Project-II November, 2017

CHAPTER-2
LITERATURE REVIEW
Mohd et al. [1] developed a system which can utilize the waste heat from
the condenser. They redesigned the condenser by cutting the condenser tube in
two sections in the ratio of 2:3 in which 40% length of condenser tube is used for
cooling purpose while remaining 60% length is used for heating purpose. They
inserted a heating chamber in between the compressor and the condenser. The
heat from the compressor is passes through the heating chamber and then it
delivers to the condenser. Thus, the waste heat is utilized to preserve the food
such as rice, tea, etc. inside the heating chamber. They also conclude that they
obtain temperature around 80oC to 100oC without any consumption of external
source.
Naser et al. [2] investigated Refrigerator is one of the home appliances
utilizing mechanical vapor compression cycle in its process. Performances of the
systems become the main issue and many researches are still ongoing to evaluate
and improve the efficiency of any used system. Therefore, this paper presents an
experimental investigation of the performance of the refrigeration cycles. A small
refrigerator is used as the test rig. The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is
studied by using different condenser designs and under varying evaporator loads.
Three condenser designs are used in present work. These condensers are regular
condenser of domestic refrigerator, condenser with copper plain tubes (Cond.1)
and condenser with copper tubes welded with stainless steel flat plate (Cond.2).
Pressures and temperatures measurements of each point in the refrigeration cycle
are collected in order to evaluate the refrigerator performance. The results
showed that the average COP of Cond.1 and Cond.2 are increased up to 20 % and
14% respectively more than regular condenser design under no load. The
evaporator load effects on the machine performance, where the COP of the
machine increases with the increase of the evaporator load.
Moin et al. [3] concluded, refrigeration has become one of the basic needs
people of this era. The permanent demand of refrigerator is continuously
increases in India and also in the whole world. The energy consumption in the
refrigeration is also increases. Approximately it contributes around 13% energy
consume in this sector. In the kitchen appliances, only the refrigerator consumes
power continuously throughout a day. In refrigerators compressor is major power

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Project-II November, 2017

consuming device. In this study use advanced condenser design to improve

condensation of refrigerant and modification done in the evaporator section by
adding thermoelectric cooler and it reduces the load on compressor and
simultaneously achieve cooling effect and reduces the net power consumption
during period of cycle and enhance the net COP of the refrigerator.
Astrain et al. [4] have investigated, Thermoelectric Refrigeration finds
applications in electronic systems and computers to cool sensitive components
such as power amplifiers and microprocessors. Thermoelectric module is made of
two different semiconducting materials, which generate thermoelectric cooling
effect (Peltier effect) when a voltage of similar polarity & in appropriate direction
applied through the connected junction. Two heat sinks & fans are attached to hot
and cold sides of thermoelectric module in order to enhance heat transfer and
system performance. There exists an optimum current & optimum voltage for
maximum coefficient of performance (COP) for a specific module and fixed
hot/cold side temperatures.
Suresh et al. [5] have concluded, the main objective in present dissertation
has been focused on alternative refrigerant to conventional CFC refrigerant, CFC
like R12, R22, R134a, etc. are not eco-friendly. The emission of these
refrigerants causes the depletion of ozone layer etc. Hence to avoid above
difficulty the alternative of refrigerant in the form of R600a has been choosing.
R600a refrigerant are natural refrigerant consist of hydrocarbon. In the present
work, the performance of the domestic refrigerator is determined using R600a
(Isobutene) and comparison with R134a (Tetrafluoroethene) as the part of project
work the refrigerator setup consists of evaporator, compressor, condenser and
expansion valve are chosen with suitable specification. Also in the present work
an attempt has been made to improve the cop of the system, by incorporating a
heat exchanger before admitting refrigerant into the compressor.
Sagar et al. [6], This paper reviews the developments in TER system over
the years. This study on the thermoelectric refrigeration emphasize that the TER
system is a novel refrigeration system which will be a better alternative for
conventional refrigeration system. The research and development work carried
out by different researchers on TER system has been thoroughly reviewed in this
paper. The study of this seminar spreads over the application of TER system and
various technologies used with the same. This seminar summarizes the

