Low GWP R410A Alternatives in Heat Pumps: Performance and Environmental Characteristics
This paper is focused on the performance and environmental characteristics of low global warming potential (GWP) molecules which have been developed as alternatives to R410A for use in air source heat pumps. Experiments were performed in a typical 3.5 kW (1 ton) heat pump with R410A and a low GWP alternative-L41 (R32/ R1234ze(E)/Butane 68%/29%/3%). Thermodynamic and system simulations were carried out using low GWP refrigerant properties and compared to R410A. A Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP) analysis of the new LGWP refrigerants is presented. L41 shows promise in these applications and warrants further development.