Applicability evaluation of internal heat exchanger in CO2 transcritical cycle considering compressor operation boundaries

CO2 transcritical cycle has been widely promoted as a green energy utilization technology. Internal heat exchanger (IHX) is under consideration for cycle efficiency improvement. However, the interaction between IHX and compressor in CO2 cycle has not yet been fully explored. In this regard, compressor operating boundaries are introduced as constraints to IHX applicability evaluation in CO2 cycle. It indicates that considering compressor limits, IHX can either benefit or attenuate the CO2 cycle performance, depending on operating conditions. By reducing optimal discharge pressure, IHX helps CO2 cycle avoid the upper pressure limit, further improving performance by 5%. Over a wide range, however, IHX increases compressor discharge temperature, indirectly resulting in up to 50% performance degradation. The major factors affecting the duality of IHX in CO2 cycle are compressor discharge temperature limit, IHX efficiency and motor heat loss. Finally, performance-oriented IHX design guidelines for mainstream single-stage CO2 applications are provided. For automotive air conditioner, optimum IHX efficiency improves cycle performance by up to 30% in cooling mode. By contrast, IHX contribution is negligible in heating mode. For heat pump water heater and refrigeration system, both can benefit from IHX, particularly when compressor discharge temperature tolerance is high.