Theoretical analysis of the optimal ejector operation and design within an ejector-based refrigeration system

Optimal operation and design of ejectors are the subject of recent concerns, especially for the enhancement of refrigeration and heat pump cycles based on natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide. In this study, a thermodynamic analysis of an ejector-based refrigeration cycle is performed to determine both what operating pressures lead to the highest physically possible performance depending on the ambient conditions, and what are the main dimensions of the ejector leading to the best performance at a given ambient temperature. A state-of-the-art thermodynamic model for the prediction of the ejector performance is for the first time utilized to generate reliable operation and performance maps of the ejector cycle. Most notably, it is found that the optimal coefficient of performance is not necessarily found when the ejector operates at critical conditions but mostly when the device is under off-design regime, depending on the ejector internal efficiency and the hot side temperature. In addition, the analysis reveals that the performance of the cycle is not highly sensitive to the throat area ratio of the ejector given that the latter lies within an acceptable range. Those findings contribute to getting a better understanding of how the cycle benefits from the ejector and define design and control strategies for the cycle.