While purchasing a refrigerator for your home, you might be wondering the difference between R134a and R600a compressors, what changes do they bring to your refrigerator, and which one is better.
Given its low Global Warming Potential, R600A has grown in favor throughout the years (GWP). As a result, it is now the ideal refrigerant for light commercial and home refrigeration devices such as freezers, freestanding display units, refrigerators, and beverage dispensers. The refrigerant is non-toxic, has no ODP, and performs exceptionally well in thermodynamics.
We will break down the differences between R134a and R600a compressors to make them more comprehensible for you.
Difference between R134a and R600a compressor
The Vapor Compression Refrigeration cycle is used in a domestic refrigerator. The evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device are all critical components of the cycles.
The compressor’s job is to raise the pressure of the working fluid (also known as refrigerant) from the evaporator to the condenser.
Isobutane (R600a) is the HC most commonly found in residential fridges and freezers, even though a variety of HCs have refrigerant uses.
These are the common differences between R134a and R600a compressors:
- Because of its high water solubility, R134a (tetrafluoroethene) is less suitable for refrigeration systems. Even if there is just a little quantity of water present, the lubricating oil will create acid, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide, which will cause metal corrosion, therefore R134a requires more drying and cleaning. R600a (isobutane) is water-soluble and compatible with most metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
- R134a is non-flammable in the air and has very low toxicity. A1 is the highest level of safety. It’s a completely risk-free refrigerant.
- R600a has a mild irritant and anesthetic effect. It is a combustible gas. When blended with air, it can generate a combination. In the presence of heat and open flames, it may burn BaoZa. When it comes into touch with oxidants, it reacts strongly. Its vapor is heavier than air and may travel a long distance at a low level before igniting when it comes into contact with a fire source. R134 has a little amount of greenhouse gas impact. R600a has no influence on the environment.
- The evaporation pressure, condensing pressure, and exhaust temperature of R600a are lower than those of R-134a. Because of the lower liquid density of R600a refrigerant, the charge volume is 45 percent that of R-134a, the refrigeration performance is good, and the refrigeration capacity is 55 percent that of R-134a;
- R134a refrigerant and mineral lubricating oil are incompatible, and the cleanliness standards of the manufacturing process and refrigeration system components are excessively stringent. Refrigerator energy usage has also grown with the use of R134a refrigerants. At the same time, the refrigerant has a greenhouse effect. The impact isn’t the best alternate refrigerant route.
- The benefits of common hydrocarbon refrigerants like isobutane (R600a) just barely outweigh the drawbacks of R134a refrigerants. R600a’s outstanding thermophysical qualities define the refrigerant’s use. Its energy efficiency is better than that of CFCs and HFCS. The compressor’s efficiency (COP value) and the refrigerator’s refrigeration efficiency (power consumption index) are both higher than R134a. Germany was the first country to effectively employ hydrocarbons as refrigerants in refrigerators due to the benefits of energy savings and reduced emissions. R600a refrigerant has become widely employed in China’s refrigeration sector as the technique and technology have matured.
Is R134a better or R600a?
Because of its environmentally favorable qualities, R600A has become the refrigerant of choice. Let’s have a look at some of the uses for this refrigerant.
- The refrigerant is utilized in the production of geothermal energy.
- R600A is used in beverage dispensers and is suited for industrial refrigeration.
- It’s a component of dehumidifiers.
- Plug-ins and vending machines may both use R600A.
- They’re also utilized in aerosol sprays and as feedstock in the petrochemical sector.
What is the safety of R600A refrigerant? To begin, you must handle the refrigerant with extreme caution, and you must carry and pack it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Furthermore, because R600A is combustible, it should be kept away from open flames. When working with R600A, you must also wear a mask since breathing the gas is dangerous.
R134A is not water-soluble. Under the action of lubricating oil, water will create acid, carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide, resulting in metal corrosion. The system must be cleaned and dried before the refrigerant can be used.
Most metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and carbon steel, are compatible with R600A, which is mildly soluble in water.
R134A is in the safety category A1 since it is non-flammable and has low toxicity. R600A is combustible and might induce discomfort and poor anesthesia.
It creates a BaoZa mixture when combined with air, and it can react strongly when contacted with oxidants.
The refrigerant R134A has a greenhouse impact, whereas R600A has none. The condensing pressure, evaporation pressure, and exhaust temperature are all lower in R600A.
Conclusion
You may have already understood that R600a (ISO-Butane) is a refrigerant grade isobutane that may be used to replace R12 and R134a in several high-temperature refrigeration applications.
Because of its reduced Global Warming Potential, R600a (Iso-Butane) is becoming increasingly popular (GWP). It’s the refrigerant of choice for refrigerators and freezers, as well as drink dispensers and stand-alone display units, in both household and light commercial refrigeration applications.
Now that you are aware of the differences between R134a and R600a compressors, you can easily choose the better option for you while buying a refrigerator.
With our proper guide, you can easily make distinctions between the functionality of the compressors.
