In this paper, a comprehensive review of the principles of different refrigeration methods covering the temperature range from 4 K to 300 K is presented. The methods covered are based on steady state systems, such as the Carnot cycle, the vapor compression cycles: basic, cascade, and mixed gas refrigeration cycles, and the recuperative type cryocooler cycles: Joule–Thomson cycle, Brayton cycle, and Claude cycle, and periodic systems such as the regenerative type cryocooler cycles: Stirling cycle, pulse tube cycle, and Gifford–McMahon cycle. The current state of technology and challenges for further improvements are briefly summarized. Some comparisons and assessments are provided for these methods. It is seen that among other things, the selection of a proper refrigeration method is dependent on the following principal factors: (i) the refrigeration capacity required, (ii) the temperature level, and (iii) the application environment. Even though more than one refrigeration method may be suitable for a given application, the selection is further guided by considerations such as cost, reliability, size/compactness, and unit power. An attempt has been made in this paper to (1) present in-depth relevant details to understand the current state of engineering and technology, (2) provide a handy document for refrigeration designers in the industry, and (3) present the guiding principles in the selection of refrigeration methods.
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June 2011
Review Articles
A Review of Refrigeration Methods in the Temperature Range 4–300 K
Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy,
Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy
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Ramesh K. Shah,
e-mail: rkshah@gmail.com
Ramesh K. Shah
Retired Professor Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
, Mumbai 400076, India
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G. Venkatarathnam
G. Venkatarathnam
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Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy
Ramesh K. Shah
Retired Professor Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
, Mumbai 400076, India
e-mail: rkshah@gmail.com
G. Venkatarathnam
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl. Jun 2011, 3(2): 020801 (19 pages)
Published Online: July 13, 2011
Article history
Received:
September 15, 2010
Revised:
February 14, 2011
Online:
July 13, 2011
Published:
July 13, 2011
Citation
Chakravarthy, V. S., Shah, R. K., and Venkatarathnam, G. (July 13, 2011). "A Review of Refrigeration Methods in the Temperature Range 4–300 K." ASME. J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl. June 2011; 3(2): 020801. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4003701
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