I.

Introduction

Exergy is the potential to convert energy into work. Unlike energy, exergy can be

destroyed. The destruction is proportional to the increase in entropy of the system together

with its surrounding. Moreover, exergy is a combination property of a system and its

environment because it depends on the state of both the system and the environment. A

system in equilibrium with the environment has zero exergy and is said to be in dead state.

Exergy analysis is best applied for system optimization with the objective of

increasing the overall system efficiency. In addition, exergy analysis usually aims to

determine the maximum performance of the system and identify the equipment in which

exergy loss occurs, and indicates the possibilities of thermodynamic improvement of the

process under consideration..

Vapour-compression cycles are the most commonly used method of cooling.

Basically, vapour-compression refrigeration employs a heat engine running in reverse manner

wherein heat is taken from a cold reservoir and deposited into a hot reservoir. However, heat

does not spontaneously transfer from a cold to hot reservoir as stated by the second law of

thermodynamics. In order to have the direction of heat transfer that way, we have to do work

on the system.

. Exergy is a property that takes into account the state of the system and the

environment. Therefore, vapour-compression refrigeration system are best analysed by

exergy analysis since it is transferring heat into the environment. In this paper we try to do an

exergy analysis of a vapour-compression refrigeration cycle. We try to get the values of

exergy destroyed and changes in exergy of the different components of a vapour-compression

refrigeration cycle and analyse the result.

II. Methodology

To give an overview on how a vapour-compression refrigeration cycle works, the

figure below is given and explained.

4 3
Condenser

Throttle
valve Compressor

1 Evaporator 2

The figure above shows us the different stages of the vapour-compression

refrigeration cycle. First, the refrigerant enters the compressor as a gas under low pressure

and temperature. The refrigerant is compressed adiabatically and leaves the compressor at

high pressure and temperature. Then the refrigerant enters the condenser where it is

condensed. The condenser is in contact with the heat reservoir of the refrigeration system.

Heat is released in the condensation process. The refrigerant leaves as a high pressure liquid

then goes to the throttling valve. The refrigerant is pushed in the throttling valve which

causes it to expand and result to a reduction in pressure and temperature. The low pressure

and temperature refrigerant goes to the evaporator. Since the refrigerant is in low pressure, it

is able to boil at low temperature and evaporates. Heat is absorbed from the cold reservoir in

this process. The refrigerant leaves the evaporator as low temperature and pressure gas and

goes back again to the compressor to complete the cycle.

A. Exergy Analysis of Individual Components

In making en exergy analysis for vapour-compression refrigeration cycle, we first

state the different assumptions for the four components namely compressor, condenser,

throttling valve and evaporator.

Assumptions for Compressor and Throttling valve

1. This is a steady-flow process since there is no change with time.

2. Kinetic and potential energy changes are negligible.

3. The process is adiabatic and thus heat transfer is negligible.

Assumptions for Evaporator and Condenser

1. This is a steady-flow process since there is no change with time.

2. Kinetic and potential energy changes are negligible

Our main objective in this exergy analysis is to compute for the exergy destroyed and

change in exergy. Exergy destroyed is equivalent to irreversibility and work lost. In

computing for irreversibility of a process, we first compute for the different thermodynamic

properties needed. These are the enthalpies and entropies at the given conditions of the mass

flowing through the system. Then we can compute for the entropy generation of the process

by doing a steady flow entropy balance for each of the component.

S in S out S gen S system 0 (1)

Rate of net
Rate of net Rate of
entropy
entropy entropy
transfer by
transfer by generation
heat and
heat and
mass
mass

After getting S gen we can now solve for the irreversibility of the process by using the Gouy-

Stodola-equation;

(2)
 I T0 Sgen

After getting the irreversibility, I of each component, the next thing we are going to compute

are the changes in exergy. Since all the components are assumed open and steady flow

systems, we can make the exergy analysis by deriving the equation for change in exergy for

open and steady flow systems.

W

1 m Irreversible m 2
processes

Q at T

Considering each components of the vapour-compression cycle as open and steady flow

systems as shown in Fig 2,

We try to derive the equation we are going to use in solving the changes in exergy for each

component.

Applying the first law of thermodynamics:

2 2
mV1 mV 2
H1 mgz 1 Q12 H 2 mgz 2 W12 (3)
2 2

Second law of thermodynamics:

2 dQ
S1 S2 Sgen
1
T

Or
 2 dQ
T0 (S1 S2 ) T0 T0Sgen I
(4)
1
T

From Eqs. (3) and (4),

V 2 V12
mg(z 2 z1 ) 1
2 T0
H 2 H1 T0 (S 2 S1 ) m 2 dQ W1 2 I
2
1
T

Or

2 T0
A 2 A1 1 dQ W1 2 I (5)
1
T

In the form of rate equation at steady state,

T0
1 T Q j Wcv m(a f1 a f2 ) I cv 0 (6)
j j

where,

V1 V2
2 2
a f1 a f2 (H1 H 2 ) T0 (S1 S2 ) g(Z 1 Z 2 ) (7)
2

For a single stream entering and leaving, the exergy balance is given by:

T0 Q W I
1 a f1 a f2
T m m m

Rearranging,

T Q W I
a f2 a f1 1 0 (8)

T m m m
Change in
exergy Exergy Exergy Exergy
transfer with transfer Destruction
heat with work
 We will be using Eq. (8) in computing the changes in exergy for each component of

the vapour-compression refrigeration cycle.

Then we try to compute the exergy efficiencies of each component. The formulas to be used

are given for each component.

Compressor Condenser Throttle Valve Evaporator

Wrev Wrev Wrev Wrev

ex ex ex ex
W W W W

B. Exergy Analysis of VCR System

For the exergy analysis of the whole vapour-compression refrigeration system, we

will try to compute for the exergy efficiency. This can be computed by using the following

equations:

W rev
exergy
WC

Where,

Wrev = reversible work (minimum) required by the system

WC = actual work input for the compressor

The reversible work (minimum) required by the system is equivalent to the ideal work. It is

that of a Carnot engine operating between the temperatures of the refrigerated space (TC) and

the temperature of the surroundings (T0).

T TC
W rev QC 0
TC
where QC = refrigeration rate

The actual work on the compressor can be computed by first doing an energy balance on the

compressor;

For steady flow,

E in E out

KE PE 0 ,
Since Q

m(H H )
WC 3 2

III. Results and Discussion

By applying the different procedures and equations we discussed in the methodology,

we try to make an exergy analysis of the problem given below.

A vapour compression refrigeration cycle system operates on the cycle of Fig. 1. The

refrigerant is tetrafluoroethane. Given that the evaporation t = 0(F), the condensation t =

80(F), (compressor) = 0.76, and the refrigeration rate = 300(Btu)(s)-1.

Make an exergy analysis. Assume that the refrigeration effect maintains a heat reservoir at

a temperature 10(F) above the evaporation temperature and that T0 is 10(F) below the

condensation temperature.

Exergy Analysis of Individual Components

Since the temperature of the refrigerated space, TC or internal heat reservoir is 10(F) above

the evaporation temperature,

TC T2 10 0 10 10F 459.67 469.67R

Also, the temperature of the surroundings, T0 is 10(F) below the condensation temperature,

T0 T4 10 80 10 70F 459.67 529.67R

For saturated liquid and saturated vapour at the evaporation temperature T1 = 0F + 459.67 =

459.67 R, we try to get the values of Hliq, Hvap, Sliq and Svap.

From Table 9.1,

Btu
H vap H 2 103.015
lb m

Btu
S vap S2 0.22525
lb m R

Btu
H liq 12.090
lb m

Btu
Sliq 0.02744
lb m R

For saturated liquid at the condensation temperature T4 = 80F + 459.67 = 549.67R, we get

the values of H4 and S4.

From Table 9.1,

Btu
H 4 37.978
lb m

Btu
S4 0.07892
lb m R

Because the throttling process of step 1 to 4 is isenthalpic, H1 = H4,

 Btu
H1 37.978
lb m

To solve for S1, we first get the fraction of liquid tetrafluoroethane that actually evaporated in

the evaporator, x.

H1 H liq x(H 2 H liq )

Solving for x,

H1 Hliq 37.978 - 12.090

x 0.285
H2 Hliq 103.015 12.090

Btu
S1 Sliq x(S 2 Sliq ) 0.02744 0.285(0.22525 0.02744) 0.08382
lb m R

If the compression step is reversible and adiabatic (isentropic) from saturated vapour at state

2 to superheated vapour at state 3, S3 = S2.

Btu
S3 S 2 0.22525
lb m R

Table 9.1 shows that at T4 = 80F, tetrafluoroethane condenses at 101.37 psia. The enthalpy

from Fig. G.2 at S2 and pressure of 101.37 psia can be interpolated from S = 0.22 to 0.24 for

more accuracy.

Entropy, S (Btu/lbmR) Pressure,P (psia) Enthalpy, H (Btu/lbm)

0.22000 101.37 114

0.22525 101.37 H3

0.24000 101.37 126

Table 1.1. Data from Fig G.2 (P H diagram for tetrafluoroethane, HFC 134a)

Interpolating,

H 3 114 126 114

0.22525 0.22000 0.24000 0.22000

Btu
H 3 117.15
lb m

and the enthalpy change is,

H S H 3 H 2 117.15 103.015 14.135 Btu

lb m

Since the compressor efficiency is 0.76, the actual enthalpy change for step 2 to 3 is given by:

H S 14.135 Btu
H3 H 2 18.60
0.76 lb m

Btu
H 3 18.60 H 2 18.60 103.015 121.615
lb m

To get S3, we still refer on Fig. G.2 and to get S3 with more accuracy we try to interpolate

given the following data:

Enthalpy, H (Btu/lbm) Pressure,P (psia) Entropy, S (Btu/lbmR)

100 101.37 0.19000

121.615 101.37 S3

122 101.37 0.23500

Table 1.2. Data from Fig G.2 (P H diagram of tetrafluoroethane, HFC -134a)

S3 0.19000 0.23500 0.19000

121.615 100 122 100

Btu
S3 0.23421
lb m R
A summary of the entropies and enthalpies for the 4 states in the vapour-compression

refrigeration cycles is presented below.

State Enthalpy, H (Btu/lbm) Entropy, S (Btu/lbmR)

1 37.978 0.08382

2 103.015 0.22525

3 121.615 0.23421

4 37.978 0.07892

Table 1.3. Summary of the computed enthalpies and entropies for the different state in the

vapour compression refrigeration cycle.

We try to get the circulation rate using Eq. (9.4):

Qc 300 lb m
m 4.61
H2 H4 (103.015 37.978) s

Now we try to calculate the second law efficiency, change in exergy, exergy destroyed for

each of the individual step of the vapour compression refrigeration cycle.

A. Evaporator

Assumptions: The process is steady flow since there is no change with time. Changes in

potential and kinetic energy are negligible.

The entropy generation in the evaporator is given by;

Btu
300
QC
mS2 S1
lb m Btu s
S gen 4.61 (0.22525 0.08382)
TC s lb m R 469.67R

Btu
S gen 0.01325
sR
Then the irreversibility/lost work/exergy destroyed is,

I 529.67R(0. 01325 Btu ) 7.02 Btu

sR s

Since W = 0,

I 7.02 Btu
Wrev
s

The change in exergy of the evaporation process is expressed using Eq. 1;

T Q W
I
a f2 a f1 1 0
T m m
m

Since W 0 ,

Btu Btu
T Q 300 7.02
I 459.67R s s
a f2 a f1 1 C C 1
T0 m 529.67R
m lb lb
4.61 m 4.61 m
s s

Btu
a f2 a f1 7.08
lb m

B. Compressor

(insert figure)

Assumptions: This is a steady-flow process since there is no change with time. Kinetic and

potential energy changes are negligible. The process is adiabatic and thus heat transfer is

negligible.

We try computing the lost work/irreversibility/exergy destruction of the compressor.

 0.
For steady flow process and adiabatic operation of the compressor, Q

Q
S gen m( S 3 S 2 )
T0

S gen 4.61 m 0.23421 0.22525

lb Btu Btu
0.04131
s lb m R sR

I T S 529.67R 0.04131 Btu 21.88 Btu

sR
0 gen
s

Then we try to get the actual power input (W) to the compressor by doing an energy balance

for steady flow process,

E in E out

KE PE 0 ,
Since Q

lb
(H 3 H 2 ) 4.61 m 121.615 103.015
m Btu Btu
WC 85.75
s lb m s

Now we solve for the minimum work input required (reversible) for the compressor,

W
W I 85.75 21.88 Btu 63.87 Btu
rev
s s

Solving for the change in exergy of the tetrafluoroethane which is the difference between the

inlet and exit flow exergies in the compressor,

By Eq,

T Q W I
a f3 a f2 1 0 0
;Q
T m m m
 Btu Btu
85.75 21.88
W I s s
a f3 a f2
m
m lbm lbm
4.61 4.61
s s

Btu
a f3 a f2 13.85
lbm

C. Condenser

(insertfigure)

Assumptions: The process is steady flow since there is no change with time. Changes in

potential and kinetic energy are negligible.

The heat rejected in the condenser is,

m(H H ) 4.61 lb m (37.978 121.615) Btu 385.57 Btu

Q H 4 3
s lb m s

Then the entropy generation in the condenser is given by;

S gen mS4 S3 H
Q
T

Btu
385.57
S gen 4.61 m 0.07892 0.23421
lb s 0.01206 Btu
s 529.67R sR

Solving for irreversibility/lost work/exergy destroyed,

I W
X Btu Btu
destroyed T0Sgen 529.67R(0. 01206) 6.39
sR
lost
s

Since W 0 ,
 I 6.39 Btu
Wrev
s

Then the change in exergy of the condensing process is given by Eq. 1 with work, W 0 ;

T Q W I
a f4 a f3 1 0
T m m m

Btu Btu

T0 Q I 529.67R 385.57 s 6.39
s
a f4 a f3 1 H 1
T m m 539.67R 4.61 m
lb lb
4.61 m
s s

Btu
a f4 a f3 2.936
lb m

D. Throttle Valve

(insertfigure)

Assumptions: This is a steady-flow process since there is no change with time. Kinetic and

potential energy changes are negligible. The process is adiabatic and thus heat transfer is

negligible.

0.
For steady flow process and adiabatic operation of the throttle valve, Q

Q
S gen m
(S 1 S 4 )
T0

S gen 4.61 m 0.08382 0.07892

lb Btu Btu
0.02259
s lb m R sR

Solving for irreversibility/lost work/exergy destroyed,

I W
X Btu Btu
destroyed T0Sgen 529.67R 0.02259 11.97
sR
lost
s
Solving for actual work for the throttling process,

(H1 H 4 ) 4.61 m 37.978 - 37.978

m lb Btu Btu
W 0
s lb m s

Solving for reversible work (maximum),

I W
W 0
; W
rev

Btu
Wrev I 11.97
s

The change in exergy for the throttling process is given by;

T Q W I
a f1 a f4 1 0
T m m m

Since W Q 0 ,

Btu
I 11.97
a f1 a f4 s 2.5965 Btu

m lb lb m
4.61 m
s

To have a better analysis of the vapour-compression refrigeration cycle, we try to tabulate the

different data we have solved.

Component Exergy Destroyed, I % Change in Exergy, a f

(Btu/s) (Btu/lbm)

Evaporator( Step 12) 7.02 14.85 7.08

Compressor (Step 23) 21.88 46.30 13.85

Condenser (Step 34) 6.39 13.52 -2.936

Throttle Valve (Step 41) 11.97 25.33 -2.597

 Total 47.26 100

Table 1.

Exergy analysis is best used in determining which component of a certain

process has the highest exergy destroyed which is basically a result of irreversibility. The

table above gives us the computed values for exergy destroyed and changes in exergy of the

four components of a vapour-compression refrigeration cycle. As we can see, it is in the

compressor where most exergy is destroyed. This also implies that this component has the

greatest entropy generation due to the irreversibility of the process. Now that we know that

the compressor has the highest exergy destroyed, we can focus all our efforts on improving

this component. By doing this, we can improve the overall efficiency of the process.

Exergy of the inputs and outputs for each of the components of a system is a

good way of doing an exergy analysis of the process. But usually we are more interested in

the change in exergy from the beginning to the end of the process. The third column of the

table above gives us the changes in exergy of the different components of the vapour-

compression refrigeration system. For the evaporator and compressor, the changes in exergy

are positive. This means that the exergy in these two components increases. The increase in

exergy of the evaporator is due to the heat QC added. It is because when we add heat to a

system, we increase its ability to do work. For the compressor, the increase in exergy is due

to the work input. This also means that as we do work on a system, we increase its ability to

do work.

Changes of exergy for the condenser and throttle valve are negative. This

implies that the exergy of the system decreases. This can be simply explained by saying that

there is no heat or work is input to the condenser or throttle valve which can increase the
ability of the two systems to do work. The decrease in exergy is a result of the amount of

exergy destroyed due to the irreversibility of the process.

Although the change in exergy in the condenser is positive, it is still the

component of the system where most exergy is destroyed. The increase in exergy could be

greater if the exergy destroyed is lower. That could be made possible by optimization of the

temperature of the refrigerant coming out from the evaporator (inlet stream) and having a

compressor with higher efficiency.

Since the Compressor and the Throttling Valve contributed the most on the total

exergy destroyed, we try to know the sources of irreversibility and possible ways on how to

reduce the exergy destroyed on the two components.

Component Sources of Irreversibility Ways of Improvement

Compressor Hot inlet streams Reduce the temperature of

inlet streams or between the

stages by intercoolers

Throttling Valve Pressure Drop Replace by a steam turbine

(for temperatures greater than

ambient)

Table 1.

Exergy Analysis of VCR System

We try to compute for the reversible work (minimum) required by the process using Eq.

().
 T TC Btu 529.67 R 469.67 R Btu
W rev QC 0 300 38.32
TC s 469.67 R s

We have solved for the actual work input of the compressor previously and it is given as,

Btu
W C 85.75
s

Then the exergy efficiency of the whole process is,

Btu
38.32
W rev s 0.447 44.7%
exergy
WC Btu
85.75
s

This exergy efficiency measures the thermodynamic perfection degree of the vapour-

compression refrigeration system. We can have higher exergy efficiency if the exergy

losses on each component are reduced.