JIMMA UNIVERSITY

JIMMA INTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
SEMINAR OF REFRIGRATION AND AIR CONDITION

GROUP MEMBERS ID: NO

1. Abebe Genet ………………………………. RU 3206/11
2. Mintesinot Tadesse ………………………... RU 3491/11
3. Mekonnon Iticha ………………………….. RU 3451/11
4. Temesgen Asires …………………………. RU 4352/11
5. Tsion Abera ………………………………... RU 3249/11
6. Tsion Ejigu …………………………………RU 3458/11
7. Tokuma Bekele………………………………RU 4059/11
8. Yidenek Nigussie …………………………...RU 3995/11
9. Zerihun Eshetu …………………………… RU 4058/11

SUMMITTED TO: MR. ALI S.

SUMMITTED DATE: 24/12/2022

 Refrigeration and air conditioning

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................ i

LIST OF TABLES .....................................................................................................ii

1.REFRIGERANT ..................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Desirable Properties of an Ideal Refrigerant .................................................... 1
1.3 Classification of Refrigerants .......................................................................... 2
1.3.1 primary refrigerants .................................................................................. 2

1.3.2. Secondary refrigerants ............................................................................. 3

1.4 Designation System for Refrigerants ............................................................... 4

1.4.1. Dichloro-difluoro-methane ...................................................................... 4

1.4.2. Dichloro-tetrafluoro-ethane ..................................................................... 4

1.4.3. Dichloro-trifluoro-ethane ........................................................................ 5

1.5 Comparison of Refrigerants ............................................................................. 5

1.6 Desirable properties of refrigerants ................................................................. 6
1.6.1Thermodynamic Properties ....................................................................... 6

1.6.2 Chemical Properties ................................................................................. 8

1.6.3Physical Properties .................................................................................... 9

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LIST OF TABLES

Table1: commonly used halo-carbon refrigerants. ..................................................... 2

Table 2: azeotrope refrigerants .................................................................................. 3

Table 3: hydro-carbon refrigerants ............................................................................. 3

Table 4: Inorganic refrigerants ................................................................................... 3

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1.REFRIGERANT
1.1 Introduction
The refrigerant is a heat carrying medium which during their cycle (i.e. compression, condensation,
expansion and evaporation) in the refrigeration system absorbs heat from a low temperature system
and discards the heat so absorbed to a higher temperature system.
The working agent in a refrigerating system that absorbs carries or releases heat from the place to
be cooled or refrigerated can be termed as a refrigerant. This heat transfer generally takes place
through a phase change of the refrigerant. A more complete definition of a refrigerant could be
given as follows:
“Refrigerant is the fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigerating system that absorbs heat during
evaporation from the region of low temperature and pressure, and releases heat during
condensation at a region of higher temperature and pressure.”

1.2 Desirable Properties of an Ideal Refrigerant

A refrigerant is said to be ideal if it has an of the following properties
1. Low boiling and freezing point,
2. High critical pressure and temperature,
3. High latent heat of vaporisation,
4. Low specific heat of liquid, and high specific heat of vapour,
5. Low specific volume of vapour,
6. High thermal conductivity,
7. Non-corrosive to metal,
8. Non-flammable and non-explosive,
9. Non-toxic,
10. Low cost,
11. Easily and regularly available,
12. Easy to liquify at moderate pressure and temperature,
13. Easy of locating leaks by odour or suitable indicator,
14. Mixes well with oil,
15. High coefficient of performance, and
16. Ozone friendly.

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1.3 Classification of Refrigerants

The refrigerants may, broadly, be classified into the following two groups
1. Primary refrigerants
2. Secondary refrigerants
1.3.1 primary refrigerants
Primary refrigerants are those working mediums or heat carries which directly take part in the
refrigeration system and cool the substance by the absorption of latent heat e.g., Ammonia, Carbon
dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, Methyl chloride, Methylene chloride, Ethyl chloride and Freon group
etc.
1.Halo-carbon refrigerants: which contain one or more of three halogens, chlorine,
and bromine.

Table1: commonly used halo-carbon refrigerants.

