Study on the Irreversible Thermodynamics of a Marine Engine Exhaust-powered Adsorption Refrigerating System

This study investigates the heat and mass transfer mechanism of a marine engifie exhaust-powered adsorption refrigerating system by using irreversible thermodynamics. The equations of entropy-production rate and the linear phenomenological equations of thermodynamic flux and force are established. The conventional experimental facilities of unit tube are developed and the phenomenological coefficients are obtained by fitting the experimental data. It is concluded that the thermodynamic process in the adsorbent bed is determined by the coupling effect of the heat and mass transfer; furthermore, the mass transfer is determined by the heat transfer. Taking some measures to increase heat transfer can improve the performance of the adsorption refrigerating system. The conclusions presented in this paper may be of value to the engineering applications of the system.

Entropy Assessment on Environmental Influence of Condense Heat in Recovery System in Air-Conditioning Refrigerating Machine

This paper presented an entropy evaluation method for the influences of condense heat recovery system on the environment.Aiming at the damage of the condense heat to the environment,an entropy of resource loss and an emission entropy from the condense heat recovery system in the air conditioning refrigerating machine were introduced.For the evaluation of the entropies,we developed a new algorithm for the parameter identification,called the composite influence coefficient,based on the Least Squares Support Vector Machine method.By simulation,the numerical experiments shows that the Least Squares Support Vector Machine method is one of the powerful methods for the parameter identification to compute the damage entropy of the condense heat,with the largest training error being-0.025(the relative error being-3.56%),and the biggest test error being 0.015(the relative error being 2.5%).

A Systematic Review of Thermoelectric Peltier Devices: Applications and Limitations

Conventional refrigeration processes release ammonia and freon into the atmosphere,which results in global warming.These problems may be overcome by using thermoelectric modules because of the absence of coolants or refrigerants in these systems.However,the cooling performances of such modules are relatively small in comparison to those of conventional refrigerators.In this paper,the working principles of thermoelectric modules are discussed together with a review of different relevant aspects,namely:the thermoelectric materials,and their mechanical properties used to build thermoelectric devices,different types of thermoelectric devices available on the market,mathematical modeling of thermoelectric materials,and various applications of thermoelectric materials in different fields.

Performance optimization on finite-time quantum Carnot engines and refrigerators based on spin-1/2 systems driven by a squeezed reservoir

We investigate the finite-time performance of a quantum endoreversible Carnot engine cycle and its inverse operation-Carnot refrigeration cycle,employing a spin-1/2 system as the working substance.The thermal machine is alternatively driven by a hot boson bath of inverse temperatureβ_(h)and a cold boson bath at inverse temperatureβ_(c)(>βh).While for the engine model the hot bath is constructed to be squeezed,in the refrigeration cycle the cold bath is established to be squeezed,with squeezing parameter r.We obtain the analytical expressions for both efficiency and power in heat engines and for coefficient of performance and cooling rate in refrigerators.We find that,in the high-temperature limit,the efficiency at maximum power is bounded by the analytical valueη_(+)=√sech(2r)(1-η_(C)),and the coefficient of performance at the maximum figure of merit is limited byε_(+)=√sech(2r)(1+ε_(C))/sech(2r)(1+ε_(C))-εC)-1,whereη_(C)=1-β_(h)/β_(c)andε_(C)=β_(h)/(β_(c)-β_(h))are the respective Carnot values of the engines and refrigerators.These analytical results are identical to those obtained from the Carnot engines based on harmonic systems,indicating that the efficiency at maximum power and coefficient at maximum figure of merit are independent of the working substance.

Performance Analysis of a Solar Continuous Adsorption Refrigeration System

A study is conducted on the performances of a solar powered continuous-adsorption refrigerator considering two particular days as references cases,namely,the summer solstice(June 21st)and the autumn equinox(September 21st).The cooling capacity,system performance coefficient and the daily rate of available cooling energy are assessed.The main goal is to compare the performances of a solar adsorption chiller equipped with a hot water tank(HWT)with an equivalent system relying on solar collectors with no heat storage module.The daily cooling rates for the solar refrigerator are found to be 102.4 kWh and 74.3 kWh,respectively,on June 21st and on September 21st,using a total collector’s area of 43.47 m2.The corresponding values for the adsorption chiller equipped with a hot water tank of 2 m3(and using a total collector’s area of 72.45 m2),are 127.1 kWh and 106.13 kWh,respectively.

OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE OF THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM USING ENTROPY GENERATION MINIMIZATION METHOD

With the entropy generation minimization （EGM） method, the thermodynamical performance optimization in a thermoelectric refrigeration system is studied. The optimization is affected by the irreversibility of heat transfer caused by finite temperature differences, the heat leak between external heat reservoirs and the internal dissipation of working fluids. EGM is taken as an objective function for the optimization. The objective function and design parameters are obtained. Optimal performance curves are presented by thermal and electronic parameters. Effects of these parameters on general and optimal performances are investigated. Results are helpful in determining optimal design conditions in real thermoelectric refrigeration systems.

