Performance analysis of a refrigeration cycle using a direct contact evaporator

This research work studies an ice thermal energy storage having an injectio n of R12 refrigerant into the water to exchange heat directly. The water te mperature decreases to the freezing point and ice is formed. The ice is use d for creating chilled water for an air-conditioning purpose. The system co nsists of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and a direct contac t evaporator. This system has a capacity of approximately 2 tons of refrige ration. The system simulation created from the mathematical model of each c omponent has been carried out. It was found that the performance of the sys tem depends on two factors, the compressor speed and the mass flow rate of the refrigerant. The suitable conditions are 8-10 rps for the compressor sp eed and 0.04-0.06kgs(-1) for the mass flow rate. The coefficient of perform ance is about 3.4-3.6 which is higher than that of the conventional system. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.