Experimental evaluation of R513A as a low GWP refrigerant to replace R134a in a domestic refrigerator

Today, hydrofluorocarbons continue to be used as part of a long transition towards the use of fluids with less impact on the environment. In this sense, the present work provides more information on the thermal and energetic performance of a domestic refrigerator using the R513A refrigerant as a direct replacement for R134a. Initially, the effect of the variation of the R513A charge on certain parameters such as operating pressures and temperatures, the superheating degree and subcooling, as well as the cooling capacity, is evaluated. The charge variations were made in increments of 10 g, until the optimal charge was defined for R513A concerning the minimum energy consumption, which was 100 g, representing a reduction of 16.7% compared to R134a (120 g). Once the optimal charge was defined, comparisons were made between both refrigerants under the same test conditions, resulting in a very similar average temperature of the refrigerator compartments; and for a test period of 24 h, R513A showed a 9% reduction in energy consumption compared to R134a. Finally, the analysis of the total equivalent warming impact presented R513A as a fluid with a lesser impact, around 8.85%, relative to R134a.