Past Research Projects
Refrigerant Technical Advisory
Committee Projects
The
Refrigerant Technical Advisory Committee (RTAC)
was charged with the assessment of CFC-12
replacement chemicals and technologies. CFC-12
had historically proved to be a non-toxic,
non-flammable, odorless, highly efficient
chemical as a refrigerant. Zero ozone depleting
potential (ODP) chemicals and technologies were
examined as replacements for CFC-12 by taking
into account their safety, energy efficiency,
reliability, and material
compatibility.
R89-1, Round
Robin Baseline
This project
involved calorimeter testing of two CFC-12
compressors with a capacity rating of
approximately 950 Btu/hr., with R-12
refrigerant. This project was necessary to
develop lab-to-lab correlation data among
Members' laboratories as a prelude to testing
of potential alternate refrigerants. Americold
and Tecumseh provided test compressors with
internal temperature measurement sensors. These
were tested by Consortium Members with a
calorimeter test protocol. They were also
tested by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). Sufficient runs were made to obtain
reasonable stabilized measurements of nine
condensing and evaporation temperatures. A
complete cycle of tests was run with R-12 to
establish a baseline for comparison with
alternate candidate
refrigerants.
R89-2, Alternate
Refrigerant Screening
There
are a considerable number of
refrigerants/blends potentially available as
replacements for R-12. The purpose of this
project was to screen several of those
currently deemed most promising for their
thermodynamic properties and to establish other
performance characteristics by means of a R-12
calorimeter test program. Comparison of these
candidate refrigerants' performance
characteristics with the Round Robin Baseline
performance established in R89-1 identified the
most promising candidates for further testing.
The same calorimeter test program protocol was
used for these tests as was used in the
baseline project, R89-1.
The following
candidates were selected for testing:
- HCFC22/HFC152a/CFC114
- HCFC22/HFC152a/HCFC124
- HFC134
- HFC152a
- HFC134a
- HCFC22/HCFC142b
- HCFC22
- HFC134a/HFC152a
- HCFC22/HCFC124
Based on this screening, the alternate refrigerants and blends scheduled for more detailed research were:
- HCFC22/HFC152a/HCFC124
- HFC134a
- HCFC22
- HFC152a
The test work is complete and a final report
has been issued.
R89-3,
Safety Evaluation
The
purpose was to develop a fault tree analysis on
the use of flammable refrigerants in
conjunction with Battelle Pacific. The U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE), as a Liaison Member
of the Consortium, made available the services
of two specialists from Battelle Pacific
Northwest Laboratories with risk analysis
expertise. Members submitted data on a
confidential basis directly to Battelle Pacific
on potential situations leading to flammable
consequences. The Refrigerant Technical
Advisory Committee reviewed the report and
submitted comments to Battelle. Confirmation of
the validity of the comments has been received.
The project is now complete and the final
report has been issued.
R90-1,
Compressor Refrigerant
Screening
The Refrigerant
Technical Advisory Committee collected
data from Members and Participants to evaluate
candidate refrigerants with respect to their
effect on compressor calorimeter and life test
performance. Data from these tests were
collated to assess total compressor performance
with the alternate refrigerant candidates.
R91-1, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL) Advanced Breadboard
Concept
ORNL, a contractor
of the U.S. Department of Energy, proposed a
major five-year project incorporating joint
government/industry cooperation investigating
new technical options for improvement of
refrigerator energy efficiency utilizing
non-CFC refrigerants. A Cooperative Research
and Development Agreement (CRADA) has been
executed between ORNL and the Appliance
Industry-Government CFC Replacement Consortium.
A breadboard laboratory refrigerator was
built containing components, such as
compressors, evaporators, heat exchangers etc.,
mounted so that new components could be easily
changed for testing the refrigeration system.
This program included testing of alternate
refrigerant candidates and blends, new
insulations, variable speed compressors and
motors, dual evaporators and new types of
refrigeration cycles.
R91-2,
Refrigeration Systems Material Compatibility
(RSMC) Project
When new
non-CFC refrigerants are applied to existing
systems, the effects of these compounds on all
the metal, plastic and elastomeric components
exposed to the refrigerant must be evaluated.
Corrosion, cracking, swelling, shrinkage and
other material problems resulting from the new
refrigerant and lubricant candidates must be
evaluated to maintain appropriate refrigerator
life characteristics. This project was
coordinated with the Air-Conditioning and
Refrigeration Technical Institute (ARTI)
Material Compatibility/Lubricant Research
Program (MCLR) in order to avoid duplication of
costly research.
R91-3,
External Environment Material Compatibility
(EEMC) Project
The goal of
this project was to assess the material
compatibilities found in the manufacturing
process. This included materials used in
handling refrigerants and lubricants from
receiving to charging as well as solvents,
cleaners and lubricants used in the fabrication
of hermetic system components (excluding
compressors which are covered under
R91-2). A list of materials used in the
handling of lubricants and refrigerants in
manufacturing as well as in the fabrication of
hermetic system components was compiled.
R92-1, Energy Performance of
R-134a vs. R-152a
The
purpose of this project was to perform a valid
comparative assessment of the actual energy
efficiency differences between HFC-134a and
HFC-152a when utilized in typical
R92-2, Capillary Tube
Blockage Analysis
The
objective of this project was to identify by
using controlled life test procedures, the
mechanisms contributing to capillary tube
blockage product failures resulting from use of
non-CFC refrigerants and lubricants, and to
establish an allowable level of these
contaminants. This project is complete with a
final report and public presentation delivered
in May, 1997.
R94-1, Risk
Assessment/Flammability Management of Flammable
CFC Substitutes
The goal of
this project was to determine the flammability
characteristics, risks from manufacture through
disposal, and inherent energy efficiencies of
flammable CFC replacement chemicals. A total
regulatory impact assessment of the use of
these chemicals in the