Abstract—In this paper we compare the efficacy of a supermarket refrigeration system using R404A and R488 (a mixture of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and Hydro-Fluoro-Olefin (HFO)) in tropical climate of Mauritius. More specifically, the Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) model of the refrigeration system working on various refrigerants is used to assess the Coefficient of Performance (COP), leaks in the refrigeration circuit and equivalent CO2 emitted. It is demonstrated that the COP for R448 is 20% higher for low temperature application under the same working circumstances and refrigeration power. It is also demonstrated that the TEWI for R448A is 16% lesser. Therefore, based on these findings, R448A is a very effective short-term replacement for R404A refrigerant in the commercial refrigeration field in Mauritius, both from an environment and energy perspective. Additionally, it can be used in place of R404A without any system modification. R448A is currently not widely accessible on the market and is a relatively more expensive refrigerant.

Keywords—Alternative refrigerants, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), Hydro-Fluoro-Olefin (HFO), Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI)

Cite: Raj Kumar Dreepaul, B. S. Bhujun, K. Busawon, "An Evaluation of R448A as R404A low GWP Alternative in a Supermarket Refrigeration Application," International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 45-53, 2024.

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