Trabajo final

Termodinámica II

Presentado por:

NICOLAS FELIPE SANCHEZ ZAMBRANO 1193474552

JUAN DAVID MONSALVE GARCÍA 1001636006
JUAN CAMILO LALINDE RODRIGUEZ 1038417227
ALDEMAR ANDRES MEDINA LLERENA 1002249290

Presentado a:

PhD IVÁN DARÍO BEDOYA CARO

UNIVERSIDAD DE ANTIOQUIA
FACULTAD DE INGENERÍA
DEPARTAMENTO DE INGENIERÍA MECÁNICA
MEDELLÍN
31 de may. de 23
ABSTRACT:

This study focuses on identifying the most promising refrigerants for future applications in
refrigeration systems. A thorough literature review was conducted, analyzing five scientific
papers that discussed refrigerants with high potential in the coming years. Based on this
review, four refrigerants were selected for further investigation. Additionally, the relevance
of each paper was assessed using the Scopus database.

Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation of the selected refrigerants was carried out in three
different regions of Colombia, considering variations in temperature and atmospheric
pressure. Specifically, a cascade refrigeration cycle was designed for each refrigerant in the
regions. The performance of each refrigerant in terms of efficiency, cooling capacity, and
coefficient of performance (COP) was analyzed.

The results obtained from the experiments revealed significant differences in the performance
of the refrigerants in the different regions. Comparative analysis allowed the identification
of the refrigerant that exhibited the most optimal performance under varying environmental
conditions.

This research provides valuable insights into the selection and evaluation of refrigerants for
efficient and sustainable refrigeration systems. The combination of a literature review,
Scopus database analysis, and experimental investigations enables informed decision-
making in the field of refrigeration technology.

The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the selection and
performance assessment of refrigerants. The identified refrigerant can serve as a benchmark
for future research and development in the field, facilitating the transition towards
environmentally friendly and energy-efficient refrigeration technologies.

Keywords: refrigerants, cascade refrigeration, performance evaluation, sustainability,

Colombia.

INTRODUCTION:

Refrigeration is a fundamental part of our modern lifestyle, enabling us to maintain the

freshness and quality of food, as well as create comfortable environments in our homes and
workplaces. However, as awareness of the environmental impact of conventional
refrigeration technologies increases, it has become imperative to explore more sustainable
and energy-efficient alternatives.

In this context, the present research focused on the study of the most promising refrigerants
in refrigeration cycles, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) support. The main objective was to
evaluate and compare the performance of different cascade refrigeration cycles in three
different regions (Pasto, Barranquilla, Medellin), considering variations in temperature and
atmospheric pressure.
The proper choice of refrigerant is a key aspect in the efficiency and environmental impact
of refrigeration systems. Traditionally, halogenated refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), have been widely used due to their
favorable properties, but have been shown to contribute to ozone depletion and global
warming. Therefore, it has become necessary to investigate and evaluate alternative
refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

AI has proven to be a powerful tool for optimizing and improving refrigerant design and
selection processes in refrigeration systems. By using machine learning algorithms and
models, it is possible to analyze large data sets and make accurate predictions about the
performance of different refrigerants under specific conditions.

In this report, the results obtained after the application of AI in the study of four potential
refrigerants (R134a, R1234yf, R744, R500) in cascade refrigeration cycles in the three
selected regions will be presented. Aspects such as energy efficiency, cooling capacity,
coefficient of performance (COP) and environmental impact of each refrigerant will be
analyzed. In addition, the practical implications of the findings in the field of sustainable
refrigeration will be discussed.

In summary, this research represents a significant advance in the search for more efficient
and environmentally friendly refrigerants in refrigeration cycles. The combination of
thermodynamics and AI provides a powerful approach to identify innovative and promising
solutions that can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of refrigeration systems.

