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Experimental investigation of a vapor-injected reciprocating compressor for use in a multi-evaporator domestic refrigerator/freezer.

Number: 1488

Author(s) : LIANG C., BENADOF D. A., LIU H., BRAUN J. E., GROLL E. A., ZIVIANI D.

Summary

Domestic refrigerators account for approximately 4% of all energy consumed worldwide and mainly rely on vapor compression cycles to operate. To enable smarter, more versatile, and more energy efficient systems, advanced cycle architectures are of interest. In our previous work, a multi-evaporator vapor-injected cycle architecture has been investigated, and initial assessments estimated nearly 13% reduction in power consumption compared to a baseline existing system. Then, a mechanistic vapor-injected reciprocating compressor model was developed to investigate the design trade-offs and injection location and timing. Modeling results showed up to 10.7% decrease in specific work required and a parametric study revealed the importance of injection timing on the compressor efficiency. The current paper describes the design and initial test results for a prototype of the vapor-injected reciprocating compressor. A fast-acting solenoid and in-line check valve are connected and mounted directly on the cylinder wall to reduce dead volume during compression. The solenoid valve is controlled using the crank angle measurement from a Hall-effect sensor detecting a series of specifically placed magnets on the crankshaft. The prototype compressor was tested using a hot-gas-bypass compressor test stand under different suction, discharge and injection pressures. The experimental results show the prototype compressor’s specific work was reduced by up to 25% during vapor-injected operation compared to its single-stage operation with no injection. The results also showed the specific work reduction increased with an increase of injection pressure when condensing and suction pressures were fixed.

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  • Original title: Experimental investigation of a vapor-injected reciprocating compressor for use in a multi-evaporator domestic refrigerator/freezer.
  • Record ID : 30033622
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2024 Purdue Conferences. 27th International Compressor Engineering Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2024/07/18

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