A Comparative Performance Study of an Ejector-Expansion Refrigeration Cycle Using R134a and its Alternatives: Application of Automobile Air Conditioning

In this study, the performance of ejector-expansion refrigeration cycle (EERC) with R134a alternative refrigerants (R152a, R1234yf, R404A, R407C, R507A and R600a) for automobile air-conditioning application is investigated numerically. The ejector is modeled with a constant mixing-pressure assumption taking into consideration the friction effect in the ejector mixing section. The studied refrigerants are compared based on the optimum area ratio, discharge temperature, compressor input power, volumetric cooling capacity, exergy destruction, COP, exergy efficiency and COP improvement. The results show that R152a and R1234yf have the closest performance to R134a and can be considered the most suitable alternative refrigerants for R134a. The COP and exergy efficiency are improved by 2.26% and 2.27%, respectively, using R152a compared to the use of R134a, whereas they are reduced by 2.89% and 2.88% using R1234yf. The volumetric cooling capacity is reduced for both R152a and R1234yf by 6.14% and 6.8%, respectively. In addition, the effect of compressor rotational speed on the performances is reported.

Performance Assessment of Using Thermoelectric Generators for Waste Heat Recovery from Vapor Compression Refrigeration Systems

This article reports on an experimental analysis and performance assessment of using thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for waste heat recovery from residential vapor compression refrigeration systems. The analysis shows that there is a good opportunity for waste heat recovery using TEGs by de-superheating refrigerant after the compressor. Design and manufacturing of a de-superheater unit consisting of a tube and plate heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator modules (HE-TEGs) have been performed and integrated in an experimental test rig of R134a refrigeration cycle. Experimental assessment of the performance parameters, as compared to the basic refrigeration system, reveals that the overall coefficient of performance (COP) using HE-TEGs desuperheater unit increases by values ranging from 17% to 32% depending on the condenser and evaporator loads. Exergy analysis shows that the enhancement is attributed to reduction in the exergy destruction in the condenser and compressor due to lower values of condenser pressure and pressure ratio of the compressor. The output power of the HE-TEGs unit is found to be sufficient for driving the TEGs heat sinks air cooling fan, thus providing a passive de-superheating system without an additional external source of electricity. Further enhancement of the refrigeration cycle performance can be achieved by installation of additional HE-TEGs units.