Hybrid solar-assisted trans-critical CO2 refrigeration cycle optimization with internal heat exchange for hot climate applications

IF 5.1 3区工程技术 Q2 ENERGY & FUELS

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Pub Date : 2025-03-07 DOI:10.1016/j.tsep.2025.103492

Mohammad Tarawneh, Emad Bani Melhem

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Abstract

Energy consumption and environmental sustainability are critical challenges, particularly in cooling systems like the trans-critical CO₂ refrigeration cycle. This study presents a novel approach combining internal heat exchanger modifications with solar PV systems to enhance COP and reduce power in Jordan’s climate. A mathematical model, designed for a nominal refrigeration capacity of 14 kW, was analyzed using Engineering Equation Solver (EES). Solar energy, harnessed through a customized photovoltaic (PV) system tailored to Jordan, powered the cycle. Key parameters studied include power consumption and coefficient of performance (COP) as functions of gas cooler pressure (8000–13000 kPa), evaporation temperature (−15 °C to 15 °C), ambient temperature (28 °C to 35 °C), and IHEX effectiveness (0.2–0.85). Results showed significant performance improvements. At an optimal gas cooler pressure of 9111 kPa, the IHEX achieved a COP enhancement of 45 %. Increasing gas cooler pressure from 8000 to 9111 kPa enhanced COP by 40 %. Lowering ambient temperature from 35 °C to 28 °C improved performance by 73 %. At an evaporation temperature of 5 °C and IHEX effectiveness of 0.8, COP increased by 16 % and 33 % compared to 0 °C and −5°C, respectively. Increasing IHEX effectiveness from 0.2 to 0.85 at 5 °C enhanced COP by 25 %. Experimental validation showed a 4 % average deviation between simulated and measured COP results. The on-grid PV system, designed using PVsyst software, met energy demands, achieving an average energy savings of 44.29 % with the IHEX cycle. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining IHEX and solar PV systems to optimize trans-critical CO₂ refrigeration in hot climates.

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来源期刊

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Chemical Engineering-Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

10.40%

发文量

327

审稿时长

41 days

期刊介绍： Thermal Science and Engineering Progress (TSEP) publishes original, high-quality research articles that span activities ranging from fundamental scientific research and discussion of the more controversial thermodynamic theories, to developments in thermal engineering that are in many instances examples of the way scientists and engineers are addressing the challenges facing a growing population – smart cities and global warming – maximising thermodynamic efficiencies and minimising all heat losses. It is intended that these will be of current relevance and interest to industry, academia and other practitioners. It is evident that many specialised journals in thermal and, to some extent, in fluid disciplines tend to focus on topics that can be classified as fundamental in nature, or are ‘applied’ and near-market. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress will bridge the gap between these two areas, allowing authors to make an easy choice, should they or a journal editor feel that their papers are ‘out of scope’ when considering other journals. The range of topics covered by Thermal Science and Engineering Progress addresses the rapid rate of development being made in thermal transfer processes as they affect traditional fields, and important growth in the topical research areas of aerospace, thermal biological and medical systems, electronics and nano-technologies, renewable energy systems, food production (including agriculture), and the need to minimise man-made thermal impacts on climate change. Review articles on appropriate topics for TSEP are encouraged, although until TSEP is fully established, these will be limited in number. Before submitting such articles, please contact one of the Editors, or a member of the Editorial Advisory Board with an outline of your proposal and your expertise in the area of your review.