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Performance investigation of a solar-driven ejector refrigeration cycle

B. Saleh (Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia and Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt)
Ayman A. Aly (Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia and Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt)
M. Alsehli (Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia)
M.M. Bassuoni (Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia and Mechanical Power Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Egypt)
A. Elfasakhany (Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia)

World Journal of Engineering

ISSN: 1708-5284

Article publication date: 20 August 2019

Issue publication date: 20 September 2019

153

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the performance and working fluids screening for an ejector refrigeration cycle (ERC) activated by solar energy. Several common and new hydrofluorocarbons, hydrocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins and hydrofluoroethers are proposed as refrigerants for the ERC to determine the most appropriate one.

Design/methodology/approach

The ejector performance is characterized by the ejector area ratio (EAR) and entrainment ratio (ω), while the cycle performance is described by the coefficient of performance (COP). The influences of many working parameters like the evaporator, condenser and generator temperatures on the ejector and cycle performances are investigated for all candidates as well.

Findings

The results indicate that the best ejector and cycle performances are attained with the highest critical temperature dry refrigerant, i.e. R601 under all studied working conditions. From the perspective of energy efficiency and environmental issues, R601 can be considered the most appropriate working fluid amongst all candidates. However, extra attention should be considered against its flammability. The maximum COP, the corresponding ω and the necessary EAR using R601 are 0.743, 1.02 and 15.5, respectively, with 25 ºC condenser temperature and the typical values for the rest operating conditions.

Originality/value

Many common and new hydrofluorocarbons, hydrocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins and hydrofluoroethers are suggested as working fluids for the ERC to determine the most appropriate one. The mixing process inside the ejector constant-area section is assumed constant-pressure process.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This study is supported by Taif University under research grant 1-439-6073. The authors would like to thank Taif University for the financial support.

Citation

Saleh, B., Aly, A.A., Alsehli, M., Bassuoni, M.M. and Elfasakhany, A. (2019), "Performance investigation of a solar-driven ejector refrigeration cycle", World Journal of Engineering, Vol. 16 No. 5, pp. 625-635. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-03-2019-0088

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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