Technical Elective 3

(HVAC & Refrigeration)

METELEC3
 Module 8:
Natural Refrigerant R290
as a Substitute to R22
 Subtopic 1 –

R22 or Freon

Intended Learning Outcome

v Knowing the important characteristics of R22 or Freon
v Be able to know the advantages and disadvantages of R22
What is R22
• R22 or Freon
• One of the most commonly used refrigerant
• Has boiling point of -40.8 deg C.
• Non-toxic and non-flammable
R22
• The discharge temperature of R22
is quite high; hence the degree of
superheat in the systems using
this refrigerant should be
minimum.
R22
• The boiling point of R22 is -40.8
degree Celsius (-41.4 degree F). Due to
its low boiling point this refrigerant
was initial developed for the low
temperature applications like domestic
and farm freezers and in industrial
refrigeration applications.
Advantages
• Has less effect on ozone layer
• Low compressor displacement
• Greater water absorbing capacity
Disadvantage
• Affects the ozone layer
• Cause Frostbites
• Drowsiness and Confusion
• Can damage the cardiovascular system
• Can damage the respiratory system
• Banned in some countries
 REFERENCES:

• Dincer, Ibrahim. (2017) Refrigeration systems and applications, 3rd

ed., Canada: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
• 3G E Learning (2015). “Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Technology. United States”: 3G E Learning FZLLC
• Rajput, R. K. (2015) A Textbook of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning,
3G E Learning FZLLC 2015
• Althouse, Andrew D. (2014). “Modern Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning. United States”: The Good Heart Wilcox Company Inc.
• Cengel, Yunus A. & Boles, Michael A. (2014) Thermodynamics: An
engineering approach, 8th ed., Singapore: McGraw-Hill
 Technical Elective 3
(HVAC & Refrigeration)
METELEC3
PREPARED BY:

RITCHARD Q. DIZON, ME
Full-time Faculty
Mechanical Engineering Department
FEU Institute of Technology
 Technical Elective 3
(HVAC & Refrigeration)
METELEC3
 Module 8:
Natural Refrigerant R290
as a Substitute to R22
 Subtopic 2 –

Refrigerant R290

Intended Learning Outcome

v Knowing the important characteristics of R290
v Be able to know the advantages and disadvantages of R290
v To be able to know the significant comparison between R22 and R290
What is R290?
• R290 (propane) is what is known to as a
hydrocarbon.

• One of the most well-known refrigerants to be used

and due to several properties.

• Has a boiling point of -42degC

R290
• The use of R290 is increasing due to its low environmental
impact and excellent thermodynamic performance. It is
non-toxic with zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and
very low GWP (Global Warming Potential).

• its lower moisture content ensures it will not damage your

refrigeration system and its components.
Advantages
• lower hot gas temperature
• better thermodynamically properties
• lower pressure losses
• negligible impact to the green house effect
• natural refrigerant
Disadvantages
• It is a flammable refrigerant and
therefore not suitable for retrofitting
existing fluorocarbon refrigerant
systems.
Environmental Characteristics of
R22 and R290

Ozone Depletion Potential

(R11=1)

Global Warming Potential

100yr(CO2=1)
Performance
Performance

Based from research study “EVALUATION OF

REFRIGERANT R290 AS A REPLACEMENT TO R22 ”
Economics
• R22
• Costs up to $30-$40 per 30lbs of R22

• R290
• Costs up to $10 - $15 per 30lbs of R290
Why R290 is better substitute to R22
• No ozone depletion and greenhouse gases effect.
• As part of the government act CLEAN AIR ACT and the climate action
plan, which encourages a reduction in use of any refrigerant that
produce green house gases.

VS
Clean Air
Act R22

Clean Air
Act R290
 REFERENCES:

• Dincer, Ibrahim. (2017) Refrigeration systems and applications, 3rd

ed., Canada: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
• 3G E Learning (2015). “Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Technology. United States”: 3G E Learning FZLLC
• Rajput, R. K. (2015) A Textbook of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning,
3G E Learning FZLLC 2015
• Althouse, Andrew D. (2014). “Modern Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning. United States”: The Good Heart Wilcox Company Inc.
• Cengel, Yunus A. & Boles, Michael A. (2014) Thermodynamics: An
engineering approach, 8th ed., Singapore: McGraw-Hill
 Technical Elective 3
(HVAC & Refrigeration)
METELEC3
PREPARED BY:

RITCHARD Q. DIZON, ME
Full-time Faculty
Mechanical Engineering Department
FEU Institute of Technology