Solar driven air conditioning system semiannual status report. [Vuilleumier thermodynamic cycle]

Technical Report · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:7212111

Shelpuk, B; Crouthamel, M

RCA has studied the feasibility of building a solar-driven air conditioner on the basis of the Vuilleumier thermodynamic cycle under NSF Grant GI-44098. The technology used was applied initially in an aerospace requirement for a reliable, long-lived cryogenic refrigerator for an infrared detection system. Refrigerators based on the Vuilleumier cycle were developed for NASA and the U.S. Air Force. Under Grant GI-44098, RCA explored extension of this technology to an air conditioning application. This extension is not straightforward because the low temperature heat source, gas flow friction through the machine, and void volume effects interact in subtle ways to degrade performance. The various combinations of design variables which affect performance required simulation on a computer. In addition new materials and structures were required to replace the standard cryogenic components which were deficient when used in the air conditioning application. The feasibility for cooling based on the VM thermodynamic cycle was analytically shown to be on a sound thermodynamic basis. A detailed hardware design was completed to reflect the requirements indicated in the studies, and techniques were demonstrated for reducing this design to hardware in the current program. A preliminary model of this hardware is being assembled. In particular, component development in the regenerator, heat exchanger, and displacer seal areas has been required to maximize the chances for a successful feasibility demonstration. This technique and component work, as well as the facilities established to test the feasibility hardware, are described.

• Research Organization: RCA Advanced Technology Labs., Camden, NJ (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7212111
• Report Number(s): COO-2938-77/1; ATL-CR-77-01
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140901* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
AIR CONDITIONERS
APPLIANCES
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
GAS APPLIANCES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
REGENERATORS
SOLAR AIR CONDITIONERS
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
TEST FACILITIES
TESTING
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES