Evaluation de la performance du cycle Joule pour les applications à basse température.

Considerations made prior to the building of an air cycle for low-temperature applications are described. The performance of different system layouts has been evaluated. The final system layout is based on evaluation of available key components comprising oil-free compression and expansion devices, heat exchangers, gearboxes and electric motors. In June 1999, a demonstration plant using the standard components available on the market was built. The cycle may be competitive although non-optimised standard components were used. Available test results and operational experiences are presented and discussed. Future optimisation of industrial applications are discussed and a comparison is made in relation to traditional freezing systems.