Study of a solar booster assisted ejector refrigeration system with R134a

The studies of ejector refrigeration systems employing refrigerant R134a for air conditioning are scarce and nonexistent for ice making when its potential application in developing countries will lessen their refrigeration needs. So, a parametric study for an ice making solar booster assisted ejector refrigeration system operating with R134a is carried out. System energy and exergy efficiencies as well as ejector efficiency are presented as a function of generator and condenser temperatures and booster discharge pressure. A discussion on maximum ejector efficiency and its effect in system behavior is also carried out. With results indicating that for an evaporator temperature of -10 degrees C, the system can operate at a generator temperature of 85 degrees C with average energy efficiencies between 0.21 and 0.58, depending on the condenser temperature. Consequently, these systems could be a solution for solar refrigeration using off-the-shelf components.