Thermodynamic Study of Refrigerant Hydrate Formation

Clathrate hydrate is a new technology to store the cold energy in air conditioning systems. These compounds offer a high cold storage density. The phase change temperature of clathrate hydrates is more than water. On the other hand, these compounds offer better heat transfer properties and improved cyclic stability, compared to eutectic salts. These appropriate properties of clathrate hydrates made these compounds as promising potential for cold storage air conditioning systems. In this study, we investigated the refrigerant hydrate formation as a potential to store the cold energy. The equilibrium data reported by researchers are collected and the effect of various additives on their phase equilibria are investigated. A comparison between the dissociation pressure of hydrate formed in presence of some refrigerant are undertaken. Finally, the various methods of hydrate-based refrigeration systems reported in literature are collected along with their advantages and drawbacks.