Volume 9 | Issue 2 | July 2024

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 Abstract

CFCs and HCFCs have been scientifically proven to significantly contribute to ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere. In accordance with international protocols such as the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols, these refrigerants should have been phased out over the last decade. The refrigeration and air- conditioning industries are now shifting towards chlorine-free refrigerants, as chlorine is a primary agent in ozone depletion. HCFC-22, a widely used refrigerant, is scheduled to be phased out by 2030 in developed countries and by 2040 in developing countries. Research has identified potential substitutes for HCFC-22, primarily classified under Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Hydrocarbons (HCs). Despite their advantages, HFCs and HCs come with their own set of limitations. For instance, HCs are highly flammable and subject to strict safety regulations limiting their use in domestic air conditioners. HFCs, while less flammable, are incompatible with traditional mineral oils, requiring the use of polyolester (POE) oil, which is hygroscopic and can lead to moisture-related issues in the system. The global impact of refrigerants extends beyond ozone depletion to contributing significantly to global warming. Although traditional refrigerants offer desirable thermodynamic properties such as high energy efficiency and stability, their detrimental effects on the environment necessitate the search for suitable eco-friendly alternatives. This issue requires urgent attention due to its global implications. In India, HCFC-22 is predominantly used in Vapor Compression Systems (VCS). Due to its high Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP), it is set to be completely phased out by 2020 according to the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols. Developed countries have already limited and banned its use in air conditioning systems. Global research efforts are focused on identifying appropriate alternative refrigerant mixtures for residential air conditioners and heat pumps. The Montreal Protocol has successfully banned CFCs, and it is anticipated that HCFCs will also be phased out within the next half-decade due to their adverse environmental impacts. Post-2020, all countries are expected to adopt eco-friendly refrigerants for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems to mitigate global warming and improve the energy efficiency of these systems.

 Keywords

Chlorofluorocarbons, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, Ozone Layer Depletion, Global Warming, Eco-Friendly Refrigerants, Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, Hydrofluorocarbons, Hydrocarbons, Vapor Compression Systems.

 Authors and Affiliations

Rohit Yadav
Research scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering,Eklavya University, Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, India
Dr.Shrihar Pandey
Associate Professor & Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering,Eklavya University, Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, India

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