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.

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.

Effect of an Internal Heat Exchanger on the Performances of a Double Evaporator Ejector Refrigeration Cycle

A theoretical investigation is presented about a double evaporator ejector refrigeration cycle(DEERC).Special attention is paid to take into account the influence of the sub-cooling and superheating effects induced by an internal heat exchanger(IHX).The ejector is introduced into the baseline cycle in order to mitigate the throttling process losses and increase the compressor suction pressure.Moreover,the IHX has the structure of a concentric counter-flow type heat exchanger and is intentionally used to ensure that the fluid at the compressor inlet is vapor.To assess accurately the influence of the IHX on the DEERC performance,a mathematical model is derived in the frame of the dominant one-dimensional theory for ejectors.The model also accounts for the friction effect in the ejector mixing section.The equations of this model are solved using an Engineering Equation Solver(EES)for different fluids.These are:R134a as baseline fluid and other environment friendly refrigerants used for comparison,namely,R1234yf,R1234ze,R600,R600a,R290,R717 and R1270.The simulation results show that the DEERC with an IHX can achieve COP(the coefficient of performance)improvements from 5.2 until 10%.

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.

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.

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.

Rare Earths and Magnetic Refrigeration

Magnetic refrigeration is a revolutionary, efficient, environmentally friendly cooling technology, which is on the threshold of commercialization. The magnetic rare earth materials are utilized as the magnetic refrigerants in most cooling devices, and for many cooling application the Nd2Fe14B permanent magnets are employed as the source of the magnetic field. The status of the near room temperature magnetic cooling was reviewed.

Experimental Study of Air Conditioning Unit of Evaporative Cooling Assisted Mechanical Refrigeration

The evaporative cooling,which assists the refrigeration machinery air-conditioning systems test-rig,has been designed.Its structure and working principle were described,and the performance test was conducted and analyzed.The test shows that making full use of the evaporative cooling "free cooling" in Spring and Autumn seasons can fully meet the requirements of air-conditioned comfort through the switch of the function in different seasons.Taking into account the evaporative cooling fan and pump energy consumption,compared with the traditional mechanical refrigeration system,more than 80 percent of energy can be saved,and the energy efficiency ratio of the Unit(EER)is as high as 7.63.Using the two stages of indirect evaporative cooling to pre-cool the new wind in summer,under the conditions of the same air supply temperature requirements,0.83 kg/s chilled water saved can be equivalent to the traditional mechanical refrigeration system,and when the new wind ratio up to 50 percent,more than 10 percent load was reduced in mechanical refrigeration system.The overall EER increased about 35 percent.

Design of structure and control system of semiconductor refrigeration box

In order to create low temperature environment for the valve testing,a new type of semiconductor refrigeration box based on semiconductor refrigeration chip and programmable logic controller(PLC)control system is designed.The power of the semiconductor refrigeration chip is determined by calculating the heat dissipation characteristics of the semiconductor refrigeration box.Combining natural convection heat dissipation with forced air cooling,the heat sink of semiconductor refrigeration chip is designed.In the control strategy,switch control is combined with an intelligent control strategy.Adaptive single neuron optimization algorithm based on quadratic optimization is adopted to adjust and optimize the parameters of the proportional-integral-derivative(PID)controllers in real time.Taking into account the limited hardware capabilities of the PLC,the Jacobian information in parameter adjustment is redesigned into a simplified form of identification.The actual test results of refrigeration box show good control performance.

Breakdown characteristics of CF4 and CF4/N2 hybrid gas in refrigeration temperature range

Common insulation gas cannot normally work in refrigeration temperature range(153-243 K), especially in extremely cold regions. To solve this problem, this essay uses cubic equation combined with two-parameter model in theorem of corresponding states to estimate dew-point of hybrid gas. The influence of temperature on mixing ratio is studied by using van der Waals equation. The result shows that the mixing ratio is stable during temperature-fall period. Insulation property of CF_4 and CF_4/N_2 in refrigeration temperature range is studied through self-designed low-temperature test system. The result shows when the density of hybrid gas is invariable, temperature changing has less influence on breakdown voltage, and when the mixing ratio is 20%, CF_4/N_2 is the greatest potential hybrid gas.

Research of refrigeration system for a new type of constant temperature hydraulic tank

Different from the traditional hydraulic oil cooling method,a new type of constant temperature oil tank cooling system based on semiconductor refrigeration technology is designed. This paper studies the principle of semiconductor refrigeration and establishes a heat transfer model. Semiconductor cooler on piping refrigeration is simulated,and influence of the parameters on the outlet temperature,such as pipe pressure difference of inlet and outlet,pipe length,pipe radius,are gotten,and then hydraulic tank semiconductor refrigeration system is proposed. The semiconductor refrigeration system can control temperature at 37 ± 1°C.

Magnetic hysteresis and refrigeration capacity of Ni-Mn-Ga alloys near Martensitic transformation

This paper studies the magnetic hysteresis and refrigeration capacity of Ni-Mn-Ga alloys in detail during heating and cooling isothermal magnetisation processes. The Ni-Mn-Ga alloys show larger magnetic hysteresis when they trans-form from austenite to martensite, but smaller magnetic hysteresis when they transform from martensite to austenite. This behaviour is independent of either the pure Ni-Mn-Ga alloys or the alloys doped with other elements. Because of the existence of the magnetic hysteresis, the relation between the magnetic entropy change and refrigeration capacity is not simply linear. For practical consideration, magnetocaloric effect of Ni-Mn-Ga alloys should be investigated both on cooling and heating processes.