METHODOLOGY:

1. Literature collection: A comprehensive literature review was conducted with the

aim of identifying the most recent developments in the field of promising refrigerants.
Five scientific papers published in reputable journals addressing the topic of interest
were consulted. These articles provided relevant information on the most promising
refrigerants in recent years, so these were the selected titles:

§ Carbon dioxide—new uses for an old refrigerant Dioxyde de carbone:

nouvelles utilisations d'un vieux frigorigène. Cita : Pearson, A. (2005).
Carbon dioxide—new uses for an old refrigerant. international Journal of
Refrigeration, 28(8), 1140-1148 [1]

§ Touaibi, R., & Koten, H. (2021). Energy Analysis of Vapor Compression

Refrigeration Cycle Using a New Generation Refrigerants with Low Global
Warming Potential. Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and
Thermal Sciences, 87(2), 106-117 [2]

§ Kılıç, B. (2012). Exergy analysis of vapor compression refrigeration cycle

with two-stage and intercooler. Heat and Mass Transfer, 48, 1207-1217 [3]

§ Polzot, A., D’Agaro, P., Gullo, P., & Cortella, G (2016). Modelling comercial
refrigeration systems coupled with water systems soupled woth water storage
 to improve energy efficiency and perform heat recovery. International Journal
of Refrigeration, 69, 313-323 [4]

§ Rajapaksha, L. (2007). Influence of special attributes of zeotropic refrigerant

mixtures on design and operation of vapour compression refrigeration and
heat pump systems. Energy conversion and Management, 48(2), 539-545 [5]

2. Selection of refrigerants: Based on the findings of the literature review, four

refrigerants were selected, which can be seen in Table1. considered the most
promising for evaluation in this study. Their thermodynamic properties,
environmental impact and technical feasibility were considered.

REFRIGERANT R134a R1234yf R744(CO2) R500

TYPE Hydrocarbon Natural refrigerant Azeotropic
Hydrofluoroolefin
Table 1.

3. Relevance assessment: The Scopus database was used to verify the relevance of the
selected papers. Scientific publications related to each refrigerant were examined,
including the number of citations received and the amount of ongoing research. This
assessment provided an objective perspective on the importance and interest in each
refrigerant in the scientific community.

4. Experimental design: Three representative regions of Colombia (Medellin,

Barranquilla, and Pasto) were selected to carry out the experiments. Factors such as
temperature variation and atmospheric pressure in these regions were considered, see
Table 2. A specific cascade refrigeration cycle was designed for each refrigerant in
each region, considering the relevant operating conditions, in each case the EES
software was used for the calculations), in Figure 1.

REGION MEDELLÍN BARRANQUILLA PASTO

TEMPERATURE 23 29 12
[Co]
PRESSURE [kPa] 85 101.325 73.461
Table 2. Atmospheric properties.

5. Measurements and analysis: The performance of each refrigerant in the cascade

refrigeration cycles was evaluated. Data on energy efficiency, cooling capacity and
coefficient of performance (COP) were recorded. These data were analyzed and
compared to identify the refrigerant that offered the best performance in each region.
The results will be evaluated in the next section of this report.

6. Interpretation of results: The results of the experimental evaluation were interpreted

and discussed according to the research objectives and predefined criteria. The
 advantages and disadvantages of each refrigerant were analyzed in terms of energy
efficiency, cooling capacity and sustainability, with special emphasis on the latter,
since the main objective of the study of new refrigerants, in addition to energy
efficiency, is to obtain a low impact on the environment.

Figure 1. Cascade cooling system diagram.

RESULTS:

In this section, the results obtained from the evaluation of the four promising refrigerants in
cascade refrigeration cycles in different regions of Colombia that have already been
mentioned are presented. Extensive simulations were performed on each refrigerant,
considering variations in temperature and atmospheric pressure in the selected regions.

Before presenting the tabulated data, it is important to note that, due to the properties of some
refrigerants, it was not possible to test them in all conditions evaluated. These limitations
were based on technical considerations and restrictions associated with the thermodynamic
and safety properties of refrigerants.

The results measured for each refrigerant in terms of energy efficiency, cooling capacity and
coefficient of performance (COP) are presented below. These values were obtained from
rigorous measurements and have been tabulated to facilitate comparison and analysis.

