Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of an ejector refrigeration system for sustainable cooling applications.

Leveraging low-grade waste heat as an energy source has gained significant interest in recent years. Among the promising technologies for this purpose, heat-driven ejector refrigeration systems have emerged as potential solutions for industrial and commercial cooling applications. While these systems hold significant potential, their widespread adoption has been hindered by relatively low coefficients of performance (COP) and the use of environmentally harmful refrigerants. This study aims to investigate and optimize ejector refrigeration systems to enhance energy efficiency and ensure sustainable cooling solutions. It involves evaluating the influence of operating parameters and refrigerant selection on system performance, modeled using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES). A comparative analysis of the refrigerants R134a and the environmentally friendly R1234yf is conducted, focusing on key parameters to identify optimal system conditions. Our findings reveal that condensation and evaporation temperatures are crucial factors influencing system performance. While both R134a and R1234yf exhibit similar trends, R1234yf demonstrates superior entrainment ratios under specific operating conditions, making it a promising alternative for sustainable refrigeration systems.