A Review of a Mechanical Vapour Compression Refrigeration System: Environment and Performance Challenge

Environmental issues and energy cost have become important global concerns, receiving much attention and prompting consideration of alternative energy sources. This paper presents a comprehensive review of various theoretical and experimental studies which were carried out in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating application. It explores a deeper understanding of mechanical vapour compression systems and alternative refrigerants that could be used instead of HCFC and CFC in future systems. Also, this paper considers studies that reported using new alternative refrigerants in refrigeration and air conditioning systems in both domestic and industrial sectors. This paper concludes that alternatives such as mixtures and natural refrigerants play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impacts of CFC and HCFC refrigerants. These alternatives show effective performance when used in refrigerant and air conditioning systems. Finally, this paper presents a future vision of the required systemic change.