The most popular refrigeration system concept, consisting of at least: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator.
Published in Chapter:
Expansion Power Recovery in Refrigeration Systems
Alison Subiantoro (TUM CREATE, Singapore) and Kim Tiow Ooi (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
Copyright: © 2015
|Pages: 32
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-8398-3.ch019
Abstract
Vapor-compression systems are the most popular method of refrigeration. However, the throttling loss at the expansion valve is one of the “energy parasites” of such systems. This is especially acute in systems with large operating pressure differences like the transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems. In this chapter, a method to solve this issue by using an expander to recover the expansion energy of refrigeration systems is explained. Relevant research works are then discussed to provide a general overview about the state of the art technology. Various types of expander mechanisms, including reciprocating, rolling piston, rotary vane, scroll, screw, turbine, swing piston and revolving vane, are discussed. Works on the various aspects of expanders are also discussed. These include heat transfer, exergy analysis, expansion process, internal leakage, lubrication, integration with refrigeration systems and the economic aspects.