Pregled tehnika za poboljšanje učinkovitosti rashladnih sustava

Enhancing the efficiency of refrigeration and air conditioning systems contributes to more energy-efficient buildings and yields significant environmental benefits. Technological innovation has been a key driver in improving the performance of refrigeration systems. This article reviews tested strategies for optimising the performance of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, which remain among the most energy-intensive end uses in both residential and non-residential buildings. It reveals that the search for alternatives to ozone-depleting and high-global-warming refrigerants during this transitional period should focus not only on environmentally friendly refrigerants but also on those that are energy-efficient and possess a higher coefficient of performance than the refrigerants they replace. In addition, the potential benefits of retrofitting should be examined as a means of improving system performance. While the installation of new systems may be required to achieve superior environmental control and energy performance, such an approach often entails a high initial cost. Nevertheless, it may ultimately prove to be the most cost-effective solution over the equipment’s lifespan. This article explores two prominent applications of nanotechnology that can enhance heat transfer in refrigeration systems. Other cutting-edge technologies, such as the use of ejectors, internal heat exchangers, and cascade systems are discussed for their capacity to significantly improve system performance. Overall, this work offers a comprehensive assessment of viable methods for enhancing the performance of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, providing valuable insights for researchers in the field.