Second law optimization of two-stage transcritical CO2 refrigeration cycles in the cooling mode operation

Abstract

Second law optimization studies of two-stage transcritical CO2 (TRCC) refrigeration cycles, incorporating options such as a new ejector-expansion with internal heat exchanger (IHE) and intercooler (IC), flash gas bypass, flash gas intercooling, compressor intercooling with IHE, are presented based on cycle simulation. To validate the simulations, the available numerical data in open literature are used. It is found that the coefficient of performance (COP) and second law efficiency of the new two-stage TRCC cycle are on average 16.5, 18.4, and 28.4 per cent higher than that of the two-stage TRCC with IHE and IC, the two-stage TRCC with flash gas bypass, and the two-stage TRCC with flash gas intercooling cycles, respectively. Hence, the new two-stage refrigeration cycle is a promising refrigeration cycle from the thermodynamic point of view. It is also concluded that for cases of the flash gas bypass and flash gas intercooling the optimum inter-stage pressure deviates significantly from the geometric mean pressure of the gas cooler and evaporator pressure. While for the new two-stage TRCC and the two-stage TRCC with IHE and IC, the optimum inter-stage pressure is approximately equal to geometric mean pressure. Finally, a regression analysis was employed in terms of evaporator and gas cooler exit temperatures to develop mathematical expressions for maximum COP, optimum discharge, and inter-stage pressures and entrainment ratio.