Thermodynamic optimisation of a booster-ejector vapour compression refrigeration system using solar energy and R152a/Cu nano-refrigerant

Conventional vapour compression refrigeration systems require high electrical energy for low temperature applications. For the first time in the literature to reduce this required energy, comprehensive thermodynamic analysis and optimization of booster-assisted ejector expansion vapour compression refrigeration system with R152a/Cu nano-refrigerant are presented for low-temperature applications. Solar panels are used to cover the total compressor work, using the climate data of Izmir, Turkey. According to the thermodynamic optimization findings, the use of nanoparticles in the refrigeration system led to several improvements when compared to the R152a refrigeration system. These enhancements include a reduction of 6.52-11.71% in the main compressor discharge temperature, a decrease of 18.46-34.48% in the total exergy destruction rate, an increase of 3.084.04% in the entrainment ratio, a reduction of 0.089-3.25% in the ejector area ratio, a decrease of 8.34-14.27% in the panel area, and an increase of 8.09-14.05% in both the coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency. Another thing worth mentioning is that coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency improved by 2.06% and 1.96%, respectively, while total exergy destruction reduced by 4.83% compared to our previous study. The results obtained from the thermodynamic optimisation provide a useful reference for the design of an experimental system, as they provide evidence of model validity and can guide the implementation of the system.

Automated summary

For the first time, comprehensive thermodynamic analysis and optimization of a booster-assisted ejector expansion vapor compression refrigeration system with R152a/Cu nano-refrigerant are presented to reduce the high electrical energy requirement for low temperature applications. The use of nanoparticles in the system led to improvements such as decreased main compressor discharge temperature, reduced total exergy destruction rate, increased entrainment ratio, decreased ejector area ratio, decreased panel area, and increased coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency. The results of thermodynamic optimization provide useful guidance for system design and implementation.