Performance Analysis of a Vapour Compression Cooling Box Using R134a, R290, and R600a Refrigerants for Outdoor Applications

Abayomi Temitope Layeni; Oluwaseun Temitope Oresanwo; Collins Neku Nwaokocha; Elizabeth Ayobami Olumomi; Daniel Jesuyon Poheto; Samson Oluwatobi Sogbaike

doi:10.63561/japs.v3i1.1182

Authors

Abayomi Temitope Layeni Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University
Oluwaseun Temitope Oresanwo Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University
Collins Neku Nwaokocha Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University
Elizabeth Ayobami Olumomi Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University
Daniel Jesuyon Poheto Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University
Samson Oluwatobi Sogbaike School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Lincoln, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63561/japs.v3i1.1182

Keywords:

Cooling box, COP, Refrigerants, Modelling, Small-Scale Cooling, Vapour Compression

Abstract

The increasing participation in outdoor recreational activities has intensified the demand for effective food and beverage preservation under elevated ambient temperature conditions. However, this demand raises concerns regarding the environmental implications of conventional cooling technologies. This study evaluates the performance of a sustainable and energy-efficient 500 L outdoor cooling box, with particular emphasis on the coupled effects of ambient temperature variations and refrigerant thermophysical properties on overall refrigeration performance. The study analysed the performance of the three refrigerants across varying ambient temperatures, representative of different locations, mainly Lagos, Jos and Mambilla Plateau in Nigeria. Results indicate a decline in COP, mass flow rate, cooling capacity and increasing power consumption with rising condensing temperature for all refrigerants at the evaporating temperature of -50C. At the evaporating temperature of -50C, it was observed that at the lowest condensing temperature of 300C, the COP is highest in the three refrigerants but the reverse is the case at 600C. At -5°C evaporating temperature and 30°C condensing temperature, R600a has the highest COP (3.7), followed by R134a (3.3) and R290 (2.9). R290 demonstrates the highest cooling capacity (0.57 kW) at -5°C, followed by R134a (0.55 kW) and R600a (0.52 kW). Despite requiring higher condensing temperatures of 60oC for optimal COP, R600a exhibits the lowest power consumption (0.19 kW/kW of refrigeration), likewise R290, compared to R134a (0.24 kW/kW) power consumption R134a's high mass flow rate (12.3 kg/h) implies larger compressors and possible higher energy use in hot conditions, compared to R600a (6.7 kg/h) and R290 (6.6 kg/h). The study highlights the importance of considering ambient temperature when designing and selecting refrigerants for outdoor cooling applications. It study reveals how high ambient temperature results in decreasing performance (COP, mass flow rate and cooling capacity) as it is difficult to achieve lower condensing temperatures at this condition. In hotter climates, R600a's efficiency at moderate condensing temperatures might be advantageous. However, R290's robust cooling capacity could be more valuable in regions with extreme heat fluctuations.

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