Theoretical analysis of R22 substitution with R417 on board of fishing vessels - thermodynamic, environmental and Islamic aspects

R22 is a refrigerant that has dominated marine refrigeration onboard fishing vessels till 1 January 2015. Because in its composition exist ozone-depleting chlorine atoms, this refrigerant needs acceptable substitution solutions, to achieve the ozone protection desiderate. For R22 was not found a unique replacement solution. This paper investigates the opportunity to substitute R22 with the refrigerant R 417A, due to its very close thermodynamic properties to R22 and, moreover to its friendly behavior to the ozone layer. Seafood consumption is permitted for Muslims, fishing activity being important for these communities. Fishing depends on vapor compression refrigeration technology, equipment known to be an important energy consumer. In this paper, it is shown that environmental preservation is important in the refrigeration industry and in Islam, as well. The theoretical analysis developed in this paper focuses on the seawater cooling system onboard fishing vessels while catching in tropical waters. The investigation has energetic, environmental, and Islamic components. The comparison between the plant working with R22 and with R417A reveals that the ecologic refrigerant represents a wise solution for retrofitting existing plants.