Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Applied Thermal Engineering

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/apthermeng

Research paper

Determination of the ejector dimensions of a bus air-conditioning

system using analytical and numerical methods
Şaban Ünal*
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, 80000 Osmaniye, Turkey

h i g h l i g h t s

Determination of two-phase ejector dimensions of a bus air-conditioning system.

Thermodynamic analysis of the two-phase ejector cooling system.

Experimental study on a midibus air conditioner using two-phase ejector.

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Comfortable journey with commercial buses is an essential goal of transportation companies. An air-
Received 22 February 2015 conditioning system can play an important role for this comfortable journey but it can put extra load
Accepted 23 June 2015 on the engine and extra cost in the fuel consumption. The purpose of this work is to increase the per-
Available online 9 July 2015
formance of air-conditioning system of the buses by reducing the load on the engine and fuel con-
sumption. Using a two-phase ejector as an expansion valve can increase the coefficient of performance
Keywords:
(COP) of the air-conditioning system. An improvement in the COP can reduce the empty vehicle weight
Dimension
and fuel consumption of buses. Two-phase ejector dimensions can be determined using the empirical
Two-phase ejector
Bus air-conditioning
methods available in the literature. In this paper, the two-phase ejector dimensions of air conditioning
Analytical and numerical methods system for a bus are calculated using the analytical and numerical methods. First of all, the thermody-
namic analysis of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle with a two-phase ejector is performed, and
then the ejector dimensions are subsequently determined. The cooling loads of the midibus and bus with
R134a as a refrigerant are assumed to be 14 kW and 32 kW, respectively. The total length of the two-
phase ejector for the midibuses and buses due to these cooling loads, are computed to be 480.8 mm
and 793.1 mm, respectively. Also, an experimental setup is installed on a midibus air conditioner to turn
it into the ejector air conditioning system to validate theoretical results with the experimental study.
© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
Passengers of land transportation prefer air-conditioned vehi-
cles for a comfortable journey. Therefore, air-conditioning systems
are available in almost all the buses and midibuses. A compressor of
the air-conditioning system is driven by a pulley connected to the
engine shaft which creates an extra load on the engine. Therefore,
fuel consumption of the engine increases with this extra load.
Another major problem for buses is empty weight of the vehicle.
There are obligatory standards regarding the weight of buses. For
instance, the gross vehicle weight of a bus with two axles must not
* Tel.: þ90 328 827 1000x3687; fax: þ90 328 825 0097.
E-mail address: saban.unal@osmaniye.edu.tr.
be over 18 tons, and the rear axle load must not be greater than
11.5 tons [1]. The passenger and baggage capacities of the buses
increase when the empty vehicle weight of bus decreases. By using
a two-phase ejector in the cooling system, the COP of the bus air-
conditioning system can be increased so that the fuel consump-
tion and empty vehicle weight can be reduced. Also, it is possible to
use the smaller sized air-conditioner elements, such as the
condenser, evaporator and compressor with the two-phase ejector
in the cooling system.
Many theoretical and experimental studies have been made
related to the two-phase ejector refrigeration systems. The exper-
imental studies have generally been carried out on small-capacity
systems. However, there is no study on the use of a two-phase
ejector in bus air-conditioners in the available literature. Korn-
hauser [2] investigated the use of a two-phase ejector in a vapor-

