Effects of geometric configuration on the cooling performance of a Vuilleumier cycle heat pump

Abstract

An experimental study has been carried out to investigate the effects of the combination of the different wire mesh number in regenerator, and the tube number in cooler on the cooling performance of a Vuilleumier cycle heat pump. A wide range of charging pressures, heater tube temperatures and revolution speeds are also considered. The results indicate that the cooling performance is improved with the proper combination of different wire meshes in the cold regenerator. More tubes in a cooler are desirable for better cooling performance. It is also found that the cooling capacity is enhanced, whereas COP is reduced, with an increase in the heater tube temperature and revolution speed. Both the cooling capacity and COP are increased with a higher charging pressure.