TO-2721 -- Analysis of a Rankine Cycle Air-Conditioning System PDF

Rankine cycle heat engines are being considered for various solar energy applications as shortage in conventional energy sources grow acuter. In this investigation a Rankine cycle air-conditioning system using R-114 in the power cycle and R-22 in the vapor compression cycle has been analyzed. Prediction of the system performance was achieved by developing mathematical models of the various system components and developing generalized thermodynamic functions for predicting the thermodynamic properties of working fluids in the cycle. Performance curves of system coefficient of performance as a function of system parameters were presented. From these curves, simple mathematical expressions of system COP as a function of system parameters were also developed. Based on the results obtained, it was found that the system was more sensitive to vapor compression cycle condenser temperature than other system parameters. This finding suggests that system performance could be significantly improved by using two separate condensers for the power and vapor compression cycles.