PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF VAPOR COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Abstract

This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of dedicated mechanical subcooled vapor compression refrigeration (DMS-VCR) system, focusing on their performance, optimization, and environmental implications in commercial chiller applications. The research aims to conduct a thorough analysis of the DMS-VCR system, considering aspects such as energy, exergy, environment and economic (4E analysis). The findings reveal promising prospects for the DMS-VCR system in enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency in refrigeration applications. Notably, significant reductions in power consumption and CO2 emissions are observed compared to equivalent vapor compression refrigeration system, suggesting its potential to mitigate environmental impacts associated with traditional cooling technologies. Specifically, the proposed system reduces compressor power consumption by 10.45% and CO2 emissions by 10.43%. Moreover, thermoeconomic optimization demonstrates that the DMS-VCR system offers lower annual operating costs, being 6.72% more cost effective than conventional VCR system. Optimization further yield additional cost reductions of 1.88% (in Case-I) and 16.36% (in Case-II), highlighting its economic viability. The thesis incorporates advanced exergy analysis (AEA) methodologies, including coefficient of structural bond (CSB) analysis, to further investigate the DMS-VCR system's performance. CSB values for various system components provide insights into their efficiency and contributions to irreversibility rates. Additionally, AEA techniques identify the system's potential performance and areas for optimization. By enhancing component parameter efficiency, it is possible to reduce irreversibility rates and improve system performance significantly. Furthermore, while the DMS-VCR system may require slightly higher initial investment due to additional heat exchanger area requirements, the long-term operational cost savings and environmental benefits outweigh the initial capital expenditure. Thermoeconomic optimization allows for independent optimization of key components, resulting in lower annual operating costs compared to equivalent vapor compression systems. The present work majorly is based on the theoretical investigation of DMS-VCR system; however, a prototype experimental test facility has been developed for the vi | P a g e preliminary analysis of DMS-VCR system to provide confidence in the theoretical finding. The experimental result showed that the COP of the VCR system is improved in the range of 3.05 to 3.69 (for different Sets of reading) due to subcooling with inclusion of DMS technique. In summary, this thesis offers a comprehensive overview of multiple studies conducted on the DMS-VCR system, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the refrigeration industry by offering more energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and economically viable cooling solutions.