Performance of a Solar Ejector Refrigerant System under the Periodic Climate Condition

Abstract

An experimental system for a solar ejector refrigeration system under the periodic climate condition was designed and constructed. The influences of ambient temperature and solar radiation on the performance of the refrigeration were studied experimentally. The results show that there exists critical ambient temperature in the solar ejector refrigeration system. When the ambient temperature is higher than the critical ambient temperature, the system coefficient of performance (COP), energy efficiency ratio (EER), the ejector coefficient, and the cooling capacity will undergo a sharp decline. Furthermore, this work shows that the critical ambient temperature is proportional to the generator temperature. With the solar radiation increasing, the system COP, EER, and cooling capacity increase initially and then decrease. For given temperatures at the evaporator and the condenser, there exists an optimal generator temperature, at which COP and cooling capacity can reach the maximum. The results obtained herein provide useful guidelines for the optimal design and operation of this type of refrigerant system.