Design of an Ecological and Sustainable Refrigeration Test Bench Using R290 Refrigerant and Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

The objective of this research was to propose a design of an ecological refrigeration test bench, with the use of propane and photovoltaic panels, based on the study of its design, components, and theoretical execution, which would allow experimentation with different mixtures of R290, and its COP reached, with cooling capacity of 436 W. The test bench was presented as a feasible project that proposes a solution to the lack of test benches in Venezuela related to the study of refrigeration cycles and the conversion of solar to electrical energy. To do this, it was decided to start with the identification of the variables through The CoolPack ® software.  The EM2U3111U compressor was selected though the Embraco technical catalog, by calculating the minimum necessary power of 1/6 hp. Subsequently, the condensers and evaporators were designed as recuperative crossflow type heat exchangers, with heat capacities of 531 W and 436 W respectively.

Next, the expansion instruments that best fit the behavior of said fluid were selected, such as the LBM capillary tube, the TU/TC model thermostatic valve and the AKV 10P electronic valve. Aware of the electrical power that the compressor that the compressor requires to be able to compress, the necessary volume of R290, the Techno Sun monocrystalline solar panel was determined, which can provide 195 W of electrical power. Likewise, the solar accumulator, a solar regulator, was determined and a 60 Hz inverter.

The research, in addition to highlighting the viability of R290 as a refrigerant equivalent to R410A in terms of COP (4,6), made it possible to demonstrate an increase in energy efficiency of 5% with respect to R134a, and excellent ecological performance thanks to its zero impact as a greenhouse gas.