Evaluation of the performance of using R410A and R463A in a vapor compression refrigeration system: Energetic-exergetic analysis and Environmental Impact Index (EII) assessmen

A thorough evaluation of the new generation of refrigerants before their application in vapor compression cooling cycles enables prudent action to be taken. This study presents a comparative analysis between R463A and R410A in vapor compression refrigeration cycles. R463A exhibits notable advantages: it demonstrates higher mass flow rates owing to its elevated density at -25°C evaporator temperature, resulting in superior cooling capacities at 40°C and 45°C. However, this superiority comes at the cost of higher energy demand than R410A, which is evident in its increased energy consumption at these temperatures. Despite its enhanced cooling capacity, R463A displays slightly lower COP attributed to its higher compressor energy utilization. Moreover, both refrigerants exhibit increased exergy destruction with rising temperatures, consequently impacting exergy efficiency, which is slightly lower for R463A due to its elevated exergy destruction rates. Environmental impact analyses also highlight R463A's consistently higher environmental index than R410A across varied temperatures. This comprehensive evaluation contributes insights into R463A's performance as an alternative refrigerant to R410A in vapor compression systems.