COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF R1234yf AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO R134a REFRIGERANT IN A VAPOR COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM USING CFD SIMULATION

The study starts by outlining the problems with conventional refrigerants and highlighting the demand for environmentally suitable substitutes.Because of its environmental friendliness, R1234yf, a low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, has drawn interest as a possible alternative.This study aims to evaluate the thermodynamic behavior and performance of R1234yf in a VCRS setting by contrasting it with the commonly used R134a.Finding ecologically suitable substitutes for existing refrigerants in Vapor Compression Refrigeration Systems, This study uses NIST CYCLE_D-HX simulation software and ANSYS Fluent's CFD simulation capabilities to provide a thorough comprehensive computational investigation of R1234yf as a possible R134a replacement in VCRS.The computational analysis's outcomes provide insight into the relative performances of R1234yf and R134a in VCRS, outlining both the possible benefits and drawbacks of R1234yf adoption.The study results show that COP is low, mass flow rates and compressor power requirements are higher for R1234yf refrigerant than R134a.This result also supports the continued efforts to create environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable refrigeration systems.