Analysis based on EU Regulation No 517/2014 of new HFC/HFO mixtures as alternatives of high GWP refrigerants in refrigeration and HVAC systems

• We present an analysis of EU Regulation No 517/2014 based on HFO/HFC mixtures.
• R134a, R404A and R410A are the baseline refrigerants (they are the most commonly used).
• We perform a theoretical comparison between HFC and HFO/HFC mixtures.
• Other studies based on HFC substitution by HFO/HFC mixtures are reviewed.
• The GWP limitations approved are very restrictive and will suppose a problem.

The EU Regulation No 517/2014 is going to phase-out most of the refrigerants commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems (R134a, R404A and R410A) because of their extended use and their high GWP values. There are very different options to replace them; however, no refrigerant has yet imposed. In this paper we review and analyze the different mixtures proposed by the AHRI as alternative refrigerants to those employed currently. These mixtures are composed by HFC refrigerants: R32, R125, R152a and R134a; and HFO refrigerants: R1234yf and R1234ze(E). It is concluded, from the theoretical analysis, that most of the new HFO/HFC mixtures perform under the HFC analyzed (although some experimental studies show the contrary) and, in most cases, do not meet the GWP restrictions approved by the European normative. Furthermore, some of the mixtures proposed would have problems due to their flammability.