Thermodynamic analysis of a liquid-flooded Ericsson cycle cooler

A novel approach to implementing a gas Ericsson cycle heat pump was developed. The concept, termed a liquid-flooded Ericsson cooler (LFEC), uses liquid flooding of the compressor and expander to approach isothermal compression and expansion processes. Analytical models of liquid-flooded compression and expansion processes were developed using ideal gas, constant specific heat, and incompressible liquid assumptions. Special considerations for use of positive displacement compressors with fixed volume ratios are detailed. The unique behavior of a liquid-flooded compressor was explored, including the discovery of an optimum liquid flooding rate that minimizes compression power. A computer model of the LFEC cycle was developed using ideal gas, incompressible liquid, and constant specific heat assumptions. The model was used for a thorough parametric study. The purpose of the study was to explore the feasibility of the concept, identify the optimum operating parameters, and to provide a basis for the design of an experimental system.