New refrigerants and system configurations for vapor compression refrigeration

Published

November 13, 2020

Author(s)

Mark McLinden, Christopher J. Seeton, Andy Pearson

Abstract

The high global warming potential (GWP) of current refrigerants in cooling equipment based on the vapor-compression cycle has triggered a major effort to find and implement more environmentally benign alternatives. Here, we review the basics of the vapor-compression cycle together with the safety, environmental, and thermodynamic constraints that have led to the current and next generation of refrigerants. The development of new fluids has focused on fluorinated olefins, known as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and blends that contain HFOs. Many of these are slightly flammable, presenting tradeoffs between safety and environmental considerations. Engineers also have options with a resurgence of the "natural refrigerants" (ammonia, carbon dioxide, propane and isobutane). Innovative system designs that reduce the required quantity of refrigerant may allow a wider choice of refrigerants.

Citation

Science

Volume

370

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abe3692

Local Download

Keywords

refrigerants, global warming potential, vapor compression cycle, hydrofluoroolefins

Citation

McLinden, M. , Seeton, C. and Pearson, A. (2020), New refrigerants and system configurations for vapor compression refrigeration, Science, [online], https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abe3692, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=930913 (Accessed October 1, 2025)