Thermodynamic analysis of a linear compressor vapour compression system

Abstract

Linear compressors are advantageous in terms of miniaturization, high efficiency, and continuous operation without a crank mechanism. The drop-in replacement for R134a in domestic refrigerators is R1234yf. This study aims to investigate the linear compressor thermodynamic performance in vapour compression system with R1234yf by modelling and measuring key parameters such as pressure-volume (P-V) diagram, refrigerant distribution, mass flow rate, volumetric efficiency, cooling capacity, and coefficient of performance (COP). Results show that at 40 °C condenser temperature and 2 pressure ratio, the linear compressor vapour compression system achieved a maximum 299.1 W cooling capacity, which gives 4.12 COP. The thermodynamic analysis calculations are in good agreement to the results of experimental measurements, verifying the accuracy of the model.