Thermodynamic optimization principle for open inverse Brayton cycle (refrigeration/heat pump cycle)

A thermodynamic model for an open inverse Brayton cycle (refrigeration or heat pump cycle) with pressure drop irreversibilities is established. There are seven flow resistances (or pressure drops) encountered by the working fluid stream for the inverse Brayton cycle. Two of these, the friction through the blades and vanes of the compressor and the expander, are related to the isentropic efficiencies. The remaining flow resistances are always present because of the changes in flow cross-section at the compressor inlet and outlet, heat exchanger inlets and outlets and expander inlet and outlet. The analytical formulae about the cooling load of refrigeration cycle, the heating load of heat pump cycle and other coefficients are derived, which indicate that the thermodynamic performance for open inverse Brayton cycle can be optimized by adjusting the mass flow rate (or the distribution of pressure losses along the flow path). It is shown that there are optimal air mass flow rates (or the distribution of pressure losses along the flow path) which maximize the cooling load of refrigeration cycle, and the optimal air mass flow rates are smaller than the one at the maximum power output of the direct Brayton cycle.