Performance Analysis of R1234yf and R134a in a Multi-Evaporator with Individual Expansion Valve in a Single Compression System

The study aimed to compare the performance of R1234yf and R134a refrigeration systems based on Coefficient of Performance (COP) vs. time, refrigeration effect vs. time, compressor work vs. time and discharge temperature vs. time. The R1234yf has been proposed as the better alternative to R134a. However, the results suggest that both systems have advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to justify the suitability of R1234yf over R134a. The performances were analysed at different heat loads ranging from 0W, 600W, 800W, 1000W and 1200W. The results show that highest performance was recorded at 1200W heat load. In addition, there were significant differences between the two systems. The discharge temperature for R1234yf was about 9% higher than R134a. Similarly, R134a performed better regarding compressor work vs. time. Respectively, R134a performed better in COP vs. time and refrigeration effects vs. time. There was a significant difference in the refrigeration effects and COP for the two systems. Also, the differences in COP and refrigeration effects increased with the heat loads. The lower COP in the R1234yf suggested that it could consume a lot of energy and thus making it unsustainable. The study concluded that the efficiency of the two systems varies; therefore, having a system that is a mixture of the two can help improve refrigeration efficiency and reduce pollution. However, further exploration of the two systems is needed to determine their efficiencies under different conditions before making a conclusive recommendation. The selected system should have minimal effects on the environment and produce the highest refrigeration effects within a short time. © 2023. Carbon Magics Ltd.