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.06.090
1359-4311/© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119
Nomenclature
A Cross-sectional area [m2]
C Sonic velocity [m s1]
d Diameter [m]
f Friction coefficient [-]
F Force [N]
h Specific enthalpy [J kg1]
L Length [m]
m_ Mass flow rate [kg s1]
M Step number of the pressure difference in the diffuser
[-]
Ma Mach number [-]
N Step number of the pressure difference in the nozzle [-]
P Pressure [N m2]
PLift Pressure difference [Pa]
Q_ Cooling capacity [W]
Re Reynolds number [-]
s Specific entropy [J kg1 K1]
T Temperature [ C]
TLift Temperature difference [ C]
x Quality [-]
V Velocity [m s1]
compression refrigeration system for various refrigerants. He
showed that a 21% increase in the COP can be obtained by inte-
grating an ejector into the system. In addition, Disawas and
Wongwises [3,4] provided an experimental data about a two-phase
ejector used as an expansion device in the vapor-compression
refrigeration system with R134a as the working fluid. They
pointed out that the coefficient of performance of the ejector
refrigeration system was higher than that of a conventional system.
In another study, Chaiwongsa and Wongwises [5,6] examined the
effects of the throat section and the exit diameter of the nozzle on a
conventional ejector refrigeration system with single evaporator
and a refrigerant separator. They also mentioned the ejector di-
mensions for the standard two-phase ejector refrigeration cycle
and obtained the related experimental data. Moreover, Pottker et al.
[7] presented the experimental data using R410A as the refrigerant
in an ejector refrigeration system without giving the ejector di-
mensions. They specified that the coefficient of performance is
higher by 8.2% and 14.8% than the conventional system. In addition,
Reddick et al. [8] indicated that an 11% improvement in the COP
compared to the conventional system can be achieved when the
ejector is used as an expansion device in a vapor-compression
refrigeration system with R134a. Furthermore, Lawrence [9]
analytically and experimentally investigated the two-phase
ejector cycles using low-pressure refrigerants. Although, the di-
mensions of the nozzle and mixing section were given, the di-
mensions of the diffuser were not specified. Lawrence and Elbel
[10,11] conducted an experimental study on an ejector refrigera-
tion system. When R134a and R1234yf were used as refrigerants,
they showed that the coefficient of performance increased by 5%
and 6%, respectively. In addition to that, they examined the ejector
refrigeration system concerning the first and second laws of ther-
modynamics. Hu et al. [12] investigated the nozzle parameters
numerically and experimentally for R410A ejector air conditioning
system. They explained that the ejector with adjustable nozzle
could meet the requirements of different operating conditions ac-
cording to the experimental results. The nozzle throat diameter
was varied from 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm in their study, but the other
dimensions of the ejector were not indicated [12]. A mathematical
111
D Difference [-]
ε Roughness [m]
h Efficiency [-]
m Dynamic viscosity [kg m1 s1]
n Kinematic viscosity [m2 s1]
r Density [kg m3]
u Entrainment ratio [-]
Subscripts
c Compressor
d Diffuser
f Friction
i Variable point number in the nozzle
is Isentropic
j Variable point number in the diffuser
l Liquid
m Mixing section
n Nozzle
nc Nozzle converging
nd Nozzle diverging
nt Nozzle throat
v Vapor
model for the design and simulation of two-phase ejectors was
presented by Ameur et al. [13]. They indicated that the computa-
tional results were quite compatible with the experimental data.
Lin et al. [14,15] investigated the adjustable ejector in a multi-
evaporator refrigeration system experimentally and numerically.
They showed that the pressure recovery ratio can reach by 20%
according to the experimental results. Li et al. [16] presented a
study on variable-area ratio ejector used in a multi-evaporator
refrigeration system. The investigation results brought out that
the entrainment ratio, pressure recovery ratio and critical area ratio
were strongly affected by the primary and secondary pressures.
In the current study, the dimensions of the two-phase ejector for
the bus air-conditioning system are calculated by using analytical
and numerical methods when R134a is utilized as the refrigerant. In
the analytical model, there are two evaporators working at
different evaporation pressures. To calculate the ejector di-
mensions, first of all, the thermodynamic analysis of the two-phase
ejector refrigeration cycle is performed. Then, the dimensions are
determined by using continuity and momentum equations. The
numerical methods are used to calculate the dimensions of the
nozzle and diffuser. The Mach numbers are calculated numerically
in the nozzle to show the validity of the mathematical model.
Additionally, the experimental study is performed to validate the
theoretical results.
2. Two-phase ejector refrigeration system for buses
A two-phase ejector air-conditioning system for buses is shown
in Fig. 1. The pressureeenthalpy (P-h) diagram for this system is
presented in Fig. 2. The main components used in the system are
the compressor, condenser, evaporator, ejector, expansion valve
and liquid tank. As seen in the schematic view of the ejector in
Fig. 3, in the primary flow the refrigerant comes from the liquid and
enters the ejector. The other stream coming from the primary
evaporator is defined as secondary flow. The primary flow passes
through the ejector under high pressure and expands through a
convergingediverging nozzle. The refrigerant pressure in the
nozzle is reduced to the evaporating pressure. The primary flow has
112 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119
Fig. 1. Ejector air-conditioning system for buses.
a supersonic velocity at the nozzle outlet, and then it passes
through the mixing section. Meantime, the secondary flow is fed
into the mixing section. After that, these two streams are mixed in
the mixing section. Next, the mixture goes into the diffuser and its
kinetic energy is converted to the pressure in the diffuser section.
Finally, the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor is increased
and thus, energy consumption is reduced.
Two separate evaporator units are located in the air-conditioner
at the left and right side of the vehicle. In Fig. 1, the primary
evaporator units are indicated that “Evaporator-1 (LH)” and
“Evaporator-1 (RH)”. Also, the secondary evaporator units are
shown as “Evaporator-2 (LH)” and “Evaporator-2 (RH)”. The
refrigerant that comes from the primary evaporator passes through
the compressor. Next, the refrigerant is compressed to its
condensation pressure by the compressor. The refrigerant goes into
the condenser as a superheated vapor and leaves as a subcooled
liquid. After the refrigerant is collected in the liquid tank, it is
divided between the ejector and expansion valves. The refrigerant
Fig. 2. P-h diagram of an ejector air-conditioning system.
then leaves the expansion valve, goes into the secondary evapo-
rator, and finally enters the ejector as a secondary fluid. The pri-
mary and secondary fluids mix in the mixing section. After the
mixing process, the refrigerant is fed into the primary evaporator,
and then goes into the compressor.
3. Mathematical model of the two-phase ejector refrigeration
system
3.1. Thermodynamic analysis
For the thermodynamic analysis of the two-phase ejector
refrigeration system shown on the Fig. 1; the following assump-
tions are made:
1) Condensation, evaporation, subcooling and superheating tem-
peratures are known.
2) Isentropic efficiencies of the nozzle and diffusor are known.
3) Efficiency of the mixing section is known.
4) The process in the mixing section takes place at a constant
pressure and constant cross sectional area.
5) The throttling process in the expansion valve is isenthalpic.
6) Pressure losses in the system are neglected.
7) Kinetic energies of the secondary fluid at the mixing section
inlet and mixed fluid at diffuser outlet are not neglected.
Details of the thermodynamic analysis of the system were given
by Ünal and Yılmaz [17]. This theoretical study is based on one-
dimensional homogeneous equilibrium model with fixed isen-
tropic efficiencies of nozzle and diffuser. The compressor isentropic
efficiency, defined in Eq. (1), can be used to calculate the thermo-
dynamic properties of the refrigerant at the compressor exit.
h2;is  h1
hc;is ¼ (1)
h2  h1
The processes in the ejector are shown on the P-h diagram in
Fig. 2, and the schematic view of the ejector is shown in Fig. 3. The
 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119 113

