Thermodynamic analysis of a dual-nozzle ejector enhanced refrigeration cycle for domestic refrigerator/freezer application

This paper presents a modified dual-nozzle ejector enhanced vapor compression refrigeration cycle with R290/R600a for domestic refrigerator/freezer application. A dual-nozzle ejector and two separators are utilized to achieve expansion work recovery during both throttling processes in a two-circuit refrigeration cycle. Thus, this modified cycle can contribute to an enhancement of cycle performance. The system behaviors of proposed cycle are evaluated theoretically and compared with those of basic vapor compression refrigeration cycle by the energy and exergy analysis. The calculation results show that proposed cycle outperforms basic cycle due to higher coefficient of performance(COP) and exergy efficiency. The COP of presented cycle can be improved 28% compared with basic cycle under the given working conditions. And most components of modified cycle show lower exergy destruction than that of basic cycle, which brings 26.0% enhancement in exergy efficiency. In general, the modified cycle can achieve better cycle performance. Moreover, the COP of the modified cycle shows a rise–fall trend, attaining its maximum value at an R290 concentration of 0.4. The theoretical results reveal the energy saving potential of the modified cycle and its application perspective in domestic refrigerator/freezer.