Performance Analysis of a Domestic Refrigerator Using R134a and R600a Refrigerant

This paper presents an experimental study on performance of a domestic vapor compression refrigeration system using two different refrigerants, R600a (Isobutane) and R134a (Tetrafluoroethane). Two different compressors were used in this experiment and the input power of both compressors was 270W. In this study, the COP was calculated for each refrigerant at steady state condition. The data taking apparatus were calibrated before conducting the experiment. The result shows, when the refrigerator was equipped with the hydrocarbon (HC) type (designed for R600A) compressor, the COP raised by 12% compared to the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) type compressor (designed for R134a). According to this comparative analysis and from the environmental, ecological and health points of view, R600a is recommended to use as it is more beneficial than R134a.