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Air cycle refrigeration: back to the future?

Author(s) : FLEMING A. K.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Air cycle refrigeration may prove suitable for food tunnel freezing. Advantages over conventional systems include no fan power required for an open circuit air cycle, and lower temperature air. COP comparisons are shown against vapour-compression systems. These favour the air system if the high compressor discharge temperature can be used as a heat source. Comparisons are also made using 1, 2, or 3 air compressor stages. Difficulties arise due to water vapour freezing also CO2 at below sublimation temperatures. Both can be removed by driers and absorption filters respectively. Several commercial developments are described, one from 1970, one from Russia with aircraft type compressor and expander and a current production from the USA. Although running costs may be 20-30% higher than conventional systems, they are lower than liquid nitrogen freezers while achieving similar low food dehydration losses. D.W.H.

Details

  • Original title: Air cycle refrigeration: back to the future?
  • Record ID : 1997-0762
  • Languages: English
  • Source: IRHACE J. - vol. 7 - n. 6
  • Publication date: 1995/11
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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