Analysis on feasibility of solar-powered air conditioning systems using natural refrigerants

Abstract

The current research focuses on low-carbon alternatives for air conditioning systems that use sustainable and low-power drives. This detailed research takes into account a 1-ton capacity air conditioning system using several refrigerants based on vapor compression. Natural refrigerants should be used instead of all synthetic ones due to their environmentally favorable properties. Using the CoolPack software platform, the comparative analysis was conducted and it was found that the natural refrigerants R290 and R600a exhibit promising results in terms of heat removal from the evaporator (Qe [kW], heat removal from the condenser (Qc [kW], work done by the compressor (W [kW], and Co-efficient of Performance (COP) when fixed temperatures of 10 °C for the evaporator and 50 °C for the condenser are preserved. For refrigerant R600a, superheating at the compressor (inlet) suction by 5°C is necessary to maintain the running cycle within a practical working zone. Given that a 1-ton vapor compression cycle air conditioning system based on R290 has a compressor work consumption of 640 W, the motor power input for a single-phase induction motor will be roughly 1000 W. In contrast, DC motors require about 30% less power (770 W) and can be readily driven by solar photovoltaic systems (DC). Thus, by presenting solar thermal (required for R600a) and solar photovoltaic power (DC) application for natural refrigerants R290 and R600a, the present work will contribute to a sustainable environment and demonstrate the capabilities of dependable operation with optimal power usage.