Energy Performance Analysis of Low-GWP R32/R1234yf Refrigerant Blends for Single-Stage Heat Pump Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15377/2409-5826.2025.12.6Keywords:
Heating capacity, Low-GWP refrigerants, R32/R1234yf mixtures, Single-stage heat pump, Alternative refrigerant blends, Coefficient of performance (COP)Abstract
This study presents a theoretical analysis of low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant blends based on R32 and R1234yf for use in single-stage heat pump systems. Six alternative refrigerant mixtures, including commercial blends (R454A, R454B, R454C), a pre-commercial formulation (DR5), and two novel proposed mixtures (Mix1 and Mix2), were investigated. The analysis was conducted by a comparative energetic performance assessment at an evaporator (+5°C) and two condenser temperature (40 and 50°C) cases. The parameters such as compressor power consumption, volumetric cooling capacity, heating capacity, and coefficient of performance for a heat pump (COP) were calculated and compared. Among the blends, R454B demonstrated the highest heating capacity and compressor power consumption, whereas Mix1 showed the lowest values for both parameters. DR5 yielded the highest volumetric cooling capacity. Although slight variations, the COP values were generally similar for the investigated blends. The results indicate that suitably selected R32/R1234yf mixtures with GWP<500 can present convenient, efficient, and environmentally favourable alternative refrigerants for future heat pump applications.
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