Experimental performance evaluation of a vapour compression refrigerating plant when replacing R22 with alternative refrigerants

This paper presents the results of an experimental analysis comparing the performance of a vapour compression refrigerating unit operating with R22, and its performance in comparison to a new HFC fluid, substituting the former according to Regulation No 2037/2000. In particular, the plant working efficiency was first tested with R22 and then with three new HFC fluids: R417A, R422A and R422D. The investigation verified that despite the case of substitution and the advantage of being able to continue to use mineral oil as a lubricant in the compressor, the performance with the new tested fluids did not result as efficient as when using R22.