Low GWP R22 replacement for air conditioning in high ambient conditions

Due to the ongoing phase-out of R22 and implementation of stringent efficiency requirements for air-conditioning in the Middle East there is need for environmentally friendly replacement. This paper focuses on a thorough evaluation of the R22 replacement options for air conditioning applications. It includes a thermodynamic analysis, experimental testing and determination of the environmental impact of the refrigerant selection. Two potential alternatives to R22 were studied: one HFC (R407C) and one HFO based (R444B). R444B is shown to be an efficient and environmentally acceptable option to replace R22 in air conditioning applications.