Overview of the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in air conditioning systems

Abstract

efrigerant used in air conditioning and refrigeration (ACR) industries has come to a full circle since the beginning of the industrial revolution. With concerns on issues relating to the environment, such as the global warming and climate change, caused by the use of harmful gases as refrigerants. Therefore, it is of outmost importance to mankind, to find suitable alternative gases as refrigerants, which are not detrimental to the ozone layer and does not adversely affect the climate. In view of this, hydrocarbons (HC) which were previously used as refrigerants are being reintroduced gradually because its lower GWP and which does not inhibit ozone layer, as replacement refrigerants. ACR industry players have blended in by introducing some new equipment and components that specifically designed for HC use. Malaysia too has targeted a 10 % reduction in hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) consumption, commencing in 2016; with the banning of ACR equipment of 7.03 kW and below from using HCFC 22 [chlorodifluoromethane, (CHClF2)]. Instead, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) 410a [50 % difluoromethane (CH2F2) and 50 % pentafluoroethane (CHF2CF3)] is being introduced as replacement for HCFC 22. In fact, in other countries, the use of HFC, has already been phased down. HC has good potential to replace HCFC completely as refrigerant in the future; its performance, matches that of HCFC and the flammability issue can be overcome, with the use of effective and safety enhanced design. Their use can be facilitated further with the adaptation of a specific standard and by proper enacted legislation.