Comparative Study of Residential Split Air Conditioner as Water Heater (RSACWH) Using R-22 and HCR-22 Refrigerant

Abstract

Experimental studies on Residential Split AC Water Heater (RSACWH) by replacing refrigerant R-22 with HCR-22 (hydrocarbon refrigerants) as a drop-in substitute has been carried out. The dummy condenser (trombone type coil) as heat recovery system was used for heating water and installed in the water tank with 50 L capacity. The use of HCR-22 save electrical energy due to decrease in compressor power about 16.31% - 21.64% of the R-22, because HCR-22 refrigerant mass charge in the refrigeration system 40% less than the charge of R-22. The cooling capacity and heat rejection capacity is relatively the same for R-22 and HCR-22. The COPR increases around 11.89% - 18.69% and COPR + HP also increases around 4.26%-11.41% for HCR-22 compared to R-22. The room temperature with HCR-22 is relatively the same compared to R-22, while the hot water temperature using HCR-22 and R-22 are about 46.58°C-48.81°C and 59.50°C-63.40°C respectively. The use of the HCR-22 provides electrical energy savings for compressor power and better performance (COP) at similar room temperature compared to R-22.