Design and experimental analysis of a carbon dioxide transcritical chiller for commercial refrigeration

Carbon dioxide is an interesting solution for commercial refrigeration and in perspective for air-conditioning systems. In this paper a newly developed carbon dioxide transcritical air cooled chiller for refrigerating propylene glycol down to −8 °C supply temperature is described. The aim of the project was at optimising the cycle energy efficiency while assuring reliable operation and simple management of the unit. The carbon dioxide optimal pressure issue is addressed with an innovate system architecture and control logic. Using a flash tanks and two electronic valves, the optimal cycle upper pressure was maintained in transcritical operation mode. The managing of the valves allows the refrigeration machine efficiency improvement when the gas cooler inlet air allows subcritical working conditions. A simulation model of the chiller was developed and its results validated with experimental data. A measurement campaign was carried out, testing the chiller at external temperatures ranging from 18 to 35 °C, the unit energy efficiency ranging from 3.1 to 2.0.