Air cycle cooling and heating Part II: a mathematical model for the transient behaviour of fixed matrix regenerators

Abstract

SUMMARYThis paper presents a mathematical model of a pair of fixed matrix regenerators employed as an autodefrosting device in an air cycle freezing and cooling plant. Measurements made on a pilot plant show that the model predicts the major characteristics correctly, in particular and most importantly, the autodefrosting characteristic. The conclusions are that the plant performance 'proves the concept' but further experimental work is needed to calibrate the regenerator model.

Thermodynamic analysis of the reverse Joule–Brayton cycle heat pump for domestic heating

“…The equivalent refrigeration cycle (which is known variously as the Brayton refrigeration cycle, the reverse Brayton cycle and the gas refrigeration cycle), also dates back to the nineteenth century when it was employed as a means of cooling on board cargo ships [3]. More recently, heat pumps based on both the simple [4] and regenerative [5] forms of the RJB cycle have been proposed, whilst Braun et al [6] have analysed an air cycle heat pump for drying applications.…”