The Performance Analysis of a Quantum Brayton Refrigeration Cycle with an Ideal Bose Gas

Abstract

A Brayton refrigeration cycle using an ideal Bose gas as the working substance is simply referred to as a quantum Brayton refrigeration cycle, which consists of two constant-pressure and two adiabatic processes. The influence of quantum degeneracy on the performance of the cycle is investigated, based on the correction equation of state of an ideal Bose gas. The general expressions of the coefficient of performance, refrigeration load and work input of the cycle are calculated. The lowest temperature of the working substance and the minimum pressure ratio of the two constant-pressure processes for a quantum Brayton refrigeration cycle are determined. The variations of the relative refrigeration load with the temperature of the cooled space and the pressure of the low constant-pressure process are discussed for three special cases. Some curves related to the important performance parameters are given. The results obtained here are compared with those of a classical Brayton refrigeration cycle using an ideal gas as the working substance. Some significant conclusions are obtained.