They are sold in the market under the names as Freon, Genetron, Isotron and Areton. Since the
refrigerants belonging to this group have outstanding merits over the group's refrigerants, therefore
they find wide field of application in domestic, commercial and industrial purposes.
2. Azeotrope refrigerants: The refrigerants are mixtures of different substances. These substances
cannot be separated into components by distillation. They possess fired thermodynamic properties
and do not undergo any separation with changes in temperature and pressure. An azeotrope
behaves like a simple substance.

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Table 2: azeotrope refrigerants

3.Hydro-carbon refrigerants: Most of the refrigerants of this group are organic compounds.
Several hydrocarbons are used successfully in commercial and industrial installations. Most of
them possess satisfactory thermodynamic properties but are highly inflammable.

Table 3: hydro-carbon refrigerants

4. Inorganic refrigerants: used before the introduction of hydrocarbon group these refrigerants.
most commonly used for all purpose.

Table 4: Inorganic refrigerants

5. Unsaturated organic compounds: the refrigerants belonging to this group possess ethylene or
propylene as their constituents.
1.3.2. Secondary refrigerants
Secondary refrigerants are those circulating substances which are first cooled with the help of the
primary refrigerants and are then employed for cooling purposes, e.g., ice, carbon dioxide etc.
These refrigerants cool substances by absorption of their sensible heat.

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1.4 Designation System for Refrigerants

The refrigerants are internationally designated as 'R' followed by certain numbers such as R-11,
R-12, R-114 etc. A refrigerant followed by a two-digit number indicates that a refrigerant is
derived from methane base while three-digit number re-presents ethane base. The numbers
assigned to hydrocarbon, and halo-carbon refrigerants have a special meaning; The first digit on
the right is the number of fluorine (F) atoms in the refrigerant. The second digit from the right is
one more than the number of hydrogen (H) atoms present. The third digit from the right is one less
than the number of carbon (C) atoms, but when this digit is zero, it is omitted. The general chemical
formula for the refrigerant, either for methane or ethane base, is given as CmHn ClpFq,
in which n + p + q = 2m + 2
m = Number of carbon atoms,
n = Number of hydrogen atoms,
p = Number of chlorine atoms, and
q = Number of fluorine atoms.
As discussed above, the number of the refrigerant is given by R (m -1)(n + 1) (q). Let us
consider the following refrigerants to find its chemical formula and the number.
1.4.1. Dichloro-difluoro-methane
We see that in this refrigerant
Number of chlorine atoms. p=2
Number of fluorine atoms, q=2
Number of hydrogen atoms, n=0
We know that n + p + q = 2m + 2
0+2+2=2m+2 or m= 1
i.e. Number of carbon atoms = 1
Thus the chemical formula for dichloro-difluoro-methane becomes CCl2F2 and the number of
refrigerant becomes R (1-1) (0+1)(2) or R-012 i.e. R-12.
1.4.2. Dichloro-tetrafluoro-ethane
We see that in this refrigerant
Number of chlorine atoms, p=2
Number of fluorine atoms, q=4
Number of hydrogen atoms, n=0
We know that n + p + q = 2m + 2
0 + 2 + 4 =2m+ 2 or m =2
i.e. Number of carbon atoms = 2

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Thus, the chemical formula for dichloro-tetrafluoro-ethane becomes C2Cl2F4 and the
number of refrigerants becomes R (2-1) (0+1) (4) or R-114.
1.4.3. Dichloro-trifluoro-ethane
We see that in this refrigerant
Number of chlorine atoms, p=2
Number of fluorine atoms, q=3
Number of hydrogen atoms, n=l
We know that n + p + q =2m+ 2
l + 2 + 3 =2m+ 2 or m=2
i.e. Number of carbon atoms = 2
Thus, the chemical formula for dichloro-trifluoro-ethane becomes CHCI2CF4 and the number of
refrigerants becomes R (2 - 1) (1 + l) (3) or R-123.
The inorganic refrigerants are designated by adding 700 to the molecular mass of the
compound. For example, the molecular mass of ammonia is l7, therefore it is designated by R-
(700 + 17) or R-717.

