Experimental Investigation of Performance Enhancement of a Vapor Compression Refrigeration System by Vortex Tube Cooling

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the difference in operation of the vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) system with vortex tube cooling. By using varied loads, experiments were conducted on the evaporator section of a vapor compression refrigeration system. In an attempt to improve the use of subcooling for the refrigeration, the effect of subcooling of refrigerant by vortex tube cooling was likewise examined. The test conditions included various loads (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and cold mass fractions (25%, 50% and 75%). This research described coefficient of performance (COP) as one of the significant parameters, in addition to heat rejection and refrigerating effect. The ideal efficiency appeared to be with the cold mass fraction of 25% and load of 100%, as identified by the results. Consequently, the COP could be enhanced by 5.16% along with an approximately 4.36% decline in average power use. Improved guidelines for vapor compression refrigeration systems to enhance the operation of the system are an expected benefit of this study.