective on discriminating refrigerants, as hydrochlorofluorocarbons are phased out and replacement refrigerants must be found. Here, we conclude by identifying a candidate low-GWP refrigerant for heat pumps. In Part II, we evaluate all 13 refrigerants in thermodynamic cycles based on exergy analysis to identify sources of irreversibility, the root cause of systemic inefficiency.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 1557523
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1562754
- Journal Information:
- International Journal of Refrigeration, Vol. 106, Issue C; ISSN 0140-7007
- Publisher:
- ElsevierCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
Similar Records
Options for low–global-warming-potential and natural refrigerants- Performance for heat pump application and analysis of systemic irreversibilities
Analysis of the P-T and T-S phase boundary in discriminating suitable low global warming potential and low flammability refrigerants