Energy-Exergy Analysis of Multistage Refrigeration System and Flash Gas Intercooler Working with Ozone-Friendly Alternative Refrigerants to R134a

Abstract

Energy and exergy analysis were carried out for ten TR multistage vapour compression cycles and a flash gas intercooler, with alternative refrigerants to R134a, namely R1234yf, R1234ze, R245fa, and R227ea. The condensing temperature varied from 40 to 50oC, while the evaporator temperature remained constant at -10oC. The irreversibility analysis shows that the highest irreversibility among all system components occurred with the compressor and then the expansion valve, flash tank, and condenser, while the evaporator had the lowest irreversibility among all components. The system with R245fa had the lowest exergy destruction, highest exergetic efficiency, and highest COP when compared with other refrigerants. Therefore, this refrigerant is a viable alternative refrigerant to R134a.