Ecological optimization criterion for an irreversible three-heat-source refrigerator

On the basis of a new irreversible three-heat-source refrigerator model, an ecological optimization criterion is proposed for the best mode of operati on of the refrigerators, which consists of maximizing a function representi ng the best compromise between the cooling rate and entropy production rate . We investigate the ecological optimization performance and derive the opt imal cooling rate, coefficient of performance and entropy production rate f or the refrigerators. Moreover, there are some advantages in using the ecol ogical optimization criterion; it is especially beneficial for determining the reasonable use of energy and protecting the ecological environment. The conclusions obtained here are of importance in the optimal design and reas onable use of the energy of real three-heat-source refrigerators, such as a bsorption refrigerators, adsorption refrigerators, and so on. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.