Performance optimization of dual-loop cycles using R-600a and hydrocarbon mixtures designed for a domestic refrigerator-freezer

Won Jae Yoon, Kookjeong Seo, Hyun Joon Chung, Yongchan Kim

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    36 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A dual-loop cycle for a domestic refrigerator-freezer (RF) has a large energy saving potential because it has a lower compression ratio due to a higher evaporating temperature in the fresh food compartment (R)-operation compared to a conventional refrigeration cycle, as well as individual optimization flexibility for each loop. In this study, optimizations of dual-loop cycles using R-600a and hydrocarbon (HC) mixtures were individually carried out. Each optimization process included both a theoretical analysis and an experimental investigation. The theoretical analysis was conducted to optimize the specifications of cycle components and the HC mixture compositions for each loop. Based on the experimental results, the energy consumptions of the optimized dual-loop cycles using R-600a and HC mixtures were decreased by 14.2% and 18.6%, respectively, compared with that of a bypass two-circuit cycle using R-600a in the same RF platform.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1657-1667
    Number of pages11
    JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration
    Volume35
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012 Sept

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    This work was supported by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) grant funded by the Korea Government Ministry of Knowledge Economy (No. 20103010080011 ) and Korea University .

    Keywords

    • Household refrigerator
    • Hydrocarbon
    • Non-azeotropic mixture
    • Optimization
    • Performance

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Building and Construction
    • Mechanical Engineering

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