In this video, we will carry out a comparison between two types of compressors: one that operates with the refrigerant R600a, and another that uses R404A.
Let’s begin by saying that equipment incorporating the R600a compressor is used in refrigeration and freezing applications, generally with lower cooling capacities.
This allows for a lower amount of R600a to be concentrated, thus compensating for its flammability.
Due to these flammability characteristics, the use of R600a is especially recommended in new equipment specifically designed for this type of gas.
On the other hand, the compressor that operates with R404A, being non-flammable, can be used in a variety of cooling capacities, only in refrigeration and freezing applications.
In terms of the molecules of refrigerants, R404A, in a vapor state, is heavier than R600a.
This means that with a slight volume flow passing through the compressor, several grams of R404A will be transported.
Although R404A is less potent in terms of cooling compared to R600a, the greater quantity of grams passing through the R404A compressor ensures proper product cooling.
In contrast, R600a is less dense, resulting in a lower flow of grams through the compressor.
However, each gram of R600a possesses a higher cooling power, compensating for its lower density.
A compressor using R600a handles fewer grams of gas compared to the R404A compressor, but each gram of R600a possesses a higher cooling power than a gram of R404A.
Regarding oil compatibility, R600a is compatible with mineral oil, alkylbenzene, and polyolester oil, POE, while the R404A compressor only uses POE oil.
The compressor system using R600a gas is more efficient in terms of consumption compared to R404A, for the same cooling capacity. The amount of refrigerant charge needed in grams with R404A to achieve the same cooling effect as R600a is much higher.
As for the temperature at the compressor outlet, a slightly lower temperature is observed in the R404A compressor compared to the R600a compressor.
This is beneficial for the longevity of the R404A compressor. However, as seen in the graph, the discharge temperature of R600a is also low.
The R600a compressor can be charged in both liquid and vapor phases without issues, while the R404A compressor must be charged in liquid phase.