DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v25i3.1

Keywords: Refrigerants; global warming potential; propane; cooling capacity

Abstract

This study compares the efficiencies and cooling capacities of commercial grade propane with refrigerant grade propane (C3H8) and chlorodifluoromethane (CHClF2) (R 22) in a split unit air conditioner installed in a psychrometric chamber. “Tunnel Air Enthalpy” method in MS ISO 5151 was used to obtain the cooling load calculations. Results of experiments indicated that the commercial propane provided the highest efficiency but had 10% drop in refrigeration capacities. Refrigerant grade propane, R 290, and HC 22a however performed poorer in terms of efficiencies and cooling capacities. R 22 which was the original refrigerant used in the air conditioner unit has the highest cooling capacity, but the life cycle of carbon emissions was also the highest among all the refrigerants tested.