A simulation and experimental study of an innovative MAC/ORC/ERC system: ReverCycle with an ejector for series hybrid vehicles

Abstract

This paper presents the simulations and experiments for the development of a hybrid and reversible mobile air conditioning, organic Rankine cycle (ORC), and ejector refrigeration cycle (ERC) system. This flexible and compact system may be the solution to the introduction of waste heat recovery in passenger cars. The cycle fuel economy is calculated for series hybrid electric vehicles (SHEVs). A global vehicle model is used to simulate the annual weather conditions of different climatic regions. The reference driving cycle is the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Cycle.The cycle fuel economy is maximized in temperate and cold climatic regions. In the hypothesized engine cold-start initial condition, the SHEV ReverCycle maximum fuel economy is 1.2% in Paris. In the hot-start initial condition, the SHEV ReverCycle maximum fuel economy is 2.2% in Moscow. The experimental results of the ReverCycle proof of concept are then presented. The maximum measured net efficiency in the ORC mode is 3.9%. The ERC mode can satisfy cabin cooling requirements at an ambient temperature below 20 °C. The estimated fuel economy in the ERC mode is 1.4%.