1.5 Comparison of Refrigerants

There is no such refrigerant (i.e. ideal refrigerant) which can be used under all operating conditions
The characteristics of some refrigerants make them suitable for use with reciprocating compressors
and other refrigerants are best suited to centrifugal or rotary compressors. Therefore, in order to
select a correct refrigerant, it is necessary that it should satisfy those properties which make it ideal
to.be used for the particular application. We shall now discuss the thermodynamic, chemical and
physical properties of some important refrigerants.
It may be noted that one chlorine atom can destroyed 105 ozone molecules. The relative ability of
a substance to deplete the ozone layer is called ozone depletion potential (ODP). The CFC
refrigerants such as R-11 and R-12 have the highest (worst value) ODP = 1. The HCFC refrigerants
have a relatively low ODP, i.e. R-22 has ODP = 0.05 and R-123 has ODP= 0.02. The HFC
refrigerants do not cause any ozone depletion, i.e. R-134a has zero ODP.
Global wanning means the increase in average temperature of the earth. The causes of global
warming are increase in CO2 concentration, NO2 emission and the use of CFC refrigerants. The
ability substance to contribute to global warming is measured by the global warming potential
(GWP) halocarbon refrigerants have a very high GWP. For example, GWP for R-22 = 100 and
GWP for CO2 = 1. Due to this reason, there is a concern about these refrigerants.

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1.6 Desirable properties of refrigerants

The vast number of refrigerants available in the market today allows us to choose a refrigerant
depending upon the operating conditions of the refrigeration system. As such, there is no
refrigerant that can be advantageously used under all operating conditions and in all types of
refrigeration systems. In spite of that, we can state certain desirable properties that a refrigerant
should possess. These properties can be divided into favourable thermodynamic, chemical and
physical properties:
1.6.1Thermodynamic Properties
1.Critical Temperature and Pressure
The critical temperature of the refrigerant should be as high as possible above the condensing
temperature in order to have a greater heat transfer at a constant temperature. If this is not taken
care of, then we will have excessive power consumption by the refrigeration system.
The critical pressure should be moderate and positive. A very high pressure will make the system
heavy and bulky whereas in case of very low pressures, there is a possibility of air leaking into the
refrigerating system.
2.Specific Heat
The specific heat of the liquid should be as small as possible. This ensures that the irreversibility
associated with throttling are small and there is greater subcooling of the liquid. On the other hand,
the specific heat of vapor should be high to have less superheating of the vapor.
3.Enthalpy of Vaporization
This should be as large as possible to minimize the area under superheat and the area reduction
due to throttling. Also, the higher value of enthalpy of vaporization lowers the required flow rate
per ton of refrigeration.
Taking these three factors into account, the T-s and p-h diagrams of an ideal refrigerant

These properties are practically not found in any refrigerant. So, a trade-off has to be done in order
to achieve as high a COP as possible.
4.Conductivity

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The conductivity of the refrigerant should be as high as possible so that the size of the evaporator
and condenser is manageable. From this viewpoint, ammonia has a better conductivity than that of
R12 or R22 and is more suitable than the latter. But, ammonia is toxic and this does not allow its
use in home refrigeration systems.

5.Evaporator and Condenser Pressure

Both the evaporator and condenser pressures need to be above atmospheric pressure otherwise
there is a possibility of air leaking into the system. Presence of air drastically reduces the capacity
of the refrigeration system. Also, due to presence of moisture in air, acids or other corrosive
compounds may form and this may affect the tubing of the refrigeration system.
6.Compression Ratio
The compression ratio needs to be as small as possible otherwise the leakage of refrigerant occurs
across the piston. Also, the volumetric efficiency is affected.
7.Freezing Point
It should be as low as possible or else there will be a possibility of blockage of passages during
flow of fluid through evaporator.
8.Volume of Refrigerant Handled Per Ton of Refrigeration
This should be as small as possible in order to have a small size of the compressor. The type of
compressor is decided by this value. For refrigerants like R12, R500, R22 etc., a reciprocating
compressor is suitable. For others like R11 and water, a centrifugal compressor is required to
handle the large volume.
9.Coefficient of Performance and power requirements
The Coefficient of performance or COP has a direct bearing on the running cost of the refrigeration
system. Higher the magnitude of COP, lower will be the running cost. Since, the COP of any
refrigeration system is limited by the Carnot COP, for large operating pressures a multi-stage
refrigeration system should be employed. CO2 has a very low COP. Hence, it is not suitable for
use as a refrigerant.
10.Density
The density of the refrigerant should be as large as possible. In reciprocating compressors, the
pressure rise is accomplished by squeezing the entrapped fluid inside the piston-cylinder assembly.
Hence, density decides the size of the cylinder. Again in centrifugal compressors pressure rise is
related to the density of the vapor. A high value of density results in high pressure rise.

