The influence of plate-type heat exchanger on energy efficiency and environmental effects of the air-conditioners using R453A as a substitute for R22

Highlights: • R453A and plate-type LSHX were tested in an air-conditioner for the first time. • TEWI amount was lower for R453A compared to R22. • Exergy and energy parameters were improved due to R453A for the system with LSHX. - Abstract: It is well-known from previous investigations that energy parameters of the systems, which operate using directly alternative refrigerants, have poorer energy parameters compared with R22. The cooling capacity amounts are also desired to be kept constant while changing the refrigerant of the systems originally designed and constructed to work with R22. In order to achieve this aim, the performance of R453A refrigerant was investigated by coupling a plate-type liquid to suction heat exchanger for an air-conditioner operating with R22. Therefore, smaller discharge pressure of the compressor, decreased electricity consumption, and enhanced cooling capacity amounts were intended in this study. The results indicated lower TEWI amounts as well as improved both exergetic and energetic parameters as a result of using R453A as an alternative to R22 with the presence of a plate-type liquid to suction heat exchanger in the system.