On the Optimization of Refrigeration Machinery

We present the application of thermoeconomics to the optimization of a heat-pump. The method is well suited for application to thermodynamic processes and yields exergy losses. The marginal cost of an arbitrary variable can also be calculated. The efficiencies of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and electric motor are chosen as variables which are to be optimized. Parameters such as the price of electricity and the temperature of the delivered heat may vary among optimiza - tions, and results are presented for different parameter values. The result shows that the efficiency of the electric motor is most important.