Performance analysis of aircraft low-power thermoelectric refrigeration system

An optimal design method for an aircraft low-power thermoelectric refrigeration system（TRS）is proposed using an existing experimental model as the research platform under given aircraft flight conditions.The variation curves of the cooling capacities and the refrigeration coefficients of the system running at three flight altitudes are investigated.The performance of the system is evaluated by the minimum-entropy-generation method and the performance penalty is also calculated.The power variation curves of the cooling system are obtained by an electric power experiment.The peak values of these curves are less than the maximal electric power supply of airborne equipment,proving that the use of the low-power TRS for airborne equipment is feasible.The COP,cooling capacity and entropy generation of the system are relative to the flight altitude and the current of the TRS.Through the analyses of these data,the optimal values of the COP are obtained,and the optimization measures are proposed to maximize the use of the advantages of the TRS.

Magnetic and magnetocaloric effect of Er_(20)Ho_(20)Dy_(20)Cu_(20)Ni_(20)high-entropy metallic glass

Er_(20)Ho_(20)Dy_(20)Cu_(20)Ni_(20)high-entropy metallic glass exhibited excellent magnetic refrigeration material with a wide temperature range and high refrigeration capacity(RC)was reported.Er_(20)Ho_(20)Dy_(20)Cu_(20)Ni_(20)high-entropy metallic glass was observed with typical spin glass behavior around 15.5 K.In addition,we find that the magnetic entropy change(-△S_(M))originates from the sample undergoing a ferromagnetic(FM)to paramagnetic(PM)transition around 20 K.Under a field change from 0 T to 7 T,the value of maximum magnetic entropy change(-△S_(M)^(max))reaches 12.5 J/kg·K,and the corresponding value of RC reaches 487.7 J/kg in the temperature range from 6 K to 60 K.The large RC and wide temperature range make the Er_(20)Ho_(20)Dy_(20)Cu_(20)Ni_(20)high-entropy metallic glass be a promising material for application in magnetic refrigerators.

Development of 400-μW cryogen-free dilution refrigerators for quantum experiments

We have successfully developed cryogen-free dilution refrigerators with medium cooling power that can be applied to quantum experiments. Breakthroughs have been made in some key technologies and components of heat switches and dilution units. Our prototype has been running continuously and stably for more than 100 hours below 10 m K, with a minimum temperature of 7.6 m K and a cooling power of 450 μW at 100 m K. At the same time, we have also made progress in the application of dilution refrigerators, such as quantum computing, low-temperature detector, and magnet integration. These indicators and test results indicate good prospects for application in physics, astronomy, and quantum information.

Optimization performance of quantum endoreversible Otto machines with dual-squeezed reservoirs

We consider a quantum endoreversible Otto engine cycle and its inverse operation-Otto refrigeration cycle,employing two-level systems as the working substance and operating in dual-squeezed reservoirs.We demonstrate that the efficiency of heat engines at maximum work output and the coefficient of performance for refrigerators at the maximum c criterion will degenerate toη-=η_(C)/(2-η_(C))andε-=(√9+8ε_(C)-3)/2 when symmetric squeezing is satisfied,respectively.We also investigated the influences of squeezing degree on the performance optimization of quantum Otto heat engines at the maximum work output and refrigerators at the maximum X criterion.These analytical results show that the efficiency of heat engines at maximum work output and the coefficient of performance for refrigerators at the maximum X criterion can be improved,reduced or even inhibited in asymmetric squeezing.Furthermore,we also find that the efficiency of quantum Otto heat engines at maximum work output is lower than that obtained from the Otto heat engines based on a single harmonic oscillator system.However,the coefficient of performance of the corresponding refrigerator is higher.

Design and application of refrigerant recoveryand fillingcontrol system based on MSP430

The control scheme of multifunctional refrigerant recovery and filling control system for air conditioning system is presented in this paper.The scheme of hardware circuit based on micro controller unit （MCU） MSP430 uses high-precision weighing sensor and high performance amplifier.The software program uses median average filtering algorithm.The device can recycle discarded refrigerant after purification and quantitative filling refrigerant.Meanwhile,the apparatus has the functions of recovery,filling,pressing,vaccumizing,refueling,etc.The system is proved to be of low cost,good stability and high practical value.

