Study of a Novel Hybrid Refrigeration System, with Natural Refrigerants and Ultra-Low Carbon Emissions, for Air Conditioning

Yijian He (), Yufu Zheng, Jianguang Zhao, Qifei Chen and Lunyuan Zhang
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Yijian He: Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Yufu Zheng: Zhejiang Shike Auto Parts Co., Ltd., Lishui 323799, China
Jianguang Zhao: Zhejiang Shike Auto Parts Co., Ltd., Lishui 323799, China
Qifei Chen: Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Lunyuan Zhang: Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: Due to its environmental benefits, CO 2 shows great potential in refrigeration systems. However, a basic CO 2 transcritical (BCT) refrigeration system used for airconditioning in buildings might generate massive indirect carbon emissions for its low COP. In this study, a novel CO 2 transcritical/two-stage absorption (CTTA) hybrid refrigeration system is broadly investigated, and both energy efficiency and life cycle climate performance (LCCP) are specifically engaged. The theoretical model shows that optimal parameters for the generator inlet temperature (T G2 ), intermediate temperature (T m ), and discharge pressure (P c ), exist to achieve maximum COP tol . Using the LCCP method, the carbon emissions of the CTTA system are compared to six typical refrigeration systems by using refrigerants, including R134a, R1234yf and R1234ze(E) etc. The LCCP value of the CTTA system is 3768 kg CO 2e /kW, which is 53.6% less than the BCT system and equivalent to the R134a system. Moreover, its LCCP value could be 3.4% less than the R1234ze(E) system if the COP of the CO 2 subsystem is further improved. In summary, the CTTA system achieves ultra-low carbon emissions, which provides a potential alternative to air conditioning systems in buildings that can be considered alongside R1234yf and R1234ze(E) systems.

Keywords: airconditioning; energy efficiency; natural refrigerant; low carbon emission (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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