Abstract:
An experimental study on the replacement of HFC-134a by hydrocarbon mixtures in a domestic refrigerator has been carried out. The refrigerants used are divided into 3 groups; the mixtures of three hydrocarbons, the mixtures of two hydrocarbons and the mixtures of two hydrocarbons with HFC-134a. The refrigerator tested has a gross capacity of 239 liters. The amount of the energy consumption is measured under the same testing conditions. The results indicate that the hydrocarbon mixtures with 70 percent propane 25 percent butane 5 percent isobutane, 60 percent propane 40 percent butane and 40 percent propane 30 percent butane 30 percent HFC-134a are the suitable alternative refrigerants. This is because all refrigerants require less energy than HFC-134a. The refrigerator works well with the first and second refrigerants. However, an advantage of the third refrigerant is that it has the lowest flammability. In the conclusion, these refrigerants should be used instead of HFC-134a in the refrigerator.