HYDROCARBON REFRIGERANT: R-290
(PROPANE)
B Y,
CHANDRU. V
2023303050
Introduction
Propane refrigeration is a type of compression
refrigeration. Propane (R290) has been used successfully in industrial
refrigeration for many years, and is emerging as an increasingly viable
alternative for homes and businesses. Propane's operating pressures and
temperatures are well suited for use in air conditioning equipment, but
because of propane’s flammability, great care is required in the manufacture,
installation and servicing of equipment that uses it as a refrigerant.
General Properties
Molecular weight: 44.10 g/mol
Normal boiling point: −42.1 °C
Critical temperature: 96.7 °C
Critical pressure: 42.5 bar
Latent heat of vaporization (at bp): ~342 kJ/kg
Thermophysical Properties
Property Value
Specific heat (liquid, +25 °C) ~2.72 kJ/kg·K
Specific heat (vapor, +25 °C) ~1.69 kJ/kg·K
Liquid density (25 °C) ~500–550 kg/m³
Vapor density (bp) ~2.4 kg/m³
Viscosity (liquid, +25 °C) ~0.097 mPa·s
Thermal conductivity (liquid, 25 ~0.10 W/m·K
°C)
Operating Conditions
Evaporation pressure: ~2–4 bar abs (at −10 °C).
Condensation pressure: ~10–15 bar abs (at 40 °C).
Typical application pressures are lower than many HFCs.
Requires leak prevention and ventilation due to flammability.
Environmental Impact
Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP = 0)
It does not harm the ozone layer.
Very Low Global Warming Potential (GWP ≈ 3)
Much lower than most HFCs.
Non-toxic but highly flammable
The main environmental/safety concern is flammability, not
ozone depletion.
Short atmospheric lifetime
It breaks down quickly, so it does not persist in the
environment.
Environmentally friendly alternative
Compared to HCFCs and HFCs.
Sustainable use requires leak prevention, proper recovery, and
recycling to avoid fire risks and wastage.
Applications
Residential air conditioning
window units, split ACs, portable ACs (low charge
sizes).
Heat pumps
especially air-to-water heat pumps and outdoor
monoblock units.
Household refrigeration
refrigerators, freezers, and small cooling appliances.
Commercial refrigeration
small commercial display cabinets, bottle coolers,
vending machines, ice makers.
Chillers and rooftop units
when installed outdoors or in controlled environments.
Industrial applications
low-charge chillers, cascade systems, and specific
process cooling.
Special uses
as a working fluid in temperature-sensing devices and
as a metal cutting (oxy-fuel) gas.
Current Status
Promoted globally as a green refrigerant.
Widely used in Asia & Europe.
Regulatory restrictions: charge size limited due to flammability.
Safety codes & handling guidelines strictly followed.
Future Outlook
Ultra-low GWP & zero ODP
R290 is a natural refrigerant with excellent environmental
performance, making it a strong candidate for future use.
Energy efficiency
When used correctly, R290 systems can be highly efficient,
supporting sustainability goals.
Applications growth
Increasing use in domestic air conditioners, refrigerators,
freezers, and small commercial systems
Outdoor units like heat pump monoblocks and chillers are
suitable due to flammability concerns.
Growing adoption in air-to-water heat pumps in Europe and
other regions.
Flammability as a limiting factor
R290 is classified as A3 (highly flammable).
Safety standards (IEC 60335-2-89, EN 378, IEC 60335-2-40)
now allow higher charge limits (currently 500 g, potentially up to 1 kg
soon), which will expand its use in larger systems.
Use is more feasible in low-charge or outdoor installations to
mitigate risks.
Market drivers
Stricter global regulations phasing down high-GWP HFCs.
Supportive EU and international policies for natural
refrigerants.
Rising demand for sustainable and affordable cooling solutions
worldwide.
Competition & complementarity
R290 will not replace all refrigerants but will play a major role
in low-charge and distributed systems.
It will coexist with CO₂ systems (industrial and large-scale
commercial), ammonia (industrial refrigeration), and HFO/HFC
blends (specific applications with safety limitations).
References
1. Wikipedia
Propane refrigeration - Wikipedia
2. Richcominc
R290 Refrigerant Environmental Impact
3. Danfoss
[Link]
4. Climalife Technical Datasheet – R-290
[Link]
[Link]
5. Gas-Servei Technical Data Sheet – R-290
[Link]
[Link]