Exergy Analysis of a Double-Effect Solar Absorption Refrigeration System in Ngaoundere

Solar energy is replacing more and more traditional sources of energy because of the fact that it’s also fighting about global warming. This study is based on exergy analysis of a double-effect series flow absorption refrigeration system powered by solar energy in Ngaoundere. The simulation is done on the basis of a half hourly analysis for the first time, from 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM, using water-lithium bromide as working pair. The main parameters for the performance of an absorption cycle, which are the COP and the ECOP, have been analyzed and the results show that this two parameters increase while increasing the temperature of the main generator. The exergy loss of each component of the system and the total exergy loss of the system have been analyzed and their effectiveness calculated, using the first and second law of thermodynamics. The highest exergy loss occurs in the main generator GI and in the absorber, making these components more important in an absorption cycle. This analysis is based on a mathematical model using FORTRAN?language. The results obtained may be useful for the optimization of solar absorption refrigeration systems.

Thermodynamic Calculation and Analysis of Biomass Energy Applied in the NH_3/He Absorption Refrigeration System

[Objective] The study aimed to discuss the factors influencing the application of shaping biomass energy in the NHJHe absorption re- frigeration system. [ Method] In the NHJHe absorption refrigeration system, the thermodynamic analysis of semi-gasification furnace based on sec- tional combustion technology and absorption refrigeration system was performed. [ Result] Biomass could burn cleanly and efficiently in the semi- gasification furnace, which can reduce the environmental pollution caused by the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels. The heating power of the furnace for the absorption refrigeration system could not be too high, so biomass energy and other low-grade energy can be used as heat sources, which opens up a new way for the utilization of biomass energy. [ Conclusion] Biomass energy was applied successfully in the absorption refrigera- tion system.

Refrigeration system synthesis based on de-redundant model by particle swarm optimization algorithm

Simultaneous optimization of refrigeration system(RS)and its heat exchanger network(HEN)leads to a large-scale non-convex mixed-integer non-linear programming(MINLP)problem.Conventionally,researchers usually adopted simplifications to confine problem scale from being too large at the cost of reducing solution space.This study established an optimization framework for the simultaneous optimization of RS and HEN.Firstly,A more comprehensive and compact model was developed to guarantee a relatively complete solution space while reducing model scale as well as its solving difficulty.In this model,a tandem arrangement of connecting sub-coolers and expansion valves was considered in the superstructure;and the pressure/temperature levels were optimized as continuous variables.On this basis,we proposed a"two-step transformation method"to equivalently transform the cross-level structure into a no n-cross-level structu re,and the de-redundant superstructu re was established with ensuring comprehensiveness and rigor.Furthermore,the MINLP model was developed and solved by Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm.Finally,our methodology was validated to get better optimal results with less CPU time in two case studies,an ethylene RS in an existing plant and a reported propylene RS.

Entropy Analysis of Vapor-Compression Refrigeration System by Using the Second Law of Thermodynamics

By means of the Second Law of Thermodynamics,thispaper gives out the entropy analysis method for vapor-comperession refrigeration system.The thermal irrevers-ibility of the system charged with R12 and its hopeful al-ternative refrlgerant R134a have been studied respective-ly.On the basis of all the research results of this paper,the measure used to save energy for vapor-compressionrefrigeration system has been put out.

Study on Gd-Al-Dy System Magnetic Refrigeration Materials

d-Al-Dy system materials were prepared by the technique of powder sintering. Twolayers gradient function materials with compositions of (Gd_0.9Dy_0.1)_3Al_2 and Gd_3Al_2 respectively were studied. The results show that the Curie temperature (Tc) of the monolayer material decreases with the increment of Dy content. The Tc values of the twolayer gradient function material agree well with the layer numbers and corresponding to Dy content. For the Tc gradiently changed twolayers Gd-Al-Dy system material, its ΔSm changes smoothly with temperature. Therefore, the magnetic refrigeration is improved.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON R134A AIRBORNE VAPOR-COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

The airborne high power electrical equipments have been widely used in modern aircrafts , which consequently causes the dramatic increase of heating load up to dozens of kilowatts.Accordingly , vapor-compression refrigeration system ( VCRS ) with lower engine bleed air and larger refrigeration capacity has been paid much attention in recent years.Therefore , based on the analysis of the characteristics of VCRS , an experiment system of VCRS using R134ais set up to simulate operation performances.The influences of different parameters including evaporation pressure , condensing pressure , refrigerant mass flow rate and compressor rotation speed are also investigated.The impacts of different parameters on the system performance are various.This work can help to establish the specific control law under different work conditions.

Recent Progress of Magnetic Refrigeration Technique Near Room Temperature

The recent progress of magnetic refrigeration technique at room temperature, especially in magnetic refrigerant materials with respect to Gd-Si-Ge, La-Fe-Si, Mn-Fe-P-As which has GMCE was reported. Also the recent progress in magnetic refrigerator design was reviewed.