Title: Realistic limitations to the operation of heat-driven refrigerators

Authors: Ali Snoussi, Ahmed Bellagi

Addresses: Departement de Genie Energetique, Institut Superieur des Etudes Technologiques de Sfax, Route Elmahdia km 2.5, Albustan 3099 Sfax, Tunisia. ' U.R. TThP (Thermodynamics and Thermal Processes Research Unity), E.N.I. Monastir, Avenue Ibn ElJazzar, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia

Abstract: The optimal characteristic curve relating the COP and the refrigeration rate of an irreversible heat-driven refrigerator is established on the basis of a thermodynamic model which combines the endoreversible model and the heat leak insulation model. It is found that the curve is loop-shaped and that both the refrigeration rate and the COP exhibit a maximum. In addition, it is shown that the curve can be investigated so as to offer important theoretical guidance to the identification of optimal designs.

Keywords: heat-driven refrigerators; irreversibility; refrigeration effect; coefficient of performance; COP; exergy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2007.012067

International Journal of Exergy, 2007 Vol.4 No.2, pp.216 - 225

Published online: 16 Jan 2007 *

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