Strategies on the Refrigerant Charge Reduction of Flammable Refrigerants for Heat Pumps

Charge reduction is important when using flammable refrigerants like hydrocarbons. Here, different strategies to reduce charge for R-290 systems will be presented and discussed.

Description

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Speaker

south_east

When & Where

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Mon, 07.10.2024, 14:40 – 15:00

place

Room Kiew, NCC Ost, Level 2

Details

Format: Lecture

Language: English

Tickets

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Description

Natural refrigerants are considered as last possible alternatives for the current refrigerants on markets to reduce the risks of climate and human health. Among them, hydrocarbons have similar thermodynamic properties to conventional refrigerants and perform well enough to allow drop-in operation, but most of them are classified as A3 refrigerants due to their high flammability. To ensure safe operation, various approaches are being investigated, including refrigerant leak detectors, ventilation, and secondary loops. Another approach is to achieve sufficient capacity with refrigerant charges below the allowable charge limits.

In this study, various strategies for reducing refrigerant charge for R-290 Heat Pump is discussed through cycle analysis. The impact of various charge levels on system performance was observed, and a strategy to minimize refrigerant charge was derived by optimizing superheating and subcooling. Additionally, various methods at the component level, such as the size optimization of heat exchangers and reduction of oil mixing in compressors were considered. The presentation is part of the IEA HPT Annex 64 Seminar. This seminar presents some country contributions to the Annex and are all concerned with the main topic of the Annex 64: Safety measures for flammable refrigerants.