Assessing energy performance and environmental impact of low GWP vapor compression chilled water systems

The global concern regarding the environmental repercussions of refrigerants has escalated
due to their adverse effects. These substances deplete the ozone layer and intensify the greenhouse
effect. International agreements such as the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols and COP21 have imposed
restrictions on refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) to address these issues. This
study aims to explore the feasibility, energy efficiency, and environmental impact of utilizing the
HFO (hydrofluoric-olefin) refrigerant R1234ze as a substitute for HFCs (hydrofluoric-carbon) (R134a,
R407C, and R410A) and HCFCs (R22) in air-cooled vapor compression refrigeration and air conditioning
systems. To determine their effectiveness, we evaluate the energy performance of various
refrigerant operating cycles across a wide range of ambient and evaporating temperatures. Additionally,
we conduct environmental impact analyses based on the total equivalent warming impact
(TEWI) parameter calculated for commercially available chillers that utilize the fluids mentioned
above. Our findings indicate that vapor compression chilled water systems employing R1234ze
exhibit the highest performance coefficient and the lowest annual TEWI.