Performance characteristics of HCFC-123 ejector refrigeration cycles

Abstract

Ejector refrigeration systems can use low grade thermal energy, at temperatures as low as 60°C, to provide space cooling. Since this waste energy is widely available and the cost of its supply is negligible in many cases, cooling costs can be lower than conventional systems, which makes the method very attractive. The present study describes a computer simulation model for ejector refrigeration systems that was developed using an existing ejector theory. This model allows for internal irreversibilities within the ejector to be included and caters for the addition of a regenerator and a precooler for improving the system coefficient of performance. The study shows that HCFC-123 is a suitable replacement for CFC-11 in this application. Results also indicate that the use of a variable geometry ejector can maintain the optimum performance of refrigeration systems when operating conditions change.