What is the Difference Between Ammonia Gas Refrigerant and Freon Gas Refrigerant?

The main differences between ammonia gas refrigerant and Freon gas refrigerant are:

1. Cost: Ammonia is the least expensive refrigerant, with the price per kg of R22 being about 2.5 times and R134a being about 7.0 times the price of ammonia. The cost of the refrigerant in an ammonia system is much lower than in Freon systems.
2. Cooling Capacity: Ammonia systems circulate 7 to 8 times less refrigerant than Freon systems for the same cooling capacity.
3. Operational Sensitivity: Freon systems are very sensitive to foreign materials such as air, foreign gases, and dirt. If any impurities are present, it might not operate satisfactorily and could cause equipment breakdowns. Ammonia systems, on the other hand, can withstand impurities without causing breakdowns.
4. Coefficient of Performance (COP): Ammonia refrigerant has the highest cooling with less energy compared to other refrigerants.
5. Energy Consumption: Ammonia refrigeration systems consume up to 40% lower energy compared to Freon systems.
6. Maintenance and Operating Costs: Ammonia refrigeration systems need fewer compressors than Freon systems, reducing maintenance and service costs.
7. Environmental Impact: Ammonia offers exceptional thermal efficiency and does not have ozone depletion or global warming characteristics, making it an environmentally friendly option.
8. Toxicity and Flammability: Ammonia is toxic and flammable, which can be hazardous.

In summary, ammonia gas refrigerant is more cost-effective, has a higher cooling capacity, and is more environmentally friendly compared to Freon gas refrigerant. However, it is also more toxic and flammable, which can pose risks if not handled safely.

Comparative Table: Ammonia Gas Refrigerant vs Freon Gas Refrigerant

The main differences between ammonia gas refrigerant and Freon gas refrigerant are their efficiency, cost, and safety concerns. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the two:

Ammonia gas refrigerant is more efficient and cost-effective than Freon gas refrigerant, making it a popular choice for large commercial applications. However, ammonia is toxic, flammable, and can be hazardous if not used safely. In contrast, Freon gas refrigerant is non-toxic and non-flammable, but it contributes to ozone depletion and climate change.