With the same price as comparable R410A units, Mitsubishi Electric has introduced a new line of air conditioning units that use the new refrigerant R32.
In This Article...
R32 or R410A: Which is preferable?
R410A has a lower coefficient of performance than R32 because it has a lower critical temperature.
As a result, its quantity per charge is decreased. R32 has even less of an impact on the climate than its GWP predicts when we measure GWP per kg.
The capability for volumetric cooling of the two gases also differs. Due to its high VCP, R410A calls for larger pipes.
As a result, it is less effective than R32, whose VCP is much lower. Additionally, R32 and R410A have different pressure ratios.
It does, however, have certain drawbacks, one of which is its high discharge temperature.
As a result, it may cause the system’s oil to breakdown and induce bearing seizures.
Thankfully, there is a mechanism to restrict the R32 discharge temperature such that the system can operate as intended.
What kind of gas does an AC use?
R22, which has the chemical formula CHCLF2, is the refrigerant most frequently used in air conditioners. It continuously shifts between solid, liquid, and gas states at various temperatures.
What gas does AC work best with?
In the past, a CFC, more generally known as Freon, was the most widely used refrigerant. R-12 by DuPont was marketed under the name Freon. CFCs were replaced by HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) in the 1990s and 2000s; “R-22” is the most popular HCFC. In India, between 50 and 60 percent of air conditioners still utilize HCFCs in 2016. However, because HCFCs contain chlorine, which is bad for the environment, they are only slightly better than CFCs. According to the Indian government’s proposal, HCFCs would no longer be used in India by 2030.
Manufacturers developed a different class of refrigerants known as HFCs to eliminate chlorine from the refrigerant (or Hydro Fluro Carbons). Despite the possibility of contributing to global warming, they are still preferable than HCFCs because they do not harm the ozone layer. R-410A is the HFC that is most frequently used in air conditioners. Although this refrigerant has less potential to deplete the ozone layer and is more energy-efficient than R-22, it nevertheless contributes to global warming. R-32 and R-134A are two other HFCs that are frequently used in air conditioners and freezers, respectively. In India, about 2030% of air conditioners still utilize HFCs in 2016. R-32 has a lower potential to contribute to global warming than R-410A, although it is still an HFC. According to recent reports, India intends to phase out HFCs in the next years, while a date is still being discussed.
R-290 and R-600A are currently the most environmentally friendly refrigerants that are offered on the Indian market. They are HC, or hydrocarbons, and the chemical names for R-290 and R-600A are propane and iso-butane, respectively. They have the lowest potential for global warming, are fully halogen free, and do not deplete the ozone layer. They are also incredibly energy efficient, but because they are hydrocarbons, they are also very combustible. However, they are the market’s greenest refrigerants. The manufacturers of the appliances that employ these refrigerants assert that due to their careful handling of the chemicals, the products are completely safe. In truth, the majority of refrigerators on the Indian market are currently running on R-600A, and no mishaps related to this have been documented. Therefore, we may confidently assume that they are secure.
The information about each refrigerant’s global warming potential is provided below (source):
R32 gas: Is it harmful?
R32 must be handled and stored with more care than class 2.2 non-flammable gases since it is a hazardous products class 2.1 flammable gas for transportation purposes according to the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
Concerns with safety to be mindful of:
- Concentration levels are crucial for split system air conditioner installation, particularly with ducted systems. The largest refrigerant charge that can be put safely depends on the smallest unventilated room the system serves.
- Due to the fact that most ducted indoor units are located in narrow spaces with little space between them and the rafters, they offer an additional risk. If there is a gas leak inside the interior unit, the refrigerant may pool, become trapped, and accumulate to levels where it is combustible.
- When brazing, dry nitrogen should always be used to replace oxygen and stop oxidation on the pipework’s interior. This method is crucial since it’s necessary to remove any remaining refrigerant and avoid concentrations that could lead to an ignite.
R32 refrigerant: what is it?
Alternative refrigerant to R410A, which is frequently used in modern air conditioning systems, is R32, which has a low global warming potential (GWP). Small air conditioning systems are increasingly switching from R410A to R32 on a global scale.
Can R22 be added to an R32 system?
At 0oC, the liquid density ratio of R32 to R22 is 0.82. Therefore, hypothetically, the refrigerant charge quantity of R32 is 82 percent of R22 for a drop-in conversion of 100 percent from R22 to R32 (by mass). The refrigerant charge mass of R32 is changed in this experiment from 90% to 105% with a 5% increment for each measurement.
How much gas does a 1.5 ton AC contain?
A 1.5-ton air conditioner needs 700 to 900 g of gas, whereas a 1-ton air conditioner only needs 400 to 600 g of gas. Check the gas you’re filling, though, as R22 needs 60 to 65 PSI, R32 needs 110 to 120 PSI, and R410A needs 110 to 120 PSI. These are the typical parameters, thus if your gas is less than this, your indoor unit is likely leaking.