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Selecting refrigerants for specific applications.

Author(s) : MINOR B. H., BIVENS D. B.

Summary

Since there are no perfect refrigerants, the selection of compounds for refrigeration and air conditioning applications must be based on a balance of several interconnected factors including impact on public safety and the environment, as well as system performance and economics. Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) compounds have played a key role in replacing ozone-depleting substances (ODS). However, HFCs are included in the basket of global warming gases for control by the Kyoto Protocol. Some groups point to low global warming potential (GWP) of "natural" refrigerants as the primary criteria for refrigerant selection. The greatest impact on climate change from refrigeration and air conditioning systems is carbon dioxide from power generation to operate the systems. Carbon dioxide emissions are directly related to system energy efficiency, which is influenced by refrigerant choice and system component efficiencies. The recognized procedure for evaluating climate change impact is Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP). Determining the proper balance of refrigerant selection factors (safety, environmental, performance, economics) requires inputs of refrigerant properties and expected system energy efficiency, equipment location, human exposure, flammability potential, refrigerant emission rates, first cost, operating costs and potential influence of regulations and standards.

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Details

  • Original title: Selecting refrigerants for specific applications.
  • Record ID : 2004-2663
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Environment
  • Source: 21st IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Serving the Needs of Mankind.
  • Publication date: 2003/08/17

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