Thermodynamic Performance Evaluation of Internal Heat Exchanger in a Compressor-Driven Ejector Heat Pump System

  • John Carlo Garcia Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
  • Menandro Berana Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines

Abstract

This study provides a theoretical analysis of the effect of an internal heat exchanger (IHX) on an ejector heat pump system. An internal heat exchanger is placed between the intermediate-pressure and high-pressure sides of the system. The performance of the systems with and without IHX is evaluated using the coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency. The results show that the ejector heat pump system with IHX has a higher heating capacity, coefficient of performance, and exergy efficiency. The introduction of IHX also increases the reliability of the compressor by ensuring that only vapor refrigerant enters the component. The performance of five refrigerants, namely R32, R290, R407c, and R410a, are compared. Among the refrigerants observed, R134a has the highest coefficient of performance (7.17), while R32 has the highest exergy efficiency (68.73%). The effects of evaporating and condensing temperatures to the system with IHX are also investigated. It is found out that the evaporating temperature has a significant effect on both the coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency.

 

Keywords— ejector, heat pump, COP, exergy analysis

Published
2021-12-14
Issue
Vol 42 No 2 (2021)
Section
Articles