Entropy 2004, 6[3], 316-326
Entropy
ISSN 1099-4300
http://www.mdpi.org/entropy/

Optimal Cooling Load and COP Relationship of a Four-Heat-Reservoir Endoreversible Absorption Refrigeration Cycle

Lingen Chen1,*, Tong Zheng1, Fengrui Sun1 and Chih Wu2

1 Faculty 306, Naval University of Engineering, Wuhan 430033, P.R. China.
2 Mechanical Engineering Department, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD21402, USA.
* To whom all correspondence should be addressed:
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Received: 5 April 2004 / Accepted: 14 June 2004 / Published: 15 June 2004

Abstract: On the basis of a four-heat-reservoir endoreversible absorption refrigeration cycle model, another linear heat transfer law [i.e., the heat-flux] is adopted, the fundamental optimal relation between the coefficient of performance (COP) and the cooling load, as well as the maximum cooling load and the corresponding COP of the cycle coupled to constant-temperature heat reservoirs are derived by using finite-time thermodynamics or thermodynamic optimization. The optimal distribution of the heat-transfer surface areas is also obtained. Moreover, the effects of the cycle parameters on the COP and the cooling load of the cycle are studied by detailed numerical examples. The results obtained herein are of importance to the optimal design and performance improvement of an absorption refrigeration cycle.

Keywords: finite time thermodynamics; thermodynamic optimization; four-heat-reservoir endoreversible absorption refrigeration cycle; optimal performance.


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