Author : Kalpesh N. Kothale, Kundlik V. Mali and S. D. Nimbalkar

This paper discusses the suitability of R-161 refrigerant over other refrigerants. Apart from having zero ODP and a very low GWP value of 12, R-161 refrigerant can prove a promising alternative to existing alternate refrigerant and various other HCFCs facing the fate of phase out. The paper discusses various experimental results obtained in different research and discusses them on the basis of COP, discharge temperature, Cooling capacity and Power consumption. Five different research works were studied to make a firm comment on the effect of use of R-161 on the above mentioned parameters. The general finding show that R-161 refrigerant give better COP, increased refrigeration effects and lower discharge temperatures. Power consumed by use of R-161 was found to be greater than other refrigerants. In order to suppress the flammability property of R-161, some research done with a mixture of R-161 & other refrigerants, with same thermodynamic property was also included in this study. Similar results were obtained from them.

Keywords: Alternate refrigerants, R-161, GWP, COP, Refrigeration Effect, Discharge Temperature, Power consumption.