COMPARISON OF THE REFRIGERANTS HFC-134A AND CFC-12

A comparison of the refrigerants HFC 134a and CFC 12 has been carried out and the results from a theoretical analysis and from tests with an open piston compressor are reported in this paper. The results indicate that the tested compressor will give a greater refrigerating capacity with HFC 134a than with CFC 12 for certain operating conditions. However, the results also indicate an increased operating power for the compressor over the entire temperature range. As a result the coefficient of performance is decreased. Another noticeable result is dependency of the compressor's isentropic efficiency on temperature when using HFC 134a. This might be explained by the properties of the polyalkene glycol oil which is used with HFC 134a. The increased cost of using HFC 134a is justified if the environmental aspects are considered and the practical problems, such as the influence on the material in the refrigeration cycle, can be solved. © 1990.