Proposed split-type vapor compression refrigerator for heat hazard control in deep mines

• SVCR system for heat hazard control in deep mine was proposed.
• Thermodynamic characteristic of the suction process was simulated and analyzed.
• Thermal performances of SVCR system are overall better than cooling water system.
• When the mine is not too deep and TE is not too low, SVCR is the better choice.

The thermodynamic performance of a proposed split-type vapor compression refrigerator (SVCR) for heat hazard control in a deep mine was numerically analyzed. The thermodynamic characteristics of the suction process of the proposed system were also simulated and analyzed. In the suction direction, the pressure, velocity, temperature, and specific enthalpy of R134a vapor dropped, whereas its specific volume and specific entropy rose. The variations in the superheat of the compressor inlet and the characteristics of the pressure drop of the suction process were also described in detail and analyzed. For comparison with the theoretical cycle, a variable, γ, defined as the COP ratio of the proposed system and the theoretical cycle, was presented, and the variations of γ were studied and discussed in detail. The proposed system was compared with a cooling water system and an ice slurry system, and results indicate that the thermal performance of the proposed system is better than that of the cooling water system. The thermal performance of the ice slurry system is better than that of the proposed system when a mine is sufficiently deep. However, when the mine is not too deep and the evaporation temperature, TE, is not too low, the proposed SVCR system is the better choice.