Experimental Analysis and Optimization of an R744 Transcritical Cycle Working with a Mechanical Subcooling System

Daniel Sánchez, Jesús Catalán-Gil, Ramón Cabello, Daniel Calleja-Anta, Rodrigo Llopis and Laura Nebot-Andrés
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Daniel Sánchez: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
Jesús Catalán-Gil: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
Ramón Cabello: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
Daniel Calleja-Anta: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
Rodrigo Llopis: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
Laura Nebot-Andrés: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction, Jaume I University, E-12071 Castellón, Spain

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 12, 1-27

Abstract: In the last century, the refrigerant R744 (carbon dioxide) has become an environmentally friendly solution in commercial refrigeration despite its particular issues related to the low critical temperature. The use of transcritical cycles in warm and hot countries reveals the necessity of adopting different configurations and technologies to improve this specific cycle. Among these, subcooling methods are well-known techniques to enhance the cooling capacity and the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the cycle. In this work, an R600a dedicated mechanical subcooling system has been experimentally tested in an R744 transcritical system at different operating conditions. The results have been compared with those obtained using a suction-to-liquid heat exchanger (IHX) to determine the degree of improvement of the mechanical subcooling system. Using the experimental tests, a computational model has been developed and validated to predict the optimal subcooling degree and the cubic capacity of the mechanical subcooling compressor. Finally, the model has been used to analyze the effect of using different refrigerants in the mechanical subcooling unit finding that the hydrocarbon R290 and the HFC R152a are the most suitable fluids.

Keywords: R744; CO 2; transcritical; subcooling; IHX; R600a; R290; R152a; R1234yf (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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