International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM) ISSN : 2454-9150 Special Issue - AMET-2018 372| AMET_0087 @ MIT College of Engineering, Pune, Vol.04, Special Issue AMET-2018 DOI : 10.18231/2454-9150.2018.1472 HFC-161 as an alternative to HCFC-22 in Air Conditioner Rushikesh Jog, Kundlik V. Mali, Rishiraj Ladkat, Pankaj Bhojane, Rohit Ahire, Ashish Utage. Mechanical Engineering Department, MAEER’s MIT College of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra, India. Abstract This paper discusses the suitability of HFC-161 over other refrigerants. Apart from having zero ODP and GWP value of 12, HFC-161 refrigerant can prove a promising alternative to HCFC-22 and various other HCFC refrigerants facing the fate of phase out. Various results are obtained on the basis of COP, discharge temperature, cooling capacity and power consumption. The general finding shows that HFC-161 refrigerant gives better COP, increased refrigeration effects and lower discharge temperatures. The flammability of HFC-161 needs to be addressed while using in air conditioner. A 1.5 TR capacity DC inverter operated air conditioner is to be tested in psychometric test laboratory for Capacity rating and Power consumption test. Keywords: Alternate Refrigerants, HFC-161, HCFC-22, GWP, COP, Refrigeration effect, Discharge temperature, Power consumption. 1. Introduction Due to the environmental concerns [Ozone depleting potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP)] of existing refrigerants, industry and researchers in this field are in search of long term solutions. CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants have been banned in developed countries and gradually phased out in developing countries as required by the Montreal Protocol (1987). In refrigeration and air conditioning industries, the HCFC-22 (replaced by HFC-32) widely used is ozone depleting substance with ODP of 0.055 and global warming potential of 1800. The HCFC-22 has been phased out in developed and developing countries. The HCFC-22 was replaced by alternative HFC-32 but it has a global warming potential of 675 and the high discharge temperature of HFC-32 directs to use lubricating oil for compressor. So there is a need to search an alternative to HCFC – 22 and HFC-32 in ACs. In such scenario, ethyl fluoride or HFC-161 with zero ODP and GWP value of 12 is gaining rapid importance. Not in use, till recently, due to its inflammable nature, it is now proved that along with inhibitors, HFC-161 can prove to be an important alternative refrigerant. The LFL of HFC- 161 is 3.8% by volume. DC-Inverter operated AC is used instead of Constant speed AC. The DC Inverter units have a variable-frequency drive that comprises an adjustable electrical inverter to control the speed of the electromotor, which means the compressor and the cooling / heating output. The Thermo physical properties of HFC-161 shows that it is more energy efficient compared to HCFC-22. [12] 1.2. Properties of Refrigerants:- The various thermo physical characteristics of HCFC- 22, HFC-410 and HFC-161 are listed in Table 1. HFC- 410 is also listed as it is now a days commonly used as an easily available alternate to HCFC-22. Among all the others, the GWP of HFC-161 is lower than that of HCFC-22, and HFC-410A and is almost negligible. The molecular mass of HFC-161 is less than that of HCFC-22 and HFC-410A. The molecular mass of a refrigerant is directly related to the amount of charge required in the system. The lesser molecular mass implies lesser amount HFC-161 for charging of the system. Table 1. Properties of HCFC-22, HFC-410A and HFC- 161 [14] Physical property Unit HCFC- 22 HFC- 410A HFC-161 Molar mass g/mol 86.5 72.6 48.06 Normal boiling point ◦C -41 -51.4 -37.6 Critical temp ◦C 96.2 70.5 102.2 ODP - 0.05 0 0 GWP100 - 1000 2100 12 Lower flammability limit kg/m 3 - - 0.075 Burning velocity Cm/s - - 38.3 Safety class A1 A3