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Airflow to disperse refrigerant leaks from hydrocarbon refrigeration systems

Colbourne, D; Suen, KO; (2022) Airflow to disperse refrigerant leaks from hydrocarbon refrigeration systems. International Journal of Refrigeration , 137 pp. 220-229. 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2022.02.008. Green open access

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Abstract

Whilst R290 is currently used to a limited extent in room air conditioners there is a desire for wider application due to its excellent performance and negligible global warming potential. The product standard IEC 60335–2–40 specifies requirements to limit the allowable refrigerant charge in such a way that it obstructs the wider use of R290. Airflow of an indoor unit can be used to dilute a refrigerant leak, enabling substantially greater charge quantities to be used. A numerical model based on entrainment theory was developed and supported by analysing the behaviour of experimentally simulated releases under various conditions with indoor unit airflow. The work determines the minimum airflow rate necessary to prevent formation of a flammable concentration within the room. Further, the work includes determination of appropriate response time and leak rate to initiate airflow once a leak has begun. The developed methodology can equally be applied to commercial refrigeration units and other flammable refrigerants.

Type: Article
Title: Airflow to disperse refrigerant leaks from hydrocarbon refrigeration systems
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2022.02.008
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2022.02.008
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Air conditioner, Concentration, Engineering, Engineering, Mechanical, Hydrocarbon refrigerant, Indoor unit airflow, Physical Sciences, R290, Safety, Science & Technology, Technology, Thermodynamics
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Mechanical Engineering
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10165871
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