Thermodynamic modeling and performance assessment of a domestic refrigeration system using selected hydrocarbon refrigerants with varying condenser lengths

Résumé

Because of the effects of climate change, there has been a major drive toward the development of energy-efficient refrigeration systems. Refrigeration systems are optimized to fulfill the requirements of environmental preservation and energy conservation. In this study, the thermodynamic modeling and simulation of a domestic refrigerator with varying condenser lengths (2.5 and 5 m) and selected hydrocarbon refrigerants [liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and isobutane (R600a)] were examined using the CYCLE_D-HX software. The performance parameters investigated include power consumption, heat rejection rate, overall heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, and coefficient of performance (COP). The results of the study show that the least cabinet temperature (−11 °C) was reached by the refrigerator when operated with R600a and a condenser length of 5 m. The average COP of the system when using LPG is approximately 4.42% higher than that of R600a with a condenser length of 2.5 m, whereas the average COP when using LPG is approximately 4.07% higher than that of R600a with a condenser length of 5 m. The average power consumption of the system with LPG is approximately 3.75% lower than that of R600a at a condenser length of 5 m, whereas it is approximately 16.02% lower than that of R600a when a condenser length of 2.5 m was used. The average heat rejection rate of the system with R600a is 1.23% higher than that of LPG with a condenser length of 2.5 m, whereas the average heat rejection rate with R600a is 1.85% higher than that of LPG with a condenser length of 5 m. The average overall heat transfer coefficient of the system with R600a is 0.98% greater than that of LPG with a condenser length of 2.5 m. Conversely, it is 1.39% greater than that of LPG with a condenser length of 5 m. On the basis of the results of this study, the system performed best with LPG (with a condenser length of 2.5 m) in terms of COP and power consumption, whereas R600a (with a condenser length of 5 m) performed best in terms of cooling capacity and heat rejection rate from the condenser.

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