Fig. 3. Schematic view of the ejector.

nozzle, mixing section, and diffusor are three main parts of the Q_ ¼ m_ 3 ½uðh8  h7 Þ þ ð1 þ uÞðh1  h6 Þ (9)
ejector. Thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant at the nozzle
exit can be calculated using the energy equation between points (3)
and (4) given in Eq. (2). The nozzle isentropic efficiency is given in 3.2. Determination of the ejector dimensions
Eq. (3).
Determination of the two-phase ejector dimensions are made in
V42
h3 ¼ h4 þ (2) accordance with the schematic view provided in Fig. 3. Refrigerant
2 coming from the condenser enters the ejector as the primary flow.
The refrigerant coming from the evaporator is called the secondary
h3  h4 flow. Secondary flow enters the ejector by two lines that are con-
hn ¼ (3)
h3  h4;is nected to the evaporators located at the left and right side of the
bus air-conditioner. The throat diameter is denoted as dnt for the
For the calculations of thermodynamic properties of the
nozzle in Fig. 3. The converging and diverging lengths between this
refrigerant at the diffuser inlet, it is possible to use the energy
point and the nozzle inlet and outlet are shown as Lnc and Lnd ,
equation and mixing section efficiency given in Eqs. (4) and (5),
respectively. Additionally, the lengths of mixing section and
respectively. In the studies related to ejector cooling systems, the
diffuser are expressed as Lm and Ld , respectively.
refrigerant velocities of the secondary fluid at the mixing section
inlet and mixed fluid at diffuser outlet are negligible [2,9]. But in
this study, the refrigerant velocities at points (8) and (6) shown in
Fig. 3 are considered in the energy and momentum equations. 3.2.1. Dimensions of the nozzle
If the pressure difference in the nozzle between point (3) and (4)
! ! !
V42 V82 V52 is assumed to be divided into N steps, the results is the following
h4 þ þ u h8 þ ¼ ð1 þ uÞ h5 þ (4) equations:
2 2 2
P3  P4
DPn ¼ (10)
ð1 þ uÞV52 N
hm ¼ (5)
V42 þ uV82
Pi ¼ Pi1  DPn (11)
u indicates the entrainment ratio as defined in Eq. (6):
 
u ¼ m_ 8 =m_ 3 (6) hi ¼ h3  hn;i h3  hi;is (12)

