Title: Second-law analysis of two-stage vapour compression refrigeration plants

Authors: E. Torrella, R. Llopis, R. Cabello, D. Sanchez, J.A. Larumbe

Addresses: Department of Applied Thermodynamics, Polytechnic University of Valencia, Camino de Vera, 14, E-46022 Valencia, Spain. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Campus de Riu Sec., Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellon, Spain. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Campus de Riu Sec., Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellon, Spain. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Campus de Riu Sec., Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellon, Spain. ' Department of Applied Thermodynamics, Polytechnic University of Valencia, Camino de Vera, 14, E-46022 Valencia, Spain

Abstract: This paper describes a Second Law Analysis based on experimental data of a two-stage vapour compression facility driven by a compound compressor for medium and low-capacity refrigeration applications, which operates with the most usual inter-stage configurations (direct liquid injection and subcooler). The experimental analysis is performed for an evaporating temperature range between –36°C and –20°C and for a condensing temperature range between 30°C and 47°C using the refrigerant R-404A. The final results are compared with energy analysis from previous works. Additionally, a new criterion of equivalence between the simple vapour compression cycle and the two-stage compression cycle is given.

Keywords: R-404A; exergy analysis; inter-stage pressure; two-stage refrigerating cycle; vapour compression; second law analysis; refrigeration plants; direct liquid injection; subcoolers; energy analysis; equivalence criterion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2010.035512

International Journal of Exergy, 2010 Vol.7 No.6, pp.641 - 653

Published online: 30 Sep 2010 *

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