Experimental and theoretical analysis of the usage of R450a, R513a, R515b and R1234yf instead of R134a in the vapor compression refrigeration cycle

Cooling systems have become important necessity in many areas today. One of the oldest and most common cooling systems is the vapor compression refrigeration system. R134a fluid is a refrigerant that is mostly preferred in the refrigeration systems. However, R134a is one of the refrigerants that will be phased out within the scope of the precautions taken for against global warming. For this reason, alternatives to R134a are being developed. Therefore, in this study, R1234yf, R450a, R513a and R515b fluids, which are shown as alternatives to R134a, were examined in terms of the 1st and 2nd laws of Thermodynamics by modeling the experimental setup with the help of an EES program. Analyzes were performed at various evaporation and condensation temperatures for a constant cooling capacity. At the result of the analyzes, the effects of the refrigerant type on compressor energy consumption, heat transfer from the condenser, coefficient of performance (COP), second law efficiency, and mass flow rate of coolant under the same conditions were determined and these results were compared with the results of R134a. When compared to R134a, the amount of energy consumed per unit time by the compressor for unit mass of the fluids examined in the study, it was found to be 5.62% higher for R1234yf, 2.35% for R450a, 3.41% for R513a and 2.88% for R515b. So, in the case of using R450a, R515b, R513a, and R1234yf instead of R134a, a decrease in COP of 2.03%, 2.80%, 3.30%, and 5.32% respectively, was observed. Similarly, it has been detected that there is a decrease of approximately 3% in second law efficiency compared to R134a in the case of using R450a and R515b, and approximately 5% in the case of using R513a and R1234yf. As a result, in this study, in which R1234yf, R450a, R513a, and R515b, which are shown as alternatives to R134a, it was concluded that these are suitable for using in VCRSs.