Integrated thermodynamic, experimental, and environmental assessment of low‑GWP refrigerants in vertical display cabinets

Kılıç M., Yüksel A. F., Altun A. F.

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, cilt.1, sa.Temmuz, ss.1-19, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 1 Sayı: Temmuz
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10973-026-15947-w
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Scopus, Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest), Aerospace Database, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Index Islamicus, INSPEC
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-19
  • Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study evaluates the performance, safety, and environmental impacts of various refrigerants used in vertical commercial

display cabinets. Thermodynamic (energy and exergy) and environmental (TEWI) analyses were conducted for seven

refrigerants (R404A, R290, R1270, R454C, R455A, R1234yf, and R1234ze(E)). In contrast, experimental investigations

were conducted only for R1270 and R454C in accordance with ISO 23953. Thermodynamic analyses are conducted at

various evaporation temperatures for a fixed condensation temperature and at various condensation temperatures for a fixed

evaporation temperature. The theoretical results show that R1234ze(E) exhibits the best performance, with a COP of 4.94

at a condensation temperature of 30 °C, whereas blended refrigerants such as R455A and R454C show relatively lower performance,

which may be influenced by temperature glide effects. Experimental results reveal that the cabinet using R454C

consumed approximately 34% more energy (22.80 kWh/24 h) compared to R1270 (17.00 kWh/24 h), resulting in a lower

actual COP (1.94 vs. 2.60). Environmental analysis based on TEWI indicates that indirect emissions dominate total emissions

for all refrigerants. Hydrocarbons (R1270, R290) and HFOs (R1234yf, R1234ze(E)) achieved the lowest TEWI values

(approximately 18.9–20.0 t CO2-

eq), while blended refrigerants exhibited higher values due to reduced energy efficiency.

These findings emphasize that refrigerant selection should not rely solely on GWP values; thermodynamic performance,

indirect emissions, and safety classification must also be considered to ensure efficient and environmentally responsible

refrigeration system design. Among the evaluated options, R1234ze(E) and R1234yf showed favorable performance, offering

a balance between thermodynamic efficiency, safety, and low environmental impact under the investigated conditions.