A ROTARY VANE OPEN REVERSED BRAYTON CYCLE AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Abstract
Results of an analytical and experimental investigation of the feasibility of using a combination compressor-expander-circulator rotary vane device in the open reversed Brayton cycle for the purpose of producing a simple and economic system of air conditioning and refrigeration of low to moderate capacity are reported in this thesis. The prototype system tested in this investigation is designed specifically to be competitive with conventional automotive air conditioning systems. A mathematical model of each component was developed, taking into consideration a variety of real effects. This mathematical model was used to study performance and operating characteristics of the system as functions of physical and environmental variables. The prototype design was based on results of these studies. The computer model predicted that a cooling capacity of 5000 BTU per hour with an operating coefficient of performance of 1.0 could be obtained in a compressor unit of 120 cubic inches, total internal displacements, operating at 2000 revolutions per minute. Laboratory tests demonstrate that the prototype system performed much as expected and the accuracy of the mathematical model is generally verified. This system delivers cooling power comparable with conventional automotive air conditioning systems while actually operating as efficiently. It is believed that a new and highly competitive system of air conditioning and refrigeration for a variety of applications is now available. The general success of this work has resulted in the application for Letters Patent by the Purdue Research Foundation.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Mechanical engineering
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