In this article, we will compare the refrigerants R600a vs. R290 and their compressors.
Uses and Applications
Equipment with compressors using R600a and R290 is typically employed in refrigeration applications with lower cooling capacities.
- R600a is used in refrigeration and freezing systems but is uncommon in air conditioning equipment.
- On the other hand, R290 is used in refrigeration, freezing, air conditioning, and even heat pumps.
Since these compressors are designed for lower cooling capacities, they require a smaller amount of refrigerant, which helps mitigate the risks associated with their flammability. However, due to this characteristic, it is recommended to use R600a and R290 only in equipment specifically designed to work with these gases.
Differences in Physical Properties
In terms of physical properties, R290 in its vapor state is approximately three times denser than R600a. This means that when an equivalent volume of gas passes through the compressor, more grams of R290 are transported compared to R600a.
Although R290 is slightly more efficient in terms of cooling capacity than R600a, its higher density provides a significant advantage in transport within the system. Conversely, R600a, being less dense, requires a higher volumetric flow to achieve a similar cooling capacity.
Compressor Size and Design
Due to these differences in density and volumetric flow:
- Compressors using R600a must have a larger displacement to match the cooling capacity of a compressor with R290.
- For this reason, compressors with R600a are typically larger in size despite offering the same cooling capacity as compressors with R290.
Oil Compatibility
Both refrigerants, R600a and R290, are compatible with a wide range of oils, including:
- Mineral oil.
- Alkylbenzene oil.
- Polyolester (POE) oil.
Energy Efficiency and Discharge Temperature
Systems with compressors that use R290 are more energy efficient. This is because R290 has a higher Coefficient of Performance (COP) than R600a for the same cooling capacity. Additionally, the discharge temperature of R290 is on average 17 °C lower than that of R600a, which benefits the thermal stability of the system and extends the compressor’s lifespan.
System Design Differences
The design of systems with R600a and R290 differs due to the volumetric flows required by each refrigerant. For example:
- Systems with R290 require capillaries of different sizes compared to systems with R600a.
- The working pressures of the two refrigerants are also significantly different.
