Using a life cycle expense index to screen refrigerants for moderate and high temperature heat pumps

Refrigerant screening is a crucial preliminary step in designing high-efficiency heat pumps. Based on the previously proposed life cycle expense indicator that integrates economic costs and environmental impacts, this study systematically investigates the influence of key parameters on refrigerant selection outcomes. It assesses the most promising refrigerants for moderate and high temperature heat pumps within major global carbon markets. The findings are expected to provide decision-making support for formulating refrigerant replacement policies. Results indicate that: The energy efficiency of selected refrigerants is the primary factor in refrigerant selection for all the markets under current energy prices and carbon prices; Strategic policy interventions that combine carbon pricing mechanisms with energy subsidies can effectively accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly and high-efficiency refrigerants.