Drop-in energy performance evaluation of R1234yf and R1234ze(E) in a vapor compression system as R134a replacements

This paper presents an energy performance evaluation of two low-GWP refrigerants, R1234yf and R1234ze(E), as drop-in replacements for R134a. Tests are carried out in a monitored vapor compression system combining different values of evaporation and condensation temperature, and without/with the adoption of an internal heat exchanger. The parameters analyzed are volumetric efficiency, cooling capacity and COP and they are presented taking R134a as baseline. Results show that without IHX the average volumetric efficiency for R1234yf and R1234ze is 4% and 5% lower compared with R134a. The cooling capacity obtained with R1234yf and R1234ze is reduced, with an average difference of 9% and 30% without IHX. Also, COP values are about 7% lower for R1234yf and 6% lower for R1234ze than those obtained using R134a. Finally, the use of an internal heat exchanger reduces the COP differences for both replacements. •We present an experimental comparison between R134a, R1234yf and R1234ze.•We carry out 54 tests in wide range of operating conditions, including use of IHX.•R1234yf and R1234ze volumetric efficiency is lower than that of R134a.•R1234yf and R1234ze cooling capacity is below that of R134a, especially for R1234ze.•IHX can approximate energy performance of R1234yf and R1234ze to that of R134a.