A correlation of optimal heat rejection pressures in transcritical carbon dioxide cycles

In this work, a cycle simulation model has been developed to optimize the coecient of performance (COP) of transcritical carbon dioxide air-conditioning cycles. The analysis shows that the COP of the transcritical carbon dioxide cycle varies nonmonotonically with the heat rejection pressure; a maximum COP occurs at an optimal heat rejection pressure. It is further revealed that the values of the optimal heat rejection pressure mainly depend on the outlet temperature of the gas cooler, the evaporation temperature, and the performance of the compressor. Based on the cycle simulations, correlations of the optimal heat rejection pressure in terms of appropriate parameters are obtained for speci®c conditions. The results are of signi®cance for the design and control of the transcritical carbon dioxide airconditioning and heat pump systems 7 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.