Thermoeconomic Analysis of Reverse Brayton Cycle Based Cryocooler

In the present study, the performance of an RBC cryocooler with 10 kW cooling load at 65 K has been analyzed using Aspen HYSYS V8.6®. Helium, neon and helium-neon mixture are used as working fluids for the process cycle. A thermodynamic and cost model for the RBC cryocooler has been developed using exergoeconomic tool to analyze the cycle. It has been previously reported that to have same impact on the cycle exergy efficiency improvement, a small improvement in the heat exchanger effectiveness is required in contrast to a substantial improvement in the compressor efficiency. But it will also increase the capital cost of the cryocooler. The exergy efficiency, relative cost ratio and exergoeconomic factors for each component have been found to identify the major sources of cost. The effect of using different working fluids on the thermoeconomics of the cycle have been presented in this paper. Conclusions from this study might be utilized by the scientist and design engineer in improving the cycle efficiency from the thermoeconomic point of view.