Performance of Non-Fluorocarbon-Based CO₂ Refrigeration Cycle Using Two-Phase Ejector

Abstract

A long term solution for global warming is now inevitable to mitigate the dilemma of climate change. Natural refrigerant CO₂ is one of the most viable alternatives to replace the harmful fluorocarbon-based refrigerants. This study analyzed the possible improvements in the performance of CO₂ refrigeration system using two-phase ejector. Theoretical analysis and experimental investigation were carried out at different operating conditions for both ejector refrigeration cycle and conventional vapor compression cycle using CO₂. The calculation of coefficient of performance (COP) was based on the enthalpy increase in the compressor using the measured pressure and temperature. The results of the experiment show that COP can be improved significantly using two-phase ejector. This study supports the viability of non-fluorocarbon-based CO₂ as an alternative refrigerant for the future.