This booklet provides the most important thermophysical property data for different refrigerants with applications to vapour-compression systems in an easily accessible form. Tables are used to illustrate the basic cycles at various evaporating and condensing temperatures, and also provide information on pressure ratio, volumetric capacity and isentropic compression work. The coefficients of performance (COPs) of cycles with isentropic compression are given, as is the thermodynamic efficiency of each cycle (with the Carnot cycle used as reference). Data are provided for the following refrigerants: R-32, R-125, R-134a, R-152a, R-290 (propane), R-404A, R-407C, R-410A, R-507, R-508A, R-600a (isobutane), R-717 (ammonia), R-744 (carbon dioxide, including transcritical cycles and R-1270 (propylene).

This guide presents, in a concise and didactic manner, all solutions that make it possible to cut the energy consumption of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, including heat pumps. This is a vital issue as these systems consume about 15 per cent of worldwide electricity. The solutions apply to the design, operation and maintenance of various systems (compressors, condensers, expansion devices, evaporators, etc.) and take refrigerant selection into account. While several practical cases of highly energy-efficient systems are presented, the guide includes an extensive bibliography and an overview of the main applicable regulations and standards.

For the above publications, contact: International Institute of Refrigeration, 177, Blvd. Malesherbes, 75017 Paris, France. Tel: +33 (1) 4227 3235; Fax: +33 (1) 4763 1798.