Experimental Energetic Analysis of the Subcooler System in a Two-Stage Refrigeration Facility Driven by a Compound Compressor

Abstract

This paper presents a detailed experimental analysis of the energetic effects of using a subcooler system in a two-stage refrigeration facility driven by a compound compressor. The analysis is carried out by comparing the experimental performance of the two-stage cycle working with the subcooler system to the experimental performance of the two-state cycle working without the subcooler system in an evaporating temperature range between −36°C and −21°C and in a condensing temperature range between 31°C and 49°C using R-404A as the working fluid. Experimental results show that the amount of refrigerant used to obtain the subcooling, which is injected between the compression stages, causes an increment in the interstage working pressure, in power consumption, and in the cooling capacity of the cycle. This paper discusses and analyzes these modifications.