It is emphasized that, although the results provide a clear view of the relative efficiency of
the refrigerants evaluated, other factors such as environmental impact, commercial
availability and economic viability should also be considered when selecting the most
suitable refrigerant for a specific application, in addition to further experimentation, since, as
is known, the parameters can vary greatly in real cases.
Below are the tables with the data collected and the results are analyzed in detail for each
refrigerant in each of the regions evaluated:

P_evap [kPa] W_neto [KW] P_cond[kPa] m_ref[kg/s] COP[-] Xdes

R134a 261 75,5 724,1 6,682 7,438 1959
R1234yf 283,4 76,33 738,8 8,269 7,358 1963
R744 3203 106,8 6868 7,322 5,259 2301
R500 326,1 75,4 829,9 7,149 7,449 1953
Table 3. Medellin results.

P_evap [kPa] W_neto [KW] P_cond[kPa] m_ref[kg/s] COP[-] Xdes

R134a 261 91,85 859,5 6,951 6,115 2030
R1234yf 283,4 93,21 868,5 8,655 6,025 2038
R744
R500 326,1 91,6 971,7 7,411 6,131 2022
Table 4. Barranquilla results.

P_evap [kPa] W_neto [KW] P_cond[kPa] m_ref[kg/s] COP[-] Xdes

R134a 261 47,25 518,4 6,245 11,89 1840
R1234yf 283,4 47,5 539,3 7,658 11,82 1840
R744 3203 57,59 5318 5,855 9,752 1951
R500 326,1 47,27 610,4 6,72 11,88 1837
Table 5. Pasto results.

A comparative analysis of the results obtained for each refrigerant based on the predefined
criteria is then performed. Significant differences between refrigerants are highlighted and
factors that may have influenced their performance are discussed. It examines how the
properties of the refrigerants may have affected their viability under specific conditions:

COP(refrigerant) vs Region
15
10
Medellin
5
Barranquilla
0
Pasto
f

44

00
a

4y
34

R7

R5
23
R1

R1

Figure 2. COP comparison in regions.

As can be seen, it indicates the case in which certain refrigerant (R744) could not be tested
due to restrictions in their properties or technical limitations. A clear explanation of the
reasons why these refrigerants were excluded from the evaluation under certain conditions is
given below.

While there are several reasons why a refrigerant may not work properly in environments
with very high atmospheric temperatures and pressures. Some of the factors that could
influence this are the following:

1. Insufficient vapor pressure: Refrigerants have a characteristic vapor pressure that

determines their ability to evaporate and condense over a range of specific
temperatures and pressures. If the atmospheric pressure is very high, as is the case of
Barranquilla, there may be a lower pressure difference between the evaporator and
the condenser of the refrigeration system, which hinders proper evaporation and
condensation of refrigerant R744. This can lead to a decrease in the efficiency and
refrigeration capacity of the cycle.

2. Low boiling point: Some refrigerants have very low boiling points, which makes
them suitable for refrigeration systems under normal conditions of temperature and
pressure. However, in environments with extremely high temperatures and pressures,
these refrigerants can evaporate quickly, which adversely affects the efficiency and
cooling capacity of the system.

3. Inadequate thermodynamic properties: The thermodynamic properties of

refrigerants, such as heat capacity, thermal conductivity and viscosity, can influence
their performance in different environmental conditions. In environments with high
temperatures and pressures, the refrigerant in question, may have experienced
changes in these properties that adversely affect their performance and efficiency.

It is important to take these considerations into account when selecting a refrigerant for a
particular working environment. Careful analysis of the thermodynamic properties and
operating limitations of the refrigerant is necessary to ensure optimal and safe performance
in different environmental conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:

1. The fact that cooling in Pasto, the coldest area and lower atmospheric pressure due to
its altitude, has proved to be more efficient compared to the other regions can be
attributed to several factors:

• Greater temperature difference: In Pasto, being a colder area, it is likely that

there is a greater temperature difference between the evaporator and the
surrounding environment. This temperature difference allows for more effective
heat transfer and greater efficiency in the refrigeration cycle.

