Work

Experimental evaluation of a R290 vapour compression refrigeration system hybridised with a thermoelectric subcooler

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The HVAC and refrigeration sector accounts for a significant share of global electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, driving the adoption of low global warming potential refrigerants and more energy-efficient technologies. Among these refrigerants, propane has emerged as a promising alternative, and thermoelectric subcooling has been identified as an attractive performance-enhancing solution for low-capacity applications, motivating the design and construction of an experimental propane refrigeration test bench. This facility incorporates an internal heat exchanger to ensure safe and reliable operation, along with a novel thermoelectric subcooler (TESC). The experimental tests have been performed at two different ambient (25 and 35 °C) and evaporating (-15 and -10 °C) temperatures, and varying the voltage supplied to the TEMs. Two system configurations were evaluated: the baseline cycle with only the internal heat exchanger (IHX), which serves as the reference, and the combined TESC+IHX configuration. Performance comparisons between the two configurations were conducted for all the tested operating temperatures. The results show that the TESC+IHX configuration outperforms the IHX configuration under all tested conditions, with improvements in coefficient of performance of up to 6.2% and increases in cooling capacity of up to 9.7% at the optimal operating point. In addition, the TESC allows an almost linear regulation of the cooling capacity by adjusting the supplied voltage. This feature provides not only improved system performance but also greater operational flexibility and controllability, enabling the system to adapt to changes in ambient conditions and transient peak demands without the need for oversizing.

Source: Energy Conversion and Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2026.121393

Authors: Iñaki Alzuguren, Patricia Aranguren, Álvaro Casi, Daniel Sánchez, Antonio Rodríguez

Institutions: Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Smart Cities, Universitat Jaume I

Language: English

Topic: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,600