Utilizing Wave Rotor Technology to Enhance the Turbo Compression in Power and Refrigeration Cycles

The objective of this paper is to review and suggest wave-rotor applications in power generation and refrigeration systems. The emphasis is on recent investigations performed by the authors for a microturbine (30 kW) and a novel enhancement of a state-of-the-art water (R718) compression refrigeration cycle. The results of thermodynamic analyses performed for the small gas turbine topped with a 4-port wave rotor show that engine overall efficiency and specific work may increase by up to about 33% without changing the compressor. Expecting similar advantages, it is suggested to use wave rotors in novel R718 compression refrigeration systems. This also introduces a new concept of a condensing wave-rotor that employs pressurized water to both (1) additional rise the pressure of the vapor and (2) desuperheat and condense it, all in one dynamic process. Adding the condensing wave-rotor to the refrigeration cycle allows for a lower pressure ratio of the compressor, which is crucial for the R718 chiller technology. Some structural and economic advantages of the proposed system are mentioned.