Comparison of Several Eco-Friendly Refrigeration Technologies

Abstract

In this paper, the operation principles, thermodynamics characteristics, and technical practicability were compared between thermoelectric refrigeration, magnetic refrigeration and adsorption refrigeration. The TE refrigeration is the most well-developed, applicable and competitive technology. Three eco-friendly refrigeration systems are increasingly getting attention, especially in a day with increasingly energy and environmental crises. In summary, thermoelectric refrigeration possesses the following superiorities: a longer developmental period, more perfect techniques, increasing applications, a larger range of refrigerating capacity, and a better economic property in small refrigerating capacity. Thermoelectric refrigeration cannot be replaced in special fields, and its applications have received more and more attention in recovering waste heat. Magnetic refrigeration has been widely applied in lower temperature regions; its application in middle temperature regions is juvenile. In particular, there is no application of this technique in high temperature regions. Adsorption refrigeration is practical only in near room temperatures. Its advantage is that it can be used in some fields where conventional refrigeration cannot be applied, such as in the application of solar energy, geothermal energy, and other renewable energy, and the recovery of residual and waste heat.? Supported by the Young Foundation of Central South University of Forestry & Technology (06002A) The disadvantages are as follows: the cost is expensive, no practical technique is available at present, and thus, it possesses no general superiority versus other refrigeration technologies.