AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION INTO ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS IN AN AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITION SYSTEM UNDER DIFFERENT CHARGE CONDITIONS

Abstract

In this paper, the performances of automotive air conditioner using R12 as a working fluid and its substitute R134a and R600a are experimentally studied. The measured data are obtained from an automotive air conditioning test facility utilizing R12 as a refrigerant. The air conditioner is tested under different charge conditions and compressor speeds. The experiments are conducted at a relatively high temperature which exists in reality at Middle East countries. The coefficient of performance, cooling capacity, compressor power, discharge temperature, and discharge pressure are measured and analyzed to quantify the influence of the refrigerant charge and compressor speed on the steady-state operation. The experimental data obtained from the test apparatus bring into view the relationship between the above mentioned parameters in the automotive air conditioning system. The tests proved that 1000, 1250, and 750 g are the best charge for R12, R134a, and R600a, respectively.