Theoretical research of the performance of a novel enhanced transcritical CO2 refrigeration cycle for power and cold generation

Abstract

Three different refrigeration cycles, namely the vapor compression cycle, the combined refrigeration cycle and the new combined refrigeration cycle for power and cold, are investigated. The principles of mass and energy conservation are applied to every component of the systems, and the resulted linear system of equations was numerically solved. It was found that the new proposed cycle had a lower optimum gas cooler pressure than other refrigeration cycles, and this would enhance the lifetime and safety of the system. Besides, it was found that the coefficient of performance of the new cycle is higher than that of the vapor compression and combined refrigeration cycles 110% and 50%, respectively. The exergy efficiency was approximately 78% and 58% higher than that of the vapor and combined refrigeration cycles, respectively. Furthermore, the exergoeconomic results of the new cycle showed that the total unit cost was lower by 16.6% and 13% than that for the vapor compression and combined refrigeration cycles, respectively.