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Investigation of Environmental and Heat Transfer Analysis of Air Conditioner Using Hydrocarbon Mixture Compared to R-22

  • Research Article - Mechanical Engineering
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Abstract

Hydrocarbons are natural fluids which create less environmental effect in nature and cause less emission also. This paper emphasizes the heat-transfer performances and global warming potential of the existing refrigerant, R-22, and compares it with some hydrocarbon mixtures for the domestic air conditioner. Propane with different proportions is taken for comparison. R-134a and R-407C are also used as refrigerants in the refrigerators and in commercial or large scale air conditioners, respectively. Two mixtures of R-290 with R-22 having proportions 25:75 and 50:50 by mass are used for comparison. Global warming potential of R-22 is high compared to that of R-290. But only R-290 is a high flammable refrigerant. Mixing of R-290 with R-22 reduces the global warming potential, and also reduces the flammability issue. This mixture finds better heat transfer enhancement compared to that of R-22. Thus, the heat transfer coefficient for the mixture increases up to 20–30 % compared to that of R-22. Indirectly it causes to reduce the requirement of refrigerant charges, and hence, the emission in the environment will also be reduced.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chittagong, 4349, Bangladesh

    J. U. Ahamed

  2. Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    R. Saidur & H. H. Masjuki

Authors
  1. J. U. Ahamed
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  2. R. Saidur
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  3. H. H. Masjuki
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Correspondence to J. U. Ahamed.

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Ahamed, J.U., Saidur, R. & Masjuki, H.H. Investigation of Environmental and Heat Transfer Analysis of Air Conditioner Using Hydrocarbon Mixture Compared to R-22. Arab J Sci Eng 39, 4141–4150 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-014-0961-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-014-0961-6

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