Transcritical Carbon Dioxide Refrigeration as an Alternative to Subcritical Plants

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (R744) is as a valid alternative to classical substances such as HFCs used in vapour compression plants. A transcritical refrigeration cycle is needed because the critical temperature of carbon dioxide is usually lower than the ambient temperature. In this chapter the performances of a transcritical cycle have been evaluated with a prototype R744 system working as a classical spit-systems to cool air. An experimental analysis has been carried out on the effect of: refrigerant charge, internal heat exchanger, heat rejection pressure on the energetic performances of the transcritical plant. An experimental analysis of a hybrid trans-critical refrigerator-desiccant wheel system has been carried out in order to improve the COP. The experimental transcritical cycle has been examined in comparison with a classical vapour compression plant working with the R134a.