Application of water loop variable refrigerant flow air-conditioning system in large-scale buildings in northern China

A water loop variable refrigerant flow（WLVRF）air-conditioning system is designed to be applied in large-scale buildings in northern China.The system is energy saving and it is an integrated system consisting of a variable refrigerant flow（VRF）air-conditioning unit,a water loop and an air source heat pump.The water loop transports energy among different regions in the buildings instead of refrigerant pipes,decreasing the scale of the VRF air-conditioning unit and improving the performance.Previous models for refrigerants and building loads are cited in this investigation.Mathematical models of major equipment and other elements of the system are established using the lumped parameter method based on the DATAFIT software and the MATLAB software.The performance of the WLVRF system is simulated.The initial investments and the running costs are calculated based on the results of market research.Finally,a contrast is carried out between the WLVRF system and the traditional VRF system.The results show that the WLVRF system has a better working condition and lower running costs than the traditional VRF system.

Intermodal Competition: Cargo Airships versus Long-Haul Trucking for Perishable Commodities

Intermodal competition changes with changes in technology, economics, and environmental concerns. Trucks and airships are generally considered not to be competitors, but this depends on the distance of haul. The tonne-kilometer cost of trucking rises much more quickly with distance than it does the cost of a cargo airship. At some distance, the two modes are direct substitutes. The costs of the Mexico-Canada refrigerated truck supply chain are compared with the costs of a 100t-lift, electrically-powered airship. The flight characteristics of the Hindenburg Zeppelin are used as a model for a modern cargo airship. The supply chain cost of trucking tomatoes is used to test the theorical proposition. The cost difference works out to about US10￠/kg (5￠/lb) advantage for trucking Mexican tomatoes to Canada. However, this cost disadvantage of the airship could be made up by their vibrationless ride, better air circulation and one-day service versus four days by truck. This alternative form of transportation could have a positive impact on worldwide north-south distribution of food. Airships can overcome trade barriers and distance to open new markets for perishable food exports. In addition, they would reduce the carbon emissions of transport. Canada imports 160,000 refrigerated truckloads of fruits and vegetables by from the southern US and Mexico. With an average driving distance of 3,000 km, these trucks emit 606,000 MT of CO2 annually. Airships powered by hydrogen fuel cells would have zero-carbon emissions. Markets are not yet incorporating the environmental advantage of airships in any freight comparison, but inevitably this will be important.

A Review on Technologies for the Use of CO2 as a Working Fluid in Refrigeration and Power Cycles

The use of carbon dioxide as a working fluid has been the subject of extensive studies in recent years, particularly in the field of refrigeration where it is at the heart of research to replace CFC and HCFC. Its thermodynamic properties make it a fluid of choice in the efficient use of energy at low and medium temperatures in engine cycles. However, the performance of transcritical CO2 cycles weakens under high temperature and pressure conditions, especially in refrigeration systems;On the other hand, this disadvantage becomes rather interesting in engine cycles where CO2 can be used as an alternative to the organic working fluid in small and medium-sized electrical systems for low quality or waste heat sources. In order to improve the performance of systems operating with CO2 in the field of refrigeration and electricity production, research has made it possible to develop several concepts, of which this article deals with a review of the state of the art, followed by analyzes in-depth and critical of the various developments to the most recent modifications in these fields. Detailed discussions on the performance and technical characteristics of the different evolutions are also highlighted as well as the factors affecting the overall performance of the systems studied. Finally, perspectives on the future development of the use of CO2 in these different cycles are presented.

Cooling High Power Dissipating Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chips Using Refrigerant

High power dissipating artificial intelligence (AI) chips require significant cooling to operate at maximum performance. Current trends regarding the integration of AI, as well as the power/cooling demands of high-performing server systems pose an immense thermal challenge for cooling. The use of refrigerants as a direct-to-chip cooling method is investigated as a potential cooling solution for cooling AI chips. Using a vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS), the coolant temperature will be sub-ambient thereby increasing the total cooling capacity. Coupled with the implementation of a direct-to-chip boiler, using refrigerants to cool AI server systems can materialize as a potential solution for current AI server cooling demands. In this study, a comparison of 8 different refrigerants: R-134a, R-153a, R-717, R-508B, R-22, R-12, R-410a, and R-1234yf is analyzed for optimal performance. A control theoretical VCRS model is created to assess variable refrigerants under the same operational conditions. From this model, the coefficient of performance (COP), required mass flow rate of refrigerant, work required by the compressor, and overall heat transfer coefficient is determined for all 8 refrigerants. Lastly, a comprehensive analysis is provided to determine the most optimal refrigerants for cooling applications. R-717, commonly known as Ammonia, was found to have the highest COP value thus proving to be the optimal refrigerant for cooling AI chips and high-performing server applications.

