Analysis of the Effect of R1270 Refrigerant Pressure on a 12,000 Btuh Capacity Split Air Conditioning on the Performance of the Refrigeration System as an Alternative to R32

Abstract

Synthetic refrigerant R32 is quite widely used in Split AC cooling machines because it does not contain ozone-depleting materials, but still contains quite high fluoro elements. Fluoro in R32 causes global warming, this is a special concern for developed and developing countries including Indonesia. The fluoro content in R32 is 675 equivalent to 675 kg of CO2. While R1270 is a natural refrigerant, does not contain chloro and fluoro elements, excellent thermodynamic properties, but has flammable properties at a threshold of 2% -10%. This study used a Split AC with a capacity of 12,000 Btuh using R32 refrigerant. This test equipment is equipped with temperature and pressure measuring devices on the suction and discharge sides at the inlet and outlet of the compressor and in a room with a temperature of ±32°C, air humidity of ±80%, for the condenser placed outside the room with a temperature of ±35°C. Testing was conducted by varying the suction pressure of R1270 from 80, 90, and 100 psig, while R32 was at the manufacturer's standard pressure of 115 psig. Data collection was conducted after the AC unit had operated stably and recorded for 60 minutes. Pressure, temperature, and electrical power data were recorded using a data logger for each type of refrigerant, R32 and R1270. The results of air testing on the evaporator side average R32/R1270: 19.8/19.9 °C, condenser outlet air temperature: 35.5/31.7°C, refrigeration effect: 265/314.8 kJ/kg, compression work: 45/60.4 kJ/kg, heat wasted in the condenser: 31/371.9 kJ/kg 14.9% greater than R32, COP R32 is 14.6% greater than R1270, electricity consumption saves 28.6% higher than R1270: 3.5/2.5W. The R32 evaporator air temperature is 0.5°C cooler than R1270. The cooling effect of R1270 is 12.8% higher than R32. The compression work of R1270 is 34.2% higher compared to R32. The R1270 refrigerant in this Split AC can save electricity consumption and reduce the GWP value from 675 to 3. From the results of the tests and calculations carried out, R1270 can be used as an alternative to R32 in the future. The use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in general requires guidelines and charging procedures according to standards so that the resulting performance is better and safer for the environment.