International Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration

The Society of Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers of Korea (대한설비공학회)
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Evaluation of Liquid Pressure Amplifier Technology

  • Reindl Douglas T. (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison) ;
  • Hong Hiki (School of Mechanical and Industrial System Engineering, KyungHee University)
  • Published : 2005.09.01
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Abstract

Liquid pressure amplifiers have been proposed as an energy saving technology for vapor compression refrigeration systems configured with direct-expansion evaporators. The technology utilizes a refrigerant pump in the high pressure liquid line as a means of maintaining a suitable pressure differential across the expansion valve while lowering condensing pressure to achieve the reduction of compressor energy consumption. Applications have been proposed on systems ranging from small unitary air-conditioning to large supermarket and commercial refrigeration systems. This paper clarifies the role of such a device in a vapor compression refrigeration system. Limitations are presented and discussed. Finally, results of detailed analyses are presented to quantify the energy consumption both with and without a liquid pressure amplifier in a unitary air conditioning system. The estimated energy savings associated with the installation of a liquid pressure amplifier are minimal.

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References

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