An air-conditioning system based on the reverse joule-brayton cycle

The energetic performances of a reverse air-cycle equipment for air-conditioning terrestrial application in summer are analyzed through a specifically developed numerical model. The system proposed is essentially based on the use of air-to-air heat exchangers for energy transfer to outdoor air, exhaust air and supply air to be heated before its introduction into the ambient, as well as air washer humidifiers for decreasing the cool airstreams temperature at the recovery units inlet, when applicable. Simulations are executed for different outdoor, indoor and supply air psychrometric states relevant to a wide variety of summer operating conditions, as well as for several values of the compressor, expander and heat exchangers efficiencies. The influence of each parameter on the cooling effectiveness of the system proposed is pointed out. Comparisons with the energetic performance of a more traditional air-cycle equipment are reported. Considerations relevant to the control system are also discussed.