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11.Compression Temperature
Whenever a refrigerant gets compressed, there is a rise in the temperature of the refrigerant
resulting in the heating of the cylinder walls of the compressor. This necessitates external cooling
of the cylinder walls to prevent volumetric and material losses. Refrigerants having lowest
compression temperatures are thus better than others.
12. Boiling Temperature
The boiling temperature of the refrigerant at atmospheric pressure should be low. Then compressor
should be operated at high vacuum.
1.6.2 Chemical Properties
1.Chemical Stability and Inertness
It should be chemically stable for the operating ranges of temperature. Also, it should not react
with the materials of the refrigeration system or with which it comes into contact. Further, it should
be chemically inert and must not undergo polymerization reactions at either the lower or higher
ranges of temperatures.
2.Action on Rubber or Plastics
Rubber and plastics are used extensively in the refrigeration system. These materials are mostly
used in the seals and gaskets of the refrigeration system. They help to prevent the leakage of the
refrigerant and ensure the smooth functioning of the compressor. The refrigerant should not react
with them or else there might be leakage of refrigerant from the system or loss of functioning of
the compressor.
3.Flammability
The refrigerant should be inert and not catch fire when subjected to high temperatures. From this
viewpoint CO2 is the most suitable as it is not only non-flammable, but also acts as a fire-
extinguisher. Ethane, butane, isobutene are highly undesirable as they catch fire quickly.
4.Effect on Oil
The refrigerant should not react with the lubricating oil else, there is a possibility of loss of
lubricating action due to either thickening or thinning of the oil. It should not be soluble in the oil
else there will be reduction in the viscosity of the lubricating oil.
5.Effect on Commodity
If the refrigerant is directly used for chilling, then it should not affect the commodity kept in the
conditioned space. Also, in case where direct cooling is not employed, the refrigerant should still
not affect the commodity if there is any leakage.
6.Toxicity
The refrigerant used in air conditioning, food preservation etc. should not be toxic as they will
come into contact with human beings.

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7.Misciblility
The ability of a refrigerant to mix with oil is called miscibility. The degree of miscibility depend
upon the temperature of the oil and pressure of the refrigerating vapour.
1.6.3Physical Properties
1.Leakage and Detection
Since pressures higher than atmospheric are usually employed in refrigeration systems, there is a
possibility of leakage of refrigerants after long period of operation. It is desirable to detect this
leak early else the system would operate under reduced capacity or stop functioning altogether.
Hence, it is desirable that the refrigerant has a pungent smell so that its leakage can be detected
immediately.
2.Miscibility with Oil
The refrigerant should not be miscible with the oil else the lubricating strength will be reduced.
3.Viscosity
It should be as small as possible to ensure that the pressure drop in the system is as small as
possible. A low viscosity refrigerant will require less energy for its circulation through the
refrigeration system.
4.Thermal conductivity
The refrigerants in the liquid and vapour states should have high thermal conductivity. Those
finding heat coefficients in evaporates and condensers.
5.Dielectric strength
The relative dielectric strength of the refrigerant is the ratio of the dielectric strength of nitrogen
and the refrigerant vapour mixture of the dielectric strength nitrogen at atmospheric pressure and
room temperature.
6. corrosive property
The corrosive property of a refrigerant must be taken into consideration while
selecting the refrigerant. The freon group of refrigerants are non- corrosive with
practically on metals.

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