Combined evaluation of quality and eco-burdens of the hydrocarbon refrigerant GF-08 in tomato greenhouse air conditioning. Issue 1 (1st June 2022) - Oki, Akihiro
Abstract: This study focuses on a combined evaluation of GF-08, a non-CFC hydrocarbon refrigerant, to maintain the quality and reduce the environmental impact of tomatoes during air conditioning (cultivation stage) and during cold storage (storage stage). Past studies have shown that power consumption can be reduced by replacing the conventional refrigerant R410A with GF-08 for air-conditioning in a tomato farm. In addition, the CO2 intensity of GF-08 was extremely low compared to that of R410A. Regarding the air conditioner for the cultivation technology, the relationship between the energy-saving performance and the nutritional and freshness preservation of agricultural products has not been discussed. This study examined the effects of temperature and CO2 gas controls on nutritional value and freshness preservation of a tomato facility based in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The energy consumption and the characteristics were analyzed for the use of GF-08 and compared to the conventional refrigerant R410A. The effect of storage temperatures on the tomato quality was estimated and the energy consumption and eco-burdens were analyzed based on the LCA methodology. This combined data was further used to determine the relationship between the eco-burdens and quality of the tomato produce.