Energy and exergy analysis of a modified three-stage auto-cascade refrigeration cycle using low-GWP refrigerants for sustainable development

This study proposed a modified three-stage auto-cascade refrigeration cycle (MTARC) operating with environmentally benign zeotropic mixture of R1234yf/R170/R14 at the refrigeration temperature level of − 80 °C. Compared with the conventional three-stage auto-cascade refrigeration cycle (CTARC), MTARC incorporates an additional pressure regulator between the condenser and separator to realize phase separation at a lower pressure and temperature. A comprehensive evaluation of energy and exergy performance of the two cycles was conducted theoretically. Under a typical working condition, the cooling capacity, COP and exergy efficiency of the MTARC are improved by 15.85%, 11.69% and 7.65% in comparison with the CTARC, respectively. In addition, a lower evaporating temperature was also obtained by the MTARC under the same operating condition. When the intermediate pressure drops from 2 to 1 MPa, the cooling capacity, COP and exergy efficiency are improved by 35.43%, 25.25% and 16.74%, respectively, for the MTARC, meanwhile the compressor outlet temperature increases 19.93 °C from 92.27 to 112.20 °C. Therefore, the selection of the intermediate pressure should be comprehensively considered to ensure a desirable cycle performance and a proper working condition for the compressor. The proposed modified cycle offers new pathways for designing innovative cryogenic refrigeration systems, thereby potentially improving the energy economy in a myriad of modern energy applications for sustainability concerns.