Retrofitting of R-22 Air-Conditioning System with R1234ze(E)

In this study, the effect on energy parameters and total equivalent warming impact (TEWI) using R1234ze(E) as a substitute for R22 in an air-conditioning device was investigated. The R22 system was retrofitted with R1234ze(E) changing compressor oil. The experimental data was obtained for three different ambient temperatures (30, 35 and 40 °C). It was seen that the power consumption of R1234ze(E) was smaller than that of R22 about by 41%. Although the cooling capacity of R1234ze(E) was 50% lower, its coefficient of performance (COP) was reduced only by 5% compared to R22. Furthermore, refrigerant charging amount of R1234ze(E) was smaller by 16% than R22. The results indicated that TEWI value of R1234ze(E) was lower than that of R22 by 65% due to small GWP (global warming potential) value and proper COP of the alternative refrigerant tested in the study. Hence, it can be expressed that R1234ze(E) can be used in air-conditioners of small capacity as an alternative to R22.