Survey and Review of Refrigerant Leakage Sources and Solutions in Malaysian Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Systems

DOI HANDLE Open Access
  • Muradi Salman
    Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  • Shazwin Mat Taib
    Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM Campus Sustainability (UTMCS), Block M38, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  • Saman Norasikin
    UTM Campus Sustainability (UTMCS), Block M38, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  • Nurfarhain Mohamed Rusli
    Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  • Nurul Nazleatul Najiha Mohd Nazif
    Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Abstract

Leakage of refrigerants is one of the most common faults in refrigeration, air conditioning, and Heat Pump (RACHP) systems. Knowledge of leakage sources is critical for minimizing the leakage of high global warming potential refrigerants and the safe application of flammable refrigerants. Data on leak sources causes, and remedies in the Malaysian cooling and refrigeration industry are lacking. This study aims to investigate the potential leak areas that appear during service and maintenance in Malaysia. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted with the participation of 35 stakeholders in the RACHP. The study found that flare fittings and brazing joints are the most observed leak sources in RACHP systems in Malaysia, causing significant refrigerant emissions and energy losses. A desktop study was conducted to identify leakage prevention solutions. This study categorized the solutions into three main pathways: adherence to best practices, strengthening standards of leak testing and prevention protocols, and utilization of alternative joining methods. The application of these prevention solutions will minimize the direct and indirect impacts of refrigerant leakage.

Journal

  • Evergreen

    Evergreen 11 (1), 423-434, 2024-03

    Transdisciplinary Research and Education Center for Green Technologies, Kyushu University

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

  • CRID
    1390018351897832448
  • DOI
    10.5109/7172305
  • ISSN
    24325953
    21890420
  • HANDLE
    2324/7172305
  • Text Lang
    en
  • Data Source
    • JaLC
    • IRDB
    • Crossref
  • Abstract License Flag
    Allowed

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