Performance improvement of vapour compression refrigeration system using phase change material and thermoelectric generator

Abstract

The current study analyses how to boost the coefficient of performance (COP) of a vapour compression refrigeration system by introducing phase change material (PCM) and thermoelectric generator (TEG) into the system. The subcooled refrigerant was achieved by extracting heat through PCM in a separate PCM chamber positioned between the condenser and expansion valve. The heat stored in the PCM was provided to the TEG's hot side, while the cold side was served by an aluminium vessel carrying the condensed water yield accumulated from the evaporator coils. Electric power was generated due to the temperature difference on both sides of the TEG. Overall, the employment of PCM and TEG in a vapour compression refrigeration system boosted the cooling effect and COP while reduced the net amount of work required. The percent reduction in net-work required and the percent improvement in refrigeration system COP were 4% and 7%, respectively.

Keywords

• Phase change materials
• Vapour compression refrigeration
• Condenser
• TEG