Energy, Exergy, and Environmental Performance Analysis of Vapor Compression Cooling Systems Using New Generation Refrigerants as Alternatives to R404A and R410A

This study comprehensively analyses the energy, exergy, and environmental performance of alternative low GWP refrigerants used to replace R404A and R410A refrigerants, with high global warming potential (GWP), in vapor compression cooling systems. The refrigerants R454C, R452A, and R449A were analyzed as alternatives for R404A, while R454B, R452B, and R463A were analyzed for R410A. The analyses were executed at a stable condenser temperature of 40 °C and evaporator at temperatures varying between -25 °C and +5 °C. Energy performance was evaluated by cooling capacity and coefficient of performance (COP), while exergy analysis covered total exergy destruction and exergy efficiency. The environmental impact was determined using the Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP) method. The results show that R449A and R454C offer higher COP (with a maximum increase 6.87%) and exergy efficiency compared to R404A, whereas R454B and R452B increase energy efficiency and provide lower LCCP values compared to R410A. In contrast, R463A exhibits low energy and exergy performance and high emission values. Environmental analyses confirm that R449A and R454B significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These findings suggest that R449A is a suitable environmentally friendly alternative to R404A, and R454B is a suitable environmentally friendly alternative to R410A, considering both thermodynamic efficiency and environmental impact.