The optimal operating temperature of the collector of an irreversible solar-driven refrigerator

Abstract

A universal irreversible solar-driven refrigerator model is presented, in which not only the irreversibility of heat conduction but also the irreversibilities resulting from the friction, eddies and other irreversible effects inside the working fluid are considered. On the basis of this model and the linear heat-loss model of a solar collector, one of the important parameters, called the optimal operating temperature of the collector of a solar-driven refrigerator, is derived by using the finite-time thermodynamic theory. From the result, the maximum overall coefficient of performance of the refrigerator is determined and some significant problems are discussed. The results obtained here are quite realistic and universal, insofar as all the corresponding results derived by using the reversible and endoreversible models and the model considering only the internal irreversibility cycle can be deduced from them. Thus, they may provide some new theoretical bases for further exploitation of solar-driven refrigerators. Furthermore, some shortcoming in the related literature are pointed out.