The energy equation and diffuser isentropic efficiency given in

Eqs. (7) and (8) can be used to calculate the thermodynamic hi;is ¼ f ½Pi ; si  (13)
properties of the refrigerant at the diffuser exit.
si ¼ s3 (14)
V52 V2
h5 þ ¼ h6 þ 6 (7) The pressure, enthalpy and entropy of each point (i) can be
2 2
determined using Eqs. 10e14. hn;i in Eq. (12) denotes the nozzle
efficiency of the each point (i); it is defined as follows:
h6;is  h5
hd ¼ (8)  
h6  h5
i1
N
Because the process in the expansion valve is assumed to be hn;i ¼ hn (15)
isenthalpic, the enthalpy at point (7) is equal to the enthalpy at
point (3). The primary mass flow rate ðm_ 3 Þ can be calculated from The nozzle diameters of the each point (i) are determined with
the cooling capacity of the system, which is given in Eq. (9): the use of the continuity equation as follows:
114 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119

sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi   0:5
4 m_ 3 mv rl
di ¼ (16) Ren ¼ Rel þ Rev (30)
p ri Vi ml rv

The refrigerant velocity at each point (i) in the nozzle given in Rel and Rev are the Reynolds numbers in the liquid and vapor
Eq. (16) can be obtained from the energy equation between point phases of the refrigerant, respectively. Rel and Rev are defined in
(3) and (i) as follows: Eqs. (31) and (32).

qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi Vn dn ð1  xn Þ
Vi ¼ 2ðh3  hi Þ (17) Rel ¼ (31)
nn;l
The Mach number of the flow in each section of the nozzle is
determined by Eqs. (18) and (19). Vn dn xn
Rev ¼ (32)
sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi nn;v
Pi1  Pi In these equations xn indicates the ratio of mass flow of vapor
Ci ¼ (18)
ri1  ri phase to total mass flow of the mixture.

Mai ¼ Vi =Ci (19) 3.2.2. Dimensions of the mixing section

Equations for the continuity, energy, and momentum to deter-
To determine the length of the nozzle for each DPn step, the
mine the mixing section dimensions are given in Eqs. (33)e(35),
momentum equation given in Eq. (20) can be used.
respectively.
Pn;i1 An;i1 þ m_ n;i1 Vn;i1 ¼ Pn;i An;i þ m_ n;i Vn;i þ DFf ;n (20) m_ 4 þ m_ 8 ¼ m_ 5 (33)

when DPn is sufficiently small, DLn will be very small. Therefore, we ! ! !

can write An;i1 yAn;i ¼ An . From the continuity equation, it is V42 V82 V52
m_ 4 h4 þ þ m_ 8 h8 þ ¼ m_ 5 h5 þ (34)
known that m_ n;i1 ¼ m_ n;i ¼ m_ 3 . So, the friction force, DFf ;n , for each 2 2 2
pressure difference in the nozzle can be calculated using Eq. (21).
    P4 A4 þ m_ 4 V4 þ P8 A8 þ m_ 8 V8 ¼ P5 A5 þ m_ 5 V5 þ Ff ;m (35)
DFf ;n ¼ Pn;i1  Pn;i An þ m_ 3 Vn;i1  Vn;i (21)
The diameter of the mixing section equals the diameter of the
For the friction force, DFf ;n , Eq. (22) can be written as:
diffuser inlet. Either diameter can be calculated using the conti-
  nuity equation as follows:
fn
DFf ;n ¼ rn Vn2 ðpdn DLn Þ (22) sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
8
4 m_ 5
d5 ¼ (36)
The cross-sectional area, diameter, velocity, and density shown p r5 V5
in Eqs. (21) and (22) are defined as follows:
Eq. (37) can be written for the frictional force shown as the last
An ¼ ðAi1 þ Ai Þ=2 (23) term in the Eq. (35). By considering P4 ¼ P8 ¼ P5 , A4 þ A8 ¼ A5 , and
dm ¼ d5 , the length of the mixing section is determined by Eq. (38).
dn ¼ ðdi1 þ di Þ=2 (24)  
fm 2
Ff ;m ¼ rm Vm ðpdm Lm Þ (37)
8
Vn ¼ ðVi1 þ Vi Þ=2 (25)
8 ðm_ 4 V4 þ m_ 8 V8  m_ 5 V5 Þ
rn ¼ ðri1 þ ri Þ=2 (26) Lm ¼ (38)
fm pd5 rm Vm 2

