Performance optimization of generalized irreversible refrigerator based on a new ecological criterion

Abstract

On the basis of the exergy analysis, a performance optimization is carried out for a generalized irreversible refrigerator model, which takes into account the heat resistance, heat leakage and internal irreversibility losses. A new ecological criterion, named coefficient of performance of exergy (COPE), defined as the dimensionless ratio of the exergy output rate to the exergy loss rate, is proposed as an objective function in this paper. The optimal performance factors which maximize the ecological objective function have been discussed. Numerical examples are given to explain the influences of heat leakage and internal irreversibility on the generalized and optimal performances. This new ecological criterion may be beneficial for determining the reasonable design of refrigerators. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.