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advancement in thermoelectric refrigeration, thermoelectric materials, recent

modelling approaches, application in domestic appliances and various
technologies. This paper also concludes that, to achieve better COP &
temperature control we can combine TER with other refrigeration systems. For
example, combining VCR & TER systems reduces the energy consumption,
gives high COP & good temperature control within the refrigerated area. Hence it
is better to have such hybrid systems & devices to reduce total energy
consumption.
Umesh et al. [7] Thermoelectric and thermoelectric cooling are being
studied exhaustively for the past several years and various conclusions have been
conceived regarding the efficient functioning of thermoelectric refrigerators.
Thermoelectric refrigerators are greatly needed, particularly for developing
countries, where long life, low maintenance and clean environment are needed. In
this aspect thermoelectric cannot be challenged in spite of the fact that it has
some disadvantages like low coefficient of performance and high cost. These
contentious issues are the frontal factors hampering the large-scale
commercialization of thermoelectric cooling devices. The solution to above
problems can only be resolved with the development of new techniques. There is
a lot of scope for developing materials specifically suited for TE cooling purpose
and these can greatly improve the C.O.P. of these devices. Development of new
methods to improve efficiency catering to changes in the basic design of the
thermoelectric set up like better heat transfer.

Jatin et al [8], This study experimentally investigates the performance of

the single stage and multistage TEC air-cooling module. It is quite easy to
achieve the significant temperature difference in the single stage TE module, but,
the COP of the single stage module is very less for the domestic use. In the
multistage TE module, It is possible to get the require COP as well as better
thermal performance. The main limitation of the use of the multistage TE module
is the price of this module. The price of multistage module is very high compare
to single stage module and that make it very costly. With recent development
taking place in field of thermoelectric and nanoscience, different thermoelectric
material with high temperature difference and lower price to be explored. This

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will further help to reduce the overall price of the multistage TEC and improve
the thermal performance.
Rehab et al. [9], The heat transfer through the thermoelectric system was
discussed here and solved numerically by using finite difference method with
variable TE material parameters such as thermal conductivity, resistivity and
Seebeck effect. The effect of the input power and the COP, Qh and Qc are
discussed here and we can have observed that the optimum value of the COP
occurs at lower values of input power and it decreased as the input power
increased.

D.S. Chavan et al. [10], The present study develops an optimization

design method for thermoelectric refrigerator. The proposed simple model is used
in the optimization of real thermoelectric refrigerator. The energy efficiency of
thermoelectric refrigerators, based on currently available materials and
technology, is still lower than its compressor counterparts. However, a market
able thermoelectric refrigerator can be made with an acceptable COP.
Improvement in the COP may be possible through improving module contact-
resistances, thermal interfaces and heat exchangers. The device is applicable for
cold storage of vaccine, foodstuffs and drink in remote areas, or outdoor
applications where an electric power supply is absent.
Ganesh et. al. [11] conclude that improvement in the COP may be possible
through improving module contact resistance, thermal interfaces and heat
exchanger. With its environmental benefit, thermoelectric refrigerator provides
an alternative to consumer who is environmentally conscious and willing to
spend a little bit more money to enjoy their quiet operation, and more precise and
stable temperature control.
Manoj et al [12] have concluded that thermoelectric cooling systems are
generally only around 5–15% as efficient compared to 40–60% achieved by
conventional compression cooling system. This is basically limited by figure of
merit of thermoelectric material and efficiency of heat exchange system.
Continuous efforts are given by researchers for development of higher figure of
merit thermoelectric materials may provide a potential commercial use of
thermoelectric refrigeration and space conditioning system. Also, compatibility

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of thermoelectric cooling systems with solar energy made them more useful and
appropriate for environment protection.
Raghavendra et al [13] concluded that model to generate electric energy
from solar energy and heat energy has been successfully implemented. A
hardware is developed that the power is generated from two different sources
(solar and heat energy) are combined and utilised to run the DC motor as well as
AC motor. The outputs of hardware are found quite satisfactory. The generated
electrical energy is in the form of DC voltage. The DC voltage obtained from
solar and from the Peltier module are combined and used to run DC motor. The
DC voltage of 12volts converted into AC voltage to run AC motor. This type of
model can be used where only solar energy is not sufficient to meet the
requirements there a energy is boosted by using hybrid power generation with the
help of Peltier plate.
Nilesh et al [14] conclude that the air cooling unit gives a cooling of up to
26°C and better results are achieved with use of cold water. The air cooling unit
gives a cooling of up to 26°C and better results are achieved with use of cold
water.

2.1 Research gap

1. Clearly not mentioned that, it can be used in domestic purpose
2. By Multistage high efficiency can be achieved but involve cost
3. Economically better method has been not specified clearly, but yes, these reviews
tell us cop is lesser then domestic refrigerator.
2.2 Objectives
1. To increase the efficiency in terms of Coefficient of Performance (COP).
2. To compare the efficiency of domestic refrigeration cycle with TER via
considering water cooler rig as a standard.
3. To introduce an alternative of domestic refrigeration.
4. To obtain a theoretical coefficient of performance

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