Exergy analyses of two and three stage cryogenic cycles

Abstract Cryogenics has an important influence on industry and science. In this study, optimum working conditions are obtained by applying exergy analysis and local optimization methods to two- and three-stage vapor compression cascade cryogenic cycle. The first and second laws of thermodynamics, exergy analysis, and local optimization methods are applied to the two- and three-stage cascade cryogenic cycle. By considering the needs and demands, it is possible to create new cycles by adding new devices and/or new stages to these cycles. The results of the optimum operating conditions are obtained for the two- and three-stage vapor compression cascade cryogenic cycle. It is seen that to achieve high COP values and high efficiency; it is necessary to reduce the compression ratio of the compressor as much as the fluid allows. For the two-stage cycle, the minimum total work required for cryogenic cooling is around P 7 = 2,400 kPa. The COP value is 0.30 between P 7 = 2,400 and 2,800 kPa, and the maximum exergy efficiency is obtained around 0.235. It is seen operating the first-stage compressor at high pressures increases the total losses of the entire cycle from 7,500 to 18,550 kW. The increase in total exergy losses is around 247%, and operating the first-stage compressor at high pressures increases the exergy efficiency of the entire cycle. The increase in total exergy efficiency is around 160%. When the second-stage compressor is operated at low pressure, the COP value increases by 2%, the exergy efficiency increases by 20%, and the exergy losses decrease by around 40%.