In this paper, a comprehensive review of the principles of different refrigeration methods covering the temperature range from 4 K to 300 K is presented. The methods covered are based on steady state systems, such as the Carnot cycle, the vapor compression cycles: basic, cascade, and mixed gas refrigeration cycles, and the recuperative type cryocooler cycles: Joule–Thomson cycle, Brayton cycle, and Claude cycle, and periodic systems such as the regenerative type cryocooler cycles: Stirling cycle, pulse tube cycle, and Gifford–McMahon cycle. The current state of technology and challenges for further improvements are briefly summarized. Some comparisons and assessments are provided for these methods. It is seen that among other things, the selection of a proper refrigeration method is dependent on the following principal factors: (i) the refrigeration capacity required, (ii) the temperature level, and (iii) the application environment. Even though more than one refrigeration method may be suitable for a given application, the selection is further guided by considerations such as cost, reliability, size/compactness, and unit power. An attempt has been made in this paper to (1) present in-depth relevant details to understand the current state of engineering and technology, (2) provide a handy document for refrigeration designers in the industry, and (3) present the guiding principles in the selection of refrigeration methods.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
June 2011
Review Articles
A Review of Refrigeration Methods in the Temperature Range 4–300 K
Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy,
vijay_chakravarthy@praxair.com
Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy
Praxair, Inc.
, Tonawanda, NY 14150
Search for other works by this author on:
Ramesh K. Shah,
rkshah@gmail.com
Ramesh K. Shah
Retired Professor Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
, Mumbai 400076, India
Search for other works by this author on:
G. Venkatarathnam
gvenkat@iitm.ac.in
G. Venkatarathnam
Indian Institute of Technology Madras
, Chennai 600036, India
Search for other works by this author on:
Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy
Ramesh K. Shah
G. Venkatarathnam
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl. Jun 2011, 3(2): 020801 (19 pages)
Published Online: July 13, 2011
Article history
Received:
September 15, 2010
Revised:
February 14, 2011
Online:
July 13, 2011
Published:
July 13, 2011
Citation
Chakravarthy, V. S., Shah, R. K., and Venkatarathnam, G. (July 13, 2011). "A Review of Refrigeration Methods in the Temperature Range 4–300 K." ASME. J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl. June 2011; 3(2): 020801. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4003701
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Designing an Effective Plate Fin Heat Exchanger and Prediction of Thermal Performance Operated Under Different Water Blends Using Machine Learning
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl (April 2023)
Evaluation of Component Level Degradation in the Boeing 737-800 Air Cycle Machine
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl (March 2023)
Analysis and Optimization of Heat Dissipation Module in the Motor Grader Engine Compartment
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl (March 2023)
Related Articles
Thermodynamic Characteristics of a Single Stage Pneumatically Driven Gifford–McMahon Refrigerator
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl (September,2022)
An Alternative Method for the Cooling of Power Microelectronics Using Classical Refrigeration
J. Electron. Packag (December,2008)
Energy Efficiency of Refrigeration Systems for High-Heat-Flux Microelectronics
J. Thermal Sci. Eng. Appl (September,2010)
Related Chapters
An Analysis of the Feasibility of Photoelectric Technique Applied in Defrost-Control
Inaugural US-EU-China Thermophysics Conference-Renewable Energy 2009 (UECTC 2009 Proceedings)
Dynamic Performances of an Air Cycle Refrigeration System with High Cooling Capacity
International Conference on Mechanical and Electrical Technology, 3rd, (ICMET-China 2011), Volumes 1–3
In Praise of Robert Stirling
Air Engines: The History, Science, and Reality of the Perfect Engine