Enhancing Semiconductor Chiller Performance: Investigating the Performance Characteristics of Ultra-Low-Temperature Chillers Applying a Liquid Receiver

Abstract

This study investigates the implementation of a cryogenic chiller utilizing a mixed-refrigerant cascade refrigeration cycle (MRCRC). In this setup, R-404A is employed in the high-temperature circuit (HTC), while a mixture of refrigerants is utilized in the low-temperature circuit (LTC). Unlike a conventional MRCRC that operates without a receiver to maintain the composition ratio, this research explores the impact of receiver installation on system performance. Experiments were conducted with and without a receiver to assess performance improvements and device behavior. With a fixed refrigerant charge of 4 kg, the suction and discharge pressures of the LTC compressor remained low and stable after the receiver’s installation. The addition of a receiver significantly reduced the cooling time, with further reductions observed as the refrigerant charge increased. The system achieved evaporative heat capacities of 0.59, 1.76, and 2 kW for refrigerant charges of 4, 7, and 9 kg, respectively. Notably, at the maximum refrigerant charge of 11 kg, the evaporative heat capacity peaked at 3.3 kW. These findings indicate that incorporating a receiver is crucial for enhancing the cooling performance of cryogenic coolers using mixed refrigerants and stabilizing device operation. This contrasts with previous studies that omitted receivers due to concerns over potential alterations in the composition ratio of the mixed refrigerant.