Experimental study of new refrigerant mixtures to replace R12 in domestic refrigerators

An experimental study on the replacement of R12 in domestic refrigerators by new hydrocarbon/hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant mixtures has been carried out. Parameters and factors, affecting the performance characteristics of these refrigerants, based on experimental data have been compared to those of R12. The results show that butane/propane/R134a mixtures provide excellent performance parameters, such as coefficient of performance of refrigerator, compression power, volumetric efficiency, condenser duty, compressor discharge pressure and temperature, relative to a 210 g charge of R12. In addition, the results support the possibility of using butane/propane/R134a mixtures as an alternative to R12 in domestic refrigerators, without the necessity of changing the compressor lubricating oil used with R12.