Analysis of a simple vapor compression and ejector refrigeration systems working with eco-friendly refrigerants

Transitioning to alternative refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) in both vapor compression and ejector refrigeration systems emerges as a viable strategy to address the environmental impact associated with refrigeration technologies. This shift necessitates a thorough examination of factors such as thermodynamic performance, safety considerations, and optimization of system design. The outcomes of this study contribute to the advancement of sustainable refrigeration systems, aligning with global initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions and preserve the environment. The study adopts a thermodynamic approach to numerically investigate several eco-friendly refrigerants with GWP below 150, including R1234yf, R1234ze, R1270, R152a, R290, and R600a, as potential alternatives for vapor compression and ejector refrigeration systems. Thermodynamic models, developed in MATLAB using refrigerant properties, reveal that R600a and R290 exhibit promising potential as replacements for R134a in vapor compression refrigeration systems. These alternatives demonstrate a noteworthy improvement in the thermodynamic coefficient of performance, with percentages of 2.47% and 2.12%, respectively, under similar working conditions. For ejector refrigeration systems, R152a, R717, and R1270 exhibit enhanced coefficients of performance, contributing to significant savings in generator heat load. The results highlight the ability of these refrigerants to improve both the efficiency and sustainability of refrigeration systems in diverse applications.