Charge optimisation of a solar milk chiller with direct current compressors

Abstract

In view of promoting the utilization of solar photo-voltaic energy for milk chilling application a custom designed milk chiller with DC compressors was fabricated. Two different DC compressors were used operating with HFC-134a and HC-600a refrigerants to ascertain the performance of HFC and HC refrigerants when used in solar powered application. In view of optimizing the performance of both refrigerants, charge optimization was experimentally carried out for both refrigerant circuits. The optimum charge was obtained based on the maximum coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency. When comparing ice formation and coefficient of performance, the HC-600a refrigerant circuit was lower than that of HFC-134a circuit. It was also observed that the total exergy destruction experienced was maximum in the HFC-134a circuit than that of the HC-600a circuit. The magnitude of exergy destruction was found to be maximum in the compressor and then followed by the condenser, evaporator and finally the capillary for both refrigeration circuits. This study showed an efficient way for using the solar power for operating a milk chiller with DC compressors and with ice bank tank to avoid the dependency on batteries.