Analysis of low-GWP alternatives for small refrigeration (plugin) applications.

Abstract

Novel refrigeration working fluids with attributes of superior thermal performance and low environmental impact are in development stages approaching commercialization. These fluids known as HFO-1234yf and HFO-1234ze exhibit very low global warming potential, good refrigeration performance, improved flammability characteristics compared to hydrocarbon materials, and are in conformance with the EU F-Gas Regulation (EC 842/2006). Use of these fluids in small refrigeration machines, which currently use R-134a, offers the potential to improve energy performance. This article presents and analyzes results of experimental evaluations for typical vending systems.