Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is a key challenge for the food retail sector, where refrigeration accounts for a large share of total electricity demand. The transition toward lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, driven by evolving regulations, requires a clear understanding of both thermodynamic performance and system-level implications.
This work presents a comparative analysis of R‑404A, R‑449A, R‑454C, and R‑744 in commercial refrigeration systems using a semi-analytical model. Two representative supermarket sizes are considered, including medium- and low-temperature loads. The modeling approach combines component-based simulations of compressors, heat exchangers, expansion devices, and internal heat exchangers.
System performance is ...