A Practical Tool for Evaluating Refrigeration Systems Using R-134a

In this theoretical work, the ideal vapor-compression cycle using Refrigerant-134a (Tetrafluoroethane, a chlorine free refrigerant) is studied considering an evaporator pressure range of 100-200 kPa and a condenser pressure range of 0.8-1.6 MPa. The all four states of the thermodynamic cycle are calculated for a great number of conditions within the above pressure ranges. Thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant R-134a are evaluated using curve fitting polynomials. The deviations of the values generated from fitting curves from the actual tabulated data is less than 0.5%. Results are represented in a graph of COP vs. evaporator pressure for various condenser pressures. The results of this study is believed to be a quick reference especially for designers and engineering students.