Novel Cascade Refrigeration Cycle for Cold Supply Chain of COVID-19 Vaccines at Ultra-Low Temperature -80°C Using Ethane (R170) Based Hydrocarbon Pair

Several media report highlight on that the pharmaceutical companies require ultra-low temperatures -80°C to transport and store its COVID-19 vaccines. This research presents thermodynamic analysis cascade refrigeration system (CRS) with several refrigerant pairs which are R32/R170, R123/R170, R134a/R170, R404A/R170, R407c/R170, R410/R170, hydrocarbon (HC) pair Propane/Ethane, namely R290/R170. Besides, results of R22/R170 pair, is not recommended be used due phase out R22 as per Montréal Protocol, included base case compare novel in CRS old trend pairs. Thermodynamic properties all these were investigated compared under different intermediate temperature heat exchanger, thermally connected both Low High cycles (LTC) (HTC). By applying first law thermodynamics, coefficients performance (COPs) specific power consumptions (SPC) kW/TR presented compared. In addition, by second thermodynamics exergetic efficiencies estimated. The reveal promising opportunity using HC (R290/R170). minimum SPC recorded for R123/R170. One other hand, highest exegetic efficiency values observed 40%, 38%, 35% R290/R170, R134/R170, respectively. concludes (R290/R170) highly applications either or it cold storage rooms hospitals clinics. All precautionary measures should carefully applied design operation flammability hazard.