Parametric Investigation and Univariant Optimization of Domestic Stirling Refrigerator

Abstract

As the temperature range of the cooling machine affects the cooling performance, parametric optimization of moderate temperature Stirling refrigerator has valuable concept. In this paper, a nonideal modified simple numerical model was used to investigate the effects of parameters and to propose optimized Stirling refrigerator design for moderate temperature applications. The analysis was conducted through simulating the numerical model using MATLAB code for beta configuration FEMTO-60 prototype operating as a refrigerator. The effects of shuttle heat loss and mass leakage on the cooling performance of domestic Stirling refrigerator have been studied. Moreover, the effects of operating parameters (operating frequency and charging pressure) and design parameters (phase angle, regenerator length and porosity, displacer height, swept volume ratio, and piston diameter to stroke ratio) have been investigated. A cooling power of 625 W and COP of 1.3 have been found at a charging pressure of 22.5 bar and an operating frequency of 6 Hz using the optimized design parameters. The optimized parameters (operating and specified design parameters) could deliver from 48% to 60% more cold production and from 30% to 40% more COP than the existing design with a safe working condition.