Thermodynamical study and taguchi optimization of a two-stage vapor compression refrigeration system

Abstract

This study's primary purpose is to optimize the multistage refrigeration system with statistical methods. Taguchi optimization and ANOVA methods were applied to statistically determine the effects of components on system performance. The best operational conditions were defined for the maximum COP and exergy efficiency. Critical parameters have been determined to maximize the system's performance. The evaporator temperature was defined as the most vital parameter (46.32%), and it is followed by condenser temperature (32.65%) for the maximum COP. The most important two parameters are determined as evaporator temperature with 29.14% and condenser temperature with 20.34% for maximum exergetic performance. As a result of 27 tests, the highest COP of the system was calculated as 2.67 and exergy efficiency as 55.22%. By using the optimum levels determined by Taguchi, it was ensured that the system's COP was increased to 3.326 and its exergy efficiency to 71.23%. The ANOVA analyses indicate that the results' confidence level is relatively high, to be 99.9%. Another parameter examined in this study is the inter-stage level determination method and its effect on system performance. The method of determining the optimum inter-stage level may vary according to the objective function and system conditions.