Vapor-liquid equilibria of a low GWP refrigerant, R-1234ze(E), mixed with a POE lubricant

Bock, Jessica J.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/88188 Copy

Description

Title

Vapor-liquid equilibria of a low GWP refrigerant, R-1234ze(E), mixed with a POE lubricant

Author(s)

Bock, Jessica J.

Issue Date

2015-07-17

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Jacobi, Anthony M.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Jacobi, Anthony M.

Committee Member(s)

• Brewster, M. Quinn
• Hrnjak, Predrag S.
• Wang, Xinlei

Department of Study

Mechanical Sci & Engineering

Discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• R-1234ZE
• vapor-liquid equilibria (VLE)

Abstract

Novel vapor-liquid-equilibria data (P-T-x) and liquid densities of binary mixtures of an emerging low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant, R-1234ze(E), and a polyol ester (POE) oil, RL68H, are measured. Data are presented for oil mass fractions ranging from 0 to 0.85 over a temperature range from -10 to 60°C, and the results are compared to the properties of mixtures of R-134a with RL68H. In addition to providing new pure-refrigerant and refrigerant/oil property data, a comparison of the performance of five mixture models is undertaken, namely: the Wilson model, NRTL, UNIQUAC, Heil, and Raoult’s law. Overall, the Heil model provides the best agreement in pressure predictions for R-1234ze(E)/RL68H mixtures, with RMS deviations less than 0.5%, while NRTL RMS deviations are less than 1%. However, comparable performance was found for the much simpler Raoult’s law, with increased deviations at the highest oil concentration. Model sensitivity and applicability of Raoult’s law for refrigerant/oil mixtures in general are investigated. The experimental data and modeling results presented are especially valuable for engineers working in the automotive air-conditioning and refrigeration industries. The refrigerant R-1234ze(E) is one of the leading alternatives for replacing R-134a and is a member of the HFO family of chemicals that includes other low-GWP refrigerants. Accurate models for the new refrigerants and refrigerant/oil mixtures are essential for designing and analyzing refrigeration and air-conditioning systems with reduced environmental impact.

Graduation Semester

2015-8

Type of Resource

text

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Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2015 Jessica Bock

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