Performance analysis of a novel solar-assisted hybrid ejector-vapor compression refrigeration cycle

In order to improve the performance of conventional single-loop vapor compression refrigeration cycle(VCRC), a novel solar-assisted hybrid ejector-vapor compression refrigeration cycle(ECRC) was proposed which combined with conventional VCRC and solar-driven ejector refrigeration. Firstly, a subcooler was applied to combine ejector cycle and VCRC in ECRC. Solar panels was utilized to collect solar energy, and then solar-driven ejector cycle was utilized to increase subcooling degree of main refrigeration cycle. As a result, the performance of ECRC was improved by increasing the refrigeration capacity. Secondly, a thermodynamic model was established for the ECRC. The physical property parameters of refrigerant were obtained by the database of REFPROP software and the performance of ECRC was calculated by FORTRAN program. Finally, the influence of evaporation temperature and other parameters on cycle performance was studied. The results show that compared with VCRC, the coefficient of performance(COP) and the volumetric refrigeration capacity of ECRC increases by 10.4% and 13.6% in the proposed operating conditions, respectively. There is an optimal intermediate temperature and COP of ECRC reaches the maximum of 5.50 when the intermediate temperature is 20 ℃. In the proposed operating conditions, the entrainment ratio and pressure lift ratio can reach the maximum value of 1.09 and 1.87, respectively. Evaporation temperature, condensation temperature and intermediate temperature have a significant impact on the performance of the ejector. Reducing evaporation temperature and intermediate temperature or increasing condensation temperature can increase pressure lift ratio and reduce entrainment ratio of ejector. © 2021, Central South University Press. All right reserved.