In this article, we explore the main characteristics of refrigerants R32 and R290, comparing them to each other and traditional refrigerants to better understand their applications, advantages, and differences.
1. Applications and Uses
- R290: A versatile refrigerant used in freezing, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems.
- R32: Primarily used in air conditioning applications.
2. Discharge Temperature
- R290: Features a low discharge temperature, which improves lubrication and extends the compressor’s lifespan.
- R32: Has a much higher discharge temperature, potentially impacting oil viscosity and reducing the system’s longevity.
3. Operating Pressures
- R290: Operates at pressures similar to the old R22, which are relatively low (approximately 78 psi in air conditioning systems).
- R32: Operates at pressures comparable to R410A, which are significantly higher (approximately 129 psi in air conditioning systems).
4. Lubricant Compatibility
- R290: Compatible with a wide range of oils.
- R32: Only compatible with POE (Polyether) oils.
5. Flammability and Safety
Both refrigerants are flammable, but their levels of flammability differ:
- R290: Classified as A3, highly flammable.
- R32: Classified as A2L, less flammable than R290.
Neither refrigerant is toxic, but their flammability requires strict adherence to proper safety procedures during handling.
6. Efficiency and Mass Flows
- R290:
- More efficient than R32 and R410A, offering a 5% efficiency improvement over R32.
- Requires less refrigerant due to its lower mass flows.
- Demands compressors with larger physical volumes but not necessarily higher power.
- R32:
- Highly efficient but slightly less so than R290.
- Handles higher mass flows, requiring a larger amount of refrigerant in the system.
7. Environmental Impact
- R290: Has an extremely low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of around 3, making it a more sustainable option.
- R32: While its GWP is higher than R290, it is still a more environmentally friendly choice compared to traditional refrigerants.