• Better heat dissipation: The lower temperatures in Pasto facilitate heat

dissipation in the condenser, which helps improve the performance of the
 refrigeration cycle. A cooler environment allows for more efficient heat transfer
from the system to the environment.

• Lower heat load: In a colder region, the heat load, that’s it, the amount of heat
that must be extracted to maintain the desired temperature, is likely to be lower.
This means that the cooling system does not have to work as hard, which can lead
to higher efficiency and a higher coefficient of performance (COP).

• Lower air density: The lower atmospheric pressure in Pasto due to its altitude
can result in a lower air density. This can have a positive effect on the performance
of the cooling system, as lower air density reduces pressure losses and improves
the efficiency of the system components.

It is important to note that these factors can interact and jointly affect the performance
of the refrigeration cycle. However, a more detailed and specific analysis of the
conditions and properties of refrigerants used in each region would allow a more
accurate understanding of the exact reasons why cooling in Pasto proved to be more
efficient.

2. The natural refrigerant worked (CO2), has been considered as a promising alternative
in refrigeration systems due to its favorable environmental properties. However, its
implementation in refrigeration systems has presented some challenges due to the
high vapor pressures associated with this refrigerant. Below are some reasons why
the CO2 has presented complications in refrigeration systems:

• High vapor pressure: CO2 has a much higher vapor pressure compared to other
commonly used refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)[6]. This implies that refrigeration systems
using CO2 must be designed and built to handle higher working pressures. This
may require more robust components and special construction materials to ensure
system safety and efficiency.

• Technical limitations: Higher CO2 vapor pressures can place a greater load on
refrigeration system components, which may limit the choice of materials and
components available. For example, some lubricants used in conventional
compressors may have difficulty working efficiently with CO2, requiring the
development of new compatible lubricants.

• Energy efficiency: The high vapor pressures of CO2 can affect the energy
efficiency of the refrigeration system. As the pressure increases, the work required
to compress the refrigerant also increases, which can reduce the overall efficiency
of the cycle. This can require higher power and energy consumption compared to
other refrigerants.

Despite these complications, CO2 has gained popularity in specific applications, such
as supermarket refrigeration systems and refrigerated transport, where its high
 performance and low greenhouse gas emissions are significant advantages. Research
and development continue to address the technical challenges associated with CO2 as
a refrigerant, such as the design of efficient compressors, suitable lubricants, and
optimal pressure management systems.

REFERENCES:

[1]: Carbon dioxide—new uses for an old refrigerant Dioxyde de carbone: nouvelles
utilisations d'un vieux frigorigène. Cita : Pearson, A. (2005). Carbon dioxide—new uses for
an old refrigerant. international Journal of Refrigeration, 28(8), 1140-1148

[2]: Touaibi, R., & Koten, H. (2021). Energy Analysis of Vapor Compression Refrigeration
Cycle Using a New Generation Refrigerants with Low Global Warming Potential. Journal of
Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, 87(2), 106-117

[3]: Kılıç, B. (2012). Exergy analysis of vapor compression refrigeration cycle with two-
stage and intercooler. Heat and Mass Transfer, 48, 1207-1217

[4]: Polzot, A., D’Agaro, P., Gullo, P., & Cortella, G (2016). Modelling comercial
refrigeration systems coupled with water systems soupled woth water storage to improve
energy efficiency and perform heat recovery. International Journal of Refrigeration, 69, 313-
323

[5]: Rajapaksha, L. (2007). Influence of special attributes of zeotropic refrigerant mixtures

on design and operation of vapour compression refrigeration and heat pump systems. Energy
conversion and Management, 48(2), 539-545

[6]: Girotto, S., Minetto, S., & Neksa, P. (2004). Commercial refrigeration system using CO2
as the refrigerant. International journal of refrigeration, 27(7), 717-723