Heat transfer and parametric studies of an encapsulated phase change material based cool thermal energy storage system

This work investigates the transient behaviour of a phase change material based cool thermal energy storage (CTES) system comprised of a cylindrical storage tank filled with encapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) in spherical container integrated with an ethylene glycol chiller plant. A simulation program was developed to evaluate the temperature histories of the heat transfer fluid (HTF) and the phase change material at any axial location during the charging period. The results of the model were validated by comparison with experimental results of temperature profiles of HTF and PCM. The model was also used to investigate the effect of porosity, Stanton number, Stefan number and Peclet number on CTES system performance. The results showed that increase in porosity contributes to a higher rate of energy storage. However, for a given geometry and heat transfer coefficient, the mass of PCM charged in the unit decreases as the increase in porosity. The St number as well as the Ste number is also influential in the performance of the unit. The model is a convenient and more suitable method to determine the heat transfer characteristics of CTES system. The results reported are much useful for designing CTES system.

Mixed refrigerant composition shift due to throttle valves opening in auto cascade refrigeration system

Auto cascade refrigeration(ACR) cycle with phase separators is widely used in the cryogenic system. The composition of mixed refrigerant has a great effect on the performance of the system. Based on the assumption of infinite volume of phase separator, ACR system with one phase separator is simulated in this paper. The variation of refrigerant composition under different valves opening is obtained. A related experimental system is set up to verify the variation. The result shows that when the valve opening connected to the evaporator increases or the valve opening under the phase separator decreases, the low-boiling component concentration of the working mixture passing through the compressor and condenser increases, while the high-boiling component concentration decreases. Furthermore, the variations of condensation pressure and evaporation pressure under different valves opening are also observed. This paper is helpful to deepen the understanding of ACR system.

Experimental Analysis of the Performances of Unit Refrigeration Systems Based on Parallel Compressors with Consideration of the Volumetric and Isentropic Efficiency

The performances of a refrigeration unit relying on compressors working in parallel have been investigated considering the influence of the compressor volumetric efficiency and isentropic efficiency on the compression ratio.Moreover,the following influential factors have been taken into account:evaporation temperature,condensation temperature and compressor suction-exhaust pressure ratio for different opening conditions of the compressor.The following quantities have been selected as the unit performance measurement indicators:refrigeration capacity,energy efficiency ratio(COP),compressor power consumption,and refrigerant flow rate.The experimental results indicate that the system refrigeration capacity and COP decrease with a decrease in evaporation temperature,increase of condensation temperature,and increase in pressure ratio.The refrigerant flow rate increases with the increase in evaporation temperature,decrease in condensing temperature and increase in pressure ratio.The compressor power consumption increases with the increase in condensing temperature and increase in pressure ratio,but is not significantly affected by the evaporation temperature.

Energy Efficient Predictive Control for Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle Systems

Abstract--Vapor compression refrigeration cycle （VCC） system is a high dimensional coupling thermodynamic system for which the controller design is a great challenge. In this paper, a model predictive control based energy efficient control strategy which aims at maximizing the system efficiency is proposed. Firstly, according to the mass and energy conservation law, an analysis on the nonlinear relationship between superheat and cooling load is carried out, which can produce the maximal effect on the system performance. Then a model predictive control （MPC） based controller is developed for tracking the calculated setting curve of superheat degree and pressure difference based on model identified from data which can be obtained from an experimental rig. The proposed control strategy maximizes the coefficient of performance （COP） which depends on operating conditions, in the meantime, it meets the changing demands of cooling capacity. The effectiveness of the control performance is validated on the experimental rig. Index Terms--Cooling load, model predictive control （MPC）, superheat, vapor compression refrigeration cycle （VCC）.

Thermodynamic design of a cascade refrigeration system of liquefied natural gas by applying mixed integer non-linear programming

Liquefied natural gas(LNG) is the most economical way of transporting natural gas(NG) over long distances. Liquefaction of NG using vapor compression refrigeration system requires high operating and capital cost. Due to lack of systematic design methods for multistage refrigeration cycles, conventional approaches to determine optimal cycle are largely trial-and-error. In this paper a novel mixed integer non-linear programming(MINLP)model is introduced to select optimal synthesis of refrigeration systems to reduce both operating and capital costs of an LNG plant. Better conceptual understanding of design improvement is illustrated on composite curve(CC) and exergetic grand composite curve(EGCC) of pinch analysis diagrams. In this method a superstructure representation of complex refrigeration system is developed to select and optimize key decision variables in refrigeration cycles(i.e. partition temperature, compression configuration, refrigeration features, refrigerant flow rate and economic trade-off). Based on this method a program(LNG-Pro) is developed which integrates VBA,Refprop and Excel MINLP Solver to automate the methodology. Design procedure is applied on a sample LNG plant to illustrate advantages of using this method which shows a 3.3% reduction in total shaft work consumption.