Development of Low-GWP Refrigerants for Future Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Applications

Year : 2024 | Volume : 11 | Issue : 03 | Page : 35 39
    By

    Nishant Varshney,

  1. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amity School of Engineering, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The growing concern over global warming and the need to mitigate climate change has propelled significant research into the development of low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants for air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Traditional refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), have been widely used in the HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry but contribute significantly to global warming due to their high GWP values. As a result, global regulations, including the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, have emphasized the phasing out of high-GWP refrigerants. This paper explores the current state of refrigerant technologies, examines emerging alternatives, and discusses the challenges and opportunities for developing low-GWP refrigerants suitable for future air conditioning and refrigeration applications. The paper delves into various categories of low-GWP refrigerants, including natural refrigerants (such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons) and synthetic alternatives like Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). These alternatives are evaluated based on their thermodynamic performance, safety concerns, efficiency, and environmental impact. Key challenges in the transition to low-GWP refrigerants are also discussed, such as issues of safety, system compatibility, cost, and performance at extreme conditions. Despite these challenges, advancements in safety standards, system design, and refrigerant recycling technologies are helping overcome many of the barriers to widespread adoption. The transition to low-GWP refrigerants is critical to meeting global climate goals, reducing the carbon footprint of the HVAC&R industry, and mitigating the effects of global warming. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of low-GWP refrigerants, their potential applications, and the challenges that must be addressed to ensure their successful integration into future air conditioning and refrigeration systems. By examining the intersection of technology, policy, and environmental impact, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on how best to achieve a sustainable and climate-resilient cooling industry.

Keywords: Hydrofluoroolefins, low-GWP refrigerants, PFCs, HFOs, Hyrdocarbons

[This article belongs to Journal of Refrigeration, Air conditioning, Heating and ventilation ]

How to cite this article:
Nishant Varshney. Development of Low-GWP Refrigerants for Future Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Applications. Journal of Refrigeration, Air conditioning, Heating and ventilation. 2024; 11(03):35-39.
How to cite this URL:
Nishant Varshney. Development of Low-GWP Refrigerants for Future Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Applications. Journal of Refrigeration, Air conditioning, Heating and ventilation. 2024; 11(03):35-39. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jorachv/article=2024/view=191679


References

  1. Agarwal, A., & Verma, P. (2020). “Low-GWP Refrigerants: A Comprehensive Review for Next-Generation HVAC Systems.” International Journal of Refrigeration, 105(4), 54-66. Elsevier. DOI:10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2019.10.021
  2. Calm, J. M., & Hourahan, G. C. (2019). “Refrigerant Transitions and Exits.” ASHRAE Journal, 61(8), 70-80. ASHRAE.
  3. Rajendran, A., et al. (2022). “Recent Advancements in Low-GWP Refrigerant Alternatives.” Energy Conversion and Management, 256, 115-125. Elsevier.
  4. Papasavva, S., et al. (2021). “Low-GWP Refrigerants: Safety, Efficiency, and Environmental Standards.” Journal of Environmental Sciences, 95(3), 321-330. Springer.
  5. Singh, P. & Patil, R. (2022). “An Overview of Environment-Friendly Refrigerants for Domestic Air Conditioning Applications.” Energies, 15(21), 8082. MDPI.
  6. Jones, R., & Brown, K. (2023). “Evaluating Low-GWP Refrigerants: Performance and Risk Assessment.” Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 114(5), 458-470. Wiley.
  7. Coulomb, D., & Finckh, O. (2020). “The Transition to Low-GWP Refrigerants in the Unitary Market.” International Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, 28(2), 128-135. Elsevier.
  8. Goetzler, W., et al. (2016). “Low-GWP Refrigerants for High-Efficiency HVAC&R Equipment.” NIST Technical Note 1840. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
  9. Honeywell International Inc. (2021). “Recent Developments in Low-GWP Refrigerants for Air Conditioning Applications.” Honeywell Refrigerants White Paper. Honeywell.
  10. Navigant Consulting. (2018). “Refrigerant Transition Impacts and Future Projections.” Guidehouse Report on Low-GWP Refrigerants, 3rd Edition.
Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 11
Issue 03
Received 09/11/2024
Accepted 13/11/2024
Published 31/12/2024
196


My IP

PlumX Metrics