Thermodynamics applied to reverse cycle machines, a review

A review of reverse cycle machines thermodynamics is proposed. It is shown how starting from equilibrium thermodynamics at the beginning, a new appraisal was proposed since 1980, and developed until now. Particular emphasis is put on vapour compression reverse machines (mainly refrigerating machines and heat pumps), but also on three or quadrithermal configurations, that appear as the most promising alternative to vapour compression machines today. However other machines alternatives are considered shortly. The main features of this review are: the usefulness of thermodynamics to develop more significant upperbounds for various optimization criterions concerning reverse cycle machines and their possible interrelation. The importance of irreversibilities in characterization of reverse cycle machines is enlighten too. Complementary studies are proposed in the field of exergoeconomy and environmental concern.