A Thermodynamic Study and Numerical Analysis of Ericsson, Brayton, and Carnot Cycles for the Thermally Regenerative Electrochemical Refrigerator

Abstract

Non-vapor compression refrigeration, the zero-global-warming-potential cooling technologies, has garnered attraction in response to the ever-increasingly severe environmental issues. The thermally regenerative electrochemical refrigerator (TRER) is one of the promising candidates because of its superior performance theoretically. Thermodynamic analysis offers efficient means to guide the utilization of cooling systems, however, that regarding TRER still lacks comprehensive investigation. This study intends to fill this gap by developing three typical thermodynamic cycles, i.e., Ericsson, Brayton, and Carnot, based on the characteristics of TREC. The corresponding analytic models are derived and the core parameters are studied. The results reveal that the temperature coefficient has a huge and different impact on different cycles. The coefficient of performance of Ericsson cycle (COPE) is proportional to it while the COP of Brayton cycle presents an inverse relationship, and these two performance curves cross to each other. The current was associated with both COPB and COPC but negligibly COPE. The effect of resistance on each cycle’s performance is negligible until it exceeds a particular value. For Carnot cycle, the effect of aforesaid factors is marginal but its performance can be improved by reducing the isentropic charging time. This study will provide useful insights into the selection and optimization of various thermodynamic cycles for thermally regenerative electrochemical refrigerators.

Keywords: Thermodynamic analysis, Advanced power cycles, TRER