Performance analysis of R290 as a substitute for R404a on 12,000 Btuh cold storage capacity
Widodo, Syafrizal, Ade Irvan Tauvana, Mokhamad Is Subekti, Lukman Nulhakim

Politeknik Enjinering Indorama

Abstract

Cold Storage is a cooling machine that has a very low cooling room temperature until: -30°C which is used for the freezing process. Cold storage used for this research has a capacity of 18,000 Btuh using R-404a refrigerant. This refrigerant does not contain ODP but still contains a very high GWP: 3940 compared to R-290. Refrigerant R-290 (propane) is a hydrocarbon refrigerant that has GWP:4 and Non ODP. But this refrigerant has flammable properties between LF-UFLL: 2-10%. Coldroom dimensions: 3 x 1.5 x 2.5:11.25m3. Testing methodology by comparing the performance of R-404a with R290 coldstorage conditions was tested without using a cooling load with a room temperature setting of -29 ° C, room temperature of 35 ° C and RH: 70%. Time Testing is carried out for 90 minutes. From the test results obtained data: evap temperature: -29 with a time of 68 minutes for R290 and 95 minutes for R-404a, suction pressure R404a / R290: 14/6 Psig, discharge pressure: 215 / 175 psig and the amount of refrigerant entered in the system: 3500/1800 grams and electric amperes: 4.1 / 2.9 Amperes. From the above data it can be concluded that R290 has better performance, energy saving and environment friendly compared to R404A, only this refrigerant has flammable properties so high skiing is required and is carried out by competent certified technicians.

Keywords: coldstorage, propane, global warming, refrigerant, flammable

Topic: Mechanical Engineering