Comparative Energy Assessment of LPG and Conventional Refrigerants in Domestic Refrigeration Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26437/686qbb58Keywords:
Energy. global warming potential, LPG. ozone depletion potential. refrigerationAbstract
Purpose: This study investigates the feasibility of using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a sustainable refrigerant for off-grid refrigeration systems. It aims to address the challenge of preserving food and medicine in areas with limited or no access to reliable electricity by evaluating the performance and environmental benefits of LPG as an alternative to conventional refrigerants.
Design/Methodology/Approach: An experimental research design was adopted. The conventional compressor-condenser setup was replaced with an LPG cylinder, which leveraged its high pressure to induce cooling without external mechanical input. The experiment measured the system’s cooling performance by measuring the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet. Comparative analysis was also conducted between LPG and traditional refrigerants, particularly R134a, to evaluate efficiency and environmental impact.
Research Limitation: The study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and does not incorporate long-term field data. Additionally, it focuses primarily on technical viability and does not include economic modelling or safety risk assessments in real-world domestic settings.
Findings: The study found that LPG can serve as an effective refrigerant, achieving a notable cooling effect without electricity. The system demonstrated environmental advantages, including zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Practical Implication: It offers a low-energy, environmentally friendly alternative that can be deployed in health, agriculture, and disaster response sectors.
Social Implications: Deploying LPG-powered refrigeration in underserved regions can reduce post-harvest food losses and improve access to temperature-sensitive medical supplies. Originality / Value: This study contributes novel insights into non-electric cooling technologies and highlights the untapped potential of LPG in decentralised refrigeration applications. It offers a foundation for future research into cost-effective, closed-loop, and scalable off-grid refrigeration systems.
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