Experimental study of Bell Coleman cycle using Air as Refrigerant

Air refrigeration system is the oldest refrigeration method. Initially it was developed by a scientist called Bell-Coleman. The aim of this study is to know the refrigeration effect using both Bell-Coleman cycle using air as the refrigerant and finding its COP because air is available free of cost and abundantly in nature. Bell-Coleman cycle air refrigeration can be used in aircrafts and ships to produce refrigeration effect in them.

Air refrigeration system generally uses air as medium, whereas other refrigeration systems use refrigerants (Freon's, ammonia etc.,) as medium. Since air is used as refrigerant is safe and it won't do any harm and no damage to atmosphere.

By using other refrigerants like CFC's damage to atmosphere such as ozone layer depletion takes place. In this study compressed air is selected as the refrigerant and it is produced by compressor. It need electric power to produce Compression of air. This system produces low COP because of which it has become obsolete. Other refrigeration systems have high COP but have severe impact on atmosphere. Moreover these refrigerants are too expensive and there is a handling difficult of these refrigerants.

This study gives the working of components of Bell-Coleman cycle by using air as refrigerant and knowing the coefficient of performance (cooling effect)for future development and application. This study gives the scope of replacing conventional refrigeration systems with air refrigeration system.