Conventional thermodynamic and advanced exergetic analysis of a refrigeration machine using a Voorhees’ compression process

The Voorhees’ compression process is used in refrigeration as an alternative process to the two-stage vapor-compression refrigeration machines that are commercially available. This process is a combination of a compression process initially at constant total volume and then at near isentropic conditions. The compression process at constant total volume is realized with the help of injection of working fluid in the beginning of the compression process. Several factors (related to the simulation of the process and to stable operation) did not allow the wide use of this process (compressor) in the past. With today’s state of the art of compressors, automation systems and control systems, the idea of Voorhees became reality with screw and scroll compressors. However, all developments are based on data obtained from experimental research. All publications, where the concept of the Voorhees’ compression process is discussed, deal only with energetic analyses. e first time, in addition to the detailed energetic analysis, and in order to show the limitations of the energetic analysis for such a complex process, a conventional and an advanced exergetic analysis are presented.