The nozzle length needed for each step of the DPn can be
The streams near the wall in the mixing section are more
calculated using Eq. (27).
effective at developing frictional force. Therefore, rm and Vm can be
" # defined as follows:
2dn DPn DVn
DLn ¼ þ (27)
fn rn Vn2 Vn rm ¼ ðr8 þ r5 Þ=2 (39)

The total nozzle length is determined by adding the DLn values

Vm ¼ ðV8 þ V5 Þ=2 (40)
for each pressure difference DPn as shown in Eq. (28).
Haaland's equation [18] is used for the friction coefficient fm in
Ln;i ¼ Ln;i1 þ DLn (28) the mixing section.
For the friction coefficient in the nozzle, Eq. (29), given by
Haaland, can be used [18]. 3.2.3. Dimensions of the diffuser
If it is assumed that the pressure difference is divided into M
"   #
1 6:9 ε=dn 1:11 steps, Eq. (41) can be written for the DPd as:
pffiffiffiffi ¼ 1:8Log þ (29)
fn Ren 3:7 P6  P5
DPd ¼ (41)
Due to the two-phase flow in the nozzle, the equivalent Rey- M
nolds number given in Eq. (30) is used for the Ren , as shown in the Continuity and energy equations can be written for each step
Eq. (29) [19]. between points (5) and (j) as follows:
 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119 115

" #
m_ 5 ¼ m_ j (42) 2dd DPd DVd
DLd ¼ þ (57)
fd rd V 2 Vd
d
Vj 2
V52 The total length of the diffuser is determined by adding the DLd
h5 þ ¼ hj þ (43)
2 2 values for each pressure difference DPd , as shown in Eq. (58).
To determine the length of the diffuser for each DPd step, the
Ld;j ¼ Ld;j1 þ DLd (58)
momentum equation given in Eq. (44) can be used.

Pj1 Aj1 þ m_ j1 Vj1 ¼ Pj Aj þ m_ j Vj þ DFf ;d (44)

4. Validation of the study
The thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant at the each
point (j) can be calculated by using Eq. 45e48. The ejector dimensions are compared with the theoretical and
experimental studies to validate the method described in this
Pj ¼ Pj1 þ DPd (45) study. The theoretical calculations are carried out according to the
parameters shown in the Table 2. First of all, the Mach numbers are
 . calculated along the length of the nozzle to validate the proposed
hj ¼ h5 þ hj;is  h5 hd;j (46) method. The Mach number is unity at the location of smallest flow
area. This smallest flow area is called the throat. The velocity of the
refrigerant becomes sonic flow and Ma ¼ 1 at the throat of the
sj ¼ s5 (47)
nozzle. The refrigerant velocity accelerates from subsonic velocity
to supersonic velocity at this section. Variation of the Mach number
 
hj;is ¼ f Pj ; sj (48) through the length of the nozzle is shown in Fig. 4. As presented in
this figure, the throat of the nozzle occurred at Ma ¼ 1.
hd;j shown in Eq. (46) indicates the diffuser efficiency at the each An experimental setup was prepared for the bus ejector air
point (j); it is defined as follows: conditioning system shown in Fig. 1. This experimental setup is
  depicted in Fig. 5. An air conditioner currently used on the midi-
j1 buses was turned into ejector air conditioning system. It has 14 kW
M
cooling capacity, and experimental studies were conducted on this
hd;j ¼ hd (49)
system. Refrigerant pressure and temperature values are measured
The refrigerant velocity at the each point (j) is determined by at given points in Fig. 1. Piezo-resistive pressure transmitter and K-
using Eq. (43). The diffuser diameters of each point (j) are deter- type thermocouples were used for the pressure and temperature
mined with the use of the continuity equation, as shown in Eq. (50). measurement, respectively. The measured values were recorded
periodