Thermoeconomic analysis and optimization of cascade refrigeration cycles incorporating ejector and environmentally friendly nano-refrigerant: a comparison study

Abstract In this study, thermoeconomic analyses are carried out for ultra-low temperature applications in cascade ejector refrigeration cycle (CERC), cascade vapor compression refrigeration cycle (CVCRC) and cascade ejector intercooler refrigeration cycle (CEIRC) using RE170-mass 2% CuO and R170-pure refrigerant. This study is the first to thermoeconomic analysis with nano-refrigerants in cascade refrigeration cycles. Furthermore, the CEIRC cycle is evaluated thermoeconomically for the first time. The addition of nanoparticles resulted in a 2.93% decline in total product cost flow (TPCF) in $ h −1 for CEIRC. When the temperature of the evaporator increased: -80°C to -60°C, the TPCF decreased for CEIRC, CERC, and CVCRC. At -80°C evaporator temperature, CEIRC led to a 5.31% reduction in total product cost flow compared to CERC, and a 22.94% reduction compared to CVCRC. As a result of the analyses, the lowest TPCF is found as CEIRC, CERC and CVCRC, respectively. The best thermoeconomic performance values have been obtained with CEIRC. In the optimization process for CEIRC, cascade condenser temperature was determined as the optimization parameter. With the optimization results, the TPCF in the system decreased by 1.36% for -80°C evaporator temperature.