The effect of system parameters on the condensation performance of heat pump system with hydrocarbon refrigerant

Since global warming has reached critical levels, limitations have been placed on the use of certain fluoride-containing refrigerants by F-Gas regulations. The EU F-Gas Regulation has introduced quotas for the use of refrigerants with a global warming potential(GWP) greater than 150. Hydrofluorocarbons(HFCs) from restricted refrigerants are widely used in heat pump systems. Considering the environmental impact of these refrigerants, it is important to look for long-term alternatives to comply with F-gas regulations. Hydrocarbon(HC) refrigerants are shown as suitable alternatives for heat pump applications. R290 as a HC refrigerant is a potential refrigerant suitable for existing HFCs systems due to zero ODP and low GWP. In heat pump systems, there are many system components or parameters that are effective in condensing the humidity in the air passing through the evaporator. It is very important to know how these elements affect the condensation performance and condensation efficiency in different design situations. In this study, the effect of different parameters such as capillary length, charge amount, number of evaporator tube and air flow rate on the condensation performance and condensation efficiency of a R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant heat pump was investigated experimentally. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical model ones. A regression model was developed based on experimental data. In this model, it has been found that the combination of two and three interaction on condensation performance was more effective than the combination of single and quadruple.