Performance analysis and multi-objective optimization of a vortex tube integrated single-stage vapour compression refrigeration cycle.

• Energy, exergy and multi-objective optimization are performed for vortex tube integrated single-stage vapour compression refrigeration cycle (VTC). • The parametric investigation is done to assess the thermodynamic performance of VTC. • The cooling capacity of VTC is found to be 13.19% – 49.73% higher than that of VCR. • The maximum COP and exergetic efficiency of VTC are higher than those of VCR. • The evaporator temperature is the most influential input parameter in multi-objective optimization. This paper evaluates the thermodynamic performance of a vortex tube integrated single-stage vapour compression refrigeration cycle (VTC) in a subcritical region. The thermodynamic evaluation consists of an energy and exergy analyses for VTC in order to determine the effect of various design and operating parameters on its performance. Moreover, the results of VTC are compared with those of a simple vapour compression refrigeration cycle (i.e., VCR) for the considered range of evaporator and condenser temperatures using R1234yf as a refrigerant. The analysis reveals that the cooling capacity of VTC is 14.53% – 49.73% higher than that of VCR for the considered range of condenser temperature. Also, the maximum COP of VTC is 5.59% – 27.32% higher than that of VCR. The exergetic efficiency of VTC is 5.62% – 27.33% higher than that of VCR. A multi-objective optimization using a genetic algorithm has been conducted, which suggests that the evaporator temperature is the major decisive parameter to find the suitability of various applications of the system based on VTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]