Energy and exergy analysis of R1234yf using instead of R134a in a vapour compression refrigeration system: an experimental study

In this study, the refrigerant R1234yf was experimentally investigated using energy and exergy approaches in a refrigeration system, as an alternative to R134a. The effects of replacing R134a with R1234yf on the system performance were discussed without making any modifications to the system. The results indicated that the compressor power input increased by 5%, cooling capacity decreased by 10%, and the energy efficiency ratio decreased by 15% in the system using R1234yf compared to R134a. Additionally, the total exergy destruction rate and second law efficiency of the system were found to be approximately equal for both refrigerants. Therefore, it can be concluded that using R1234yf resulted in a decrease in energetic system performance, while it did not have a notable effect on exergetic performance.