The influence of quantum degeneracy and irreversibility on the performance of a Fermi quantum refrigeration cycle

An irreversible cycle model of the quantum refrigeration cycle using an ideal Fermi gas as the working substance is established. The cycle consists of two adiabatic and two isobaric processes and consequently may be simply referred to as the Fermi Brayton refrigeration cycle. The performance of the cycle is investigated, based on the equation of state of an ideal Fermi gas. Expressions for several important performance parameters, such as the coefficient of performance, work input and refrigeration load, are derived. The influence of the quantum degeneracy of the Fermi gas and the irreversibility in the cycle on the performance of the Fermi Brayton refrigeration cycle is analysed. The minimum pressure ratio of the cycle is determined. The optimally operating problems of the cycle and several special cases are discussed in detail. The results obtained here are general and may reveal the general performance characteristics of the Fermi Brayton refrigeration cycle