Performance of ejector cooling systems using low ecological impact refrigerants

The theoretical behaviour of an ejector cooling system, using as working fluids propane, butane, isobutane, R152a and R134a, is obtained. The ejector works as a thermo-compressor that is simulated with a validated one-dimensional mathematical model, whose errors are lower than 6%. For a system unitary cooling capacity, a parametric study is carried out varying the generation, condensation and evaporation temperatures. From the obtained data, a complete analysis of the system performance can be achieved when the ejector and system operation parameters are considered. The best performance corresponds to the system using propane, because has the highest system coefficient of performance and its ejector has the maximum entrainment ratio value, the least area ratio value and the highest efficiency value. The considered generation temperature ranging from 70 °C to 95 °C is appropriate for low-grade energy sources assisting thermal cooling systems. After this system performance, come those in which R152a and R134a are employed, with isobutane and butane at the end. The obtained results represent potential design points of an efficient ejector cooling system operation, because to each combination of the above mentioned temperatures corresponds one and only one ejector geometry.     

Shadowgraph visualization of condensing R134a flow through ejectors

Accurate simulation of ejector flows has been challenging due to the difficulties in modeling two-phase supersonic flows of fluids other than air or steam at high temperature and pressure conditions. Such modeling is necessary for ejector optimization, but the models currently available have yet to be validated. A transparent ejector test section is designed, fabricated, and operated in an ejector-based chiller loop using R134a as the working fluid. Undistorted visual access allows for detailed shadowgraph visualization of the motive jet in the mixing section at various degrees of condensation. High-speed imaging is used with measured temperatures and pressures at the ejector inlets to validate available analytical and CFD models. It is found that the best modeling techniques assume that the motive flow exits the motive nozzle at full thermodynamic equilibrium, and that the k-ε RNG turbulence model in ANSYS FLUENT captures these equilibrium conditions sufficiently.     

Numerical study on optimization of ejector primary nozzle geometries

In an ejector refrigeration system (ERS), ejector acts as a compressor but without using any moving parts. To some extent, ejector performances are subjected to primary nozzle's geometries with the action of shock waves. In this paper, CFD simulation was conducted to improve the ejector performance by varying the following ejector primary nozzle's geometries and surface roughness: two angles of convergent and divergent portion, three lengths and surface roughness of throat, convergent and divergent portion. The CFD model was validated with the test results of an ERS experimental rig with working fluid of R134a. The optimum geometric parameters and surface roughness of the primary nozzle were obtained with the CFD analysis. The simulation results revealed that the throat and divergent portion of the primary nozzle should be paid more attention when designing ejector since the entrainment ratio of the ejector is rather sensitive to the length and surface roughness of these two portions.     

喷射器极限工况特性实验研究

喷射器作为热驱动喷射式制冷系统的核心部件,其性能会影响整个制冷系统的运行效率。极限工况是指喷射器从可以工作状态到不能工作状态的极端工况,对该工况下喷射器的特性研究具有重要意义。本文自行设计并搭建了以R134a为制冷剂的喷射式制冷系统极限工况的实验装置,分别对引射流体质量流量为零的极限工况下不同喷射器工作流体压力及喷射器出口背压对缩放喷嘴出口背压的影响规律进行了实验研究。结果表明:极限工况下,喷嘴出口背压同时受工作流体压力和喷射器出口背压的影响,随工作流体压力升高而降低,随喷射器出口背压升高而升高。同时,得到该喷射器在工作流体压力为1.5~3.2MPa,且喷射器出口背压在0.66~0.96 MPa范围内的最低引射流体压力,为工程应用提供参考。     

跨临界CO2两相流引射制冷系统性能实验研究

对跨临界CO2两相流引射制冷系统性能进行了实验,分析了工况及引射器几何参数对系统性能的影响,结果表明:在实验工况范围内,跨临界CO2两相流引射制冷系统制冷量和COP随气体冷却器压力的升高而升高,随气体冷却器出口温度的升高而降低。对于使用不同喉部直径喷嘴的系统,在相同工况下,引射器喷嘴喉部直径较大的系统的性能较好。对于使用不同直径混合室的系统,随着气体冷却器压力的升高,使用小直径混合室的系统COP变化较大;当气体冷却器压力较低时,使用大直径混合室的系统COP较高,而当气体冷却器压力较高时,使用小混合室直径的系统性能较好。在相同工况下,与传统跨临界CO2循环进行比较,两相流引射制冷循环系统COP最大可提高14%。     

负压钻井液振动筛气液喷射器性能的数值模拟研究

随着石油钻井技术的发展,传统钻井液振动筛不能满足现有工程需求,因此提出了一种新型负压钻井液振动筛。气液喷射器是负压钻井液振动筛的核心设备,通过它在筛网下方形成负压区域,使钻井液受振动和负压的复合作用,增大钻井液透过筛网的能力,因此其性能直接影响负压振动筛的处理效率。为了提高负压振动筛的工作效率,需要对气液喷射器的结构和工况进行合理设计。运用流体动量守恒方程,推导出恒定流动状态下气液喷射器混合室的动量方程及其性能计算方程。运用计算流体力学方法对气液喷射器内部复杂的两相流动过程进行数值模拟,并通过对比数值模拟结果与理论计算结果来验证数值模型的合理性。对不同引射流体液体体积分数、工作气体压力、喷嘴距和喷管面积比下气液喷射器的喷射效果进行数值模拟,结果表明气液喷射器的工作参数和结构参数对其喷射系数和真空度有极大的影响。根据模拟结果可知,在引射液体体积分数为30%、工作气体压力为300 kPa、喷嘴距为60 mm、喷管面积比为3.484的情况下,气液喷射器的性能达到最佳。研究结果为负压钻井液振动筛中气液喷射装置的设计和现场应用提供了理论依据。     

Experimental results with a variable geometry ejector using R600a as working fluid

Experimental results with the first laboratory scale variable geometry ejector (VGE) using isobutane (R600a) are presented. Two geometrical factors, the area ratio and the nozzle exit position, can be actively controlled. The control of the area ratio is achieved by a movable spindle installed in the primary nozzle. The influence of the spindle position (SP) and condenser pressure on ejector performance are studied. The results indicate very good ejector performance for a generator and evaporator temperature of 83 °C and 9 °C, respectively. COP varied between 0.4 and 0.8, depending on operating conditions. The existence of an optimal SP, depending on the back pressure, is identified. A comparison of the benefit of applying the variable geometry design over a fixed geometry configuration is assessed. For example, for a condenser pressure of 3 bar, an 80% increase in the COP was obtained when compared to the performance of a fixed geometry ejector.     

Combined effects of fluid selection and flow condensation on ejector operation in an ejector-based chiller

This work investigates the optimization of the coefficient of performance of an ejector-based chiller through changes in the two-phase flow characteristics inside the ejector using wet R134a and dry R245fa fluids. Reducing the superheat at the motive nozzle inlet results in a 12–13% increase in COP with a 14–16 K drop in driving waste heat temperature. The roles of momentum transfer, heat transfer, and two-phase flow on performance are delineated. The change in COP appears to be a combination of the choice of fluid and the effect of phase change on momentum transfer effectiveness. Larger degrees of condensation reduce momentum transfer effectiveness; however, energy savings from reduced motive superheating compensates for the effect of condensation, and causes a net increase in COP. It is recommended that ejector-based chillers be operated such that the motive nozzle inlet is near saturation, and dry fluids like R245fa are used to improve performance.     

Performance analysis of a two-stage mechanical compression–ejector cooling cycle intended for micro-trigeneration system

This paper provides the results of a performance analysis of a two-stage mechanical compression–ejector cooling cycle. In the proposed cooling system the compression process is realized in two stages: by a mechanical compressor as the first stage and by an ejector as the second stage. Ammonia (R717) is investigated as the working fluid for the cooling system in the present study. The influence of the middle pressure, and evaporating and condensing temperatures on the characteristics of the cooling system is analyzed. Based on the obtained results a pilot small-scale two-stage refrigeration unit with cooling capacity of 10 kW intended for application in micro-trigeneration systems is designed.     

Drop-in replacement in a R134 ejector refrigeration cycle by HFO refrigerants

The present work reports a numerical analysis of a single-phase supersonic ejector working with R134a as well as hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants R1234yf and R1234ze(E). Comparisons were made regarding the ejector performances under varying operating conditions and refrigerant mixture proportions. The calculations have been then extended to an existing ejector heat driven refrigeration cycle (EHDRC). R1234yf appears to be a good candidate for drop-in replacement of R134a in a real EHDRC, while using R1234ze(E) would induce some modifications due to its thermodynamic properties. Maintaining the same pressure ratio for the ejector would lead on one hand to better entrainment ratio using R1234ze(E) and on the other hand to reduced coefficient of performance (COP) and cooling power by 4.2% and 26.6% in average, respectively. Using R1234yf under the same conditions induces a decrease of 5.2% for the entrainment ratio, 9.6% for the COP and 19.8% for the cooling power in average.     

Working fluids comparison and thermodynamic analysis of a transcritical power and ejector refrigeration cycle (TPERC)

The combined power and cooling cycles driven by waste heat and renewable energy can provide different kinds of energy forms and achieve a higher thermodynamic efficiency. However, only a few researchers have focused on the improvement of temperature matching between the heat source and working fluid. This paper proposes a transcritical power and ejector refrigeration cycle (TPERC) to improve temperature matching between the heat source and working fluid. Based on the modelling of the TPERC system, a comparison of working fluids and the effects of system parameters on the cooling capacity, work output, thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency are discussed. The results show that of the seven working fluids selected, R1234ze has the largest thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency, principally due to having the highest critical temperature. At the identical turbine back pressure, condensing temperature and evaporation temperature, the turbine inlet temperature and its corresponding generation pressure have little impact on thermal efficiency.     

Thermodynamic comparison of ejector cooling cycles. Ejector characterisation by means of entrainment ratio and compression efficiency

Most of the energy consumed in cooling cycles comes from fossil fuels, whose reserves are becoming depleted. The aim of this article is to show the potential benefits of using ejectors in cooling systems to improve its energetic efficiency. A review of different configurations of ejector cooling systems has been carried out for being compared against a conventional compressor cycle. The same cooling capacity and working conditions were imposed by using refrigerants R134a, R1234yf and R600a. The results showed that the Coefficient of Performance could increase up to 26%. Ejectors have been characterised by correlations of entrainment ratio and a new definition of ejector compression efficiency. Those correlations have been obtained by means of a pseudo-one dimensional method of ejector analysis. Ejector cooling systems were proven to be a potential alternative to conventional vapour compression cycles.     

Theoretical analysis and optimization of a hybrid CO2 transcritical mechanical compression – ejector cooling cycle

The paper provides the results of a design-theoretical study of a hybrid carbon dioxide (CO₂) transcritical mechanical compression – ejector cooling cycle. The hybrid cooling cycle is a combination of a CO₂ transcritical mechanical compression refrigeration machine (MCRM) powered by electricity, and an ejector cooling machine (ECM) driven by heat rejected from the CO₂ cooling cycle. Refrigerants R245ca, R601b (neopentane) and R717 (ammonia) are investigated as the working fluids of ECM in the present study. A method to determine the optimal design parameters and performance of the hybrid cooling cycle is presented. It is shown, that efficiency growth of the transcritical CO₂ cooling cycle due to ejector cooling cycle use is higher as evaporating temperatures are lower.     

两级蒸发对跨临界CO_2引射制冷系统影响的实验研究

两级蒸发引射制冷循环中通过二级蒸发器不仅能调节引射器出口干度还能提高系统效率。通过改变第二蒸发器冷冻水流量对两级蒸发引射制冷系统进行实验研究,并与改变引射器面积比的调控效果进行比较。结果表明:在实验工况范围内,气冷器压力、第一蒸发器压力和压缩机流量都随第二蒸发器冷冻水流量的增加而增大;而且引射器面积比越大,气冷器压力越高而蒸发器压力和压缩机流量越低。同时,系统引射系数随第二蒸发器冷冻水流量的增加而降低,而制冷量和COP则升高,尤其是在小引射系数下,系统制冷量和COP提高的更为明显。本研究为引射循环提供了另外一种良好的调控思路。     

Experimental study of an R1234ze(E)/R134a mixture (R450A) as R134a replacement

This work presents an experimental analysis of a non-flammable R1234ze(E)/R134a mixture (R450A) as R134a drop-in replacement. While R134a has a high GWP value (1430), the R450A GWP is only 547. The experimental tests are carried out in a vapour compression plant equipped with a variable-speed compressor. The replacement suitability has been studied combining different operating conditions: evaporation temperature, condensation temperature and the use of an internal heat exchanger (IHX). The drop-in cooling capacity of R450A compared with R134a is 6% lower as average. R450A COP is even higher to those resulting with R134a (approximately 1%). The discharge temperature of R450A is lower than that of R134a, 2K as average. The IHX has a similar positive influence on the energy performance of both fluids. In conclusion, R450A can be considered as a good candidate to replace R134a.     

Theoretical energy performance evaluation of different single stage vapour compression refrigeration configurations using R1234yf and R1234ze(E) as working fluids

R1234yf and R1234ze(E) have been proposed as alternatives for R134a in order to work with low GWP refrigerants, but this replacement results generally in a decrease of the performance. For this reason, it is interesting to explore ways to improve the system performance using these refrigerants. In this paper, a comparative study in terms of energy performance of different single stage vapour compression configurations using R1234yf and R1234ze(E) as working fluids has been carried out. The most efficient configuration is the one which uses an expander or an ejector as expansion device. On the other hand, using an internal heat exchanger in a cycle which replaces the expansion valve by an expander or an ejector could produce a detrimental effect on the COP. However, for all the configurations the introduction of an internal heat exchanger produces a significant increment on the cooling capacity.     

制冷工况下蒸汽喷射器性能的数值模拟

介绍蒸汽喷射器的工作原理,并根据喷射器的结构特点,建立蒸汽喷射器三维数值模型,分析工作参数、结构参数等对喷射器性能的影响。结果表明：对于确定几何参数的蒸汽喷射器,喷射系数随引射蒸汽压力的增大而增大,随蒸汽出口压力的增大而减小,并存在最优的工作蒸汽压力（8kPa）;当工作参数和其他结构参数一定时,喷射系数随等截面混合段长度的增大而减小。     

A study of working fluids for heat driven ejector refrigeration using lumped parameter models

This paper studies the influence of working fluids over the performance of heat driven ejector refrigeration systems performance by using a lumped parameter model. The model used has been selected after a comparison of different models with a set of experimental data available in the literature. The effect of generator, evaporator and condenser temperature over the entrainment ratio and the COP has been investigated for different working fluids in the typical operating conditions of low grade energy sources. The results show a growth in performance (the entrainment ratio and the COP) with a rise in the generator and evaporator temperature and a decrease in the condenser temperature. The working fluids have a great impact on the ejector performance and each refrigerant has its own range of operating conditions. R134a is found to be suitable for low generator temperature (70–100 °C), whereas the hydrocarbons R600 is suitable for medium generator temperatures (100–130 °C) and R601 for high generator temperatures (130–180 °C).     

Development and validation of a micro-fin tubes evaporator model using R134a and R1234yf as working fluids

This paper presents a model of shell and tube evaporator with micro-fin tubes using R1234yf and R134a. The model developed for this evaporator uses the ε-NTU method to predict the evaporating pressure, the refrigerant outlet enthalpy and the outlet temperature of the secondary fluid. The model accuracy is evaluated using different two-phase flow boiling correlations for micro-fin tubes and comparing predicted and experimental data. The experimental tests were carried out for a wide range of operating conditions using R134a and R1234yf as working fluids. The predicted parameter with maximum deviations, between the predicted and experimental data, is the evaporating pressure. The correlation of Akhavan– Behabadi et al. was used to predict flow boiling heat transfer, with an error on cooling capacity prediction below 5%. Simulations, carried out with this validated model, show that the overall heat transfer coefficient of R1234yf has a maximum decrease of 10% compared with R134a.     

An investigation on the component efficiencies of a small two-phase ejector

This paper presents an investigation on the component efficiencies of a small two-phase ejector. The experiments are firstly carried out to test the operation characteristics of a small two-phase ejector working with R600a. Combining the measured experimental data with an ejector model, a calculation method for the component efficiencies of the small two-phase ejector including the motive nozzle, mixing chamber and diffuser is proposed. The results reveal that the ejector component efficiencies vary obviously with geometric parameters and operational conditions. The motive nozzle, mixing chamber and diffuser efficiencies vary from 0.513 to 0.750, 0.492 to 0.755 and 0.610 to 0.734 under the studied conditions, respectively. Moreover, three empirical correlations for the above mentioned component efficiencies are summarized. The present study is hoped to be useful for the modeling and design of the two-phase ejector and contributes to the further researches on the variable characteristics of ejector component efficiencies.