Techno-economic analysis of semi-vertical multi-deck refrigerated display cabinet with propane refrigerant for 3M0, 3M1, and 3M2

In this study, semi-vertical multi-deck refrigerated display cabinets (RDCs) of three different temperature classes with R449A refrigerant were replaced by a single RDC with R290 refrigerant. The existing and the new systems were tested according to ISO 23953 2:2023 Standard, and the results were compared. In this system, which meets the requirements of the relevant standards for temperature classes 3M0, 3M1, and 3M2, the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission are reduced whereas, the energy label class is increased from C to B. Average coefficient of performance values are obtained 2.97, 3.17, and 3.32 for 3M0, 3M1, and 3M2, respectively. With the new design, carbon emission values were reduced by 819.06 kg CO₂ year⁻¹, 738.76 kg CO₂ year⁻¹, and 674.52 kg CO₂ year⁻¹ for temperature classes 3M0, 3M1, and 3M2, respectively, and a more environmentally friendly semi-vertical RDC was created. The predicted payback periods are 3 years 9 months at 3M0 temperature, 4 years 2 months at 3M1 temperature, and 4 years 7 months at 3M2 temperature. The waste heat from the compressor discharge line passing through the condensate pan was used efficiently. It was calculated that the waste heat efficiency was up to 4.08% depending on the temperature class. In addition, a control algorithm was developed that allows the cabinets to operate in the temperature class desired by the user.