The Role of Environmental Metrics (GWP, TEWI, LCCP) in the Selection Of Low GWP Refrigerant

AbstractBased on increasing contribution of refrigeration systems to climate change it is necessary to use environmentally friendly refrigerants to mitigate the global warming. Different environmental metrics are used to facilitate decision-making process of selection of refrigerant with low global warming potential. Three conventional environmental metrics - global warming potential (GWP), total equivalent warming impact (TEWI) and life cycle climate performance (LCCP)–are used in this study as tools to select the most environmentally friendly refrigerant for 30kW air/water heat pump system. The uncertainties in use of all these environmental metrics are discussed. The study concludes with the selection of the refrigerant and discusses the suggestions to facilitate further studies on selection of the low GWP refrigerant with low contribution to global warming