What type of refrigerant would you likely encounter in a portable refrigerator?

The type of refrigerant commonly found in portable refrigerators is R-134a, which is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that has been widely used in various cooling applications. R-134a is preferred for portable refrigeration systems due to its effectiveness in heat transfer and its relatively low environmental impact compared to other refrigerants. It operates efficiently at household refrigeration temperatures, making it suitable for the compact and mobile nature of portable units.

R-134a also has a favorable safety profile, as it is non-toxic and non-flammable under most operating conditions, which is an important consideration for portable devices that are used in various environments.

In contrast, ammonia is typically used in larger, industrial refrigeration systems due to its high efficiency and low cost, but its toxicity limits its application in portable units. Carbon dioxide can be used as a refrigerant, primarily in specialized applications, but is not common in portable refrigeration due to its pressure requirements and operating characteristics. Helium, while used in some refrigeration systems, is not typically used in portable refrigerators because of its low efficiency as a refrigerant and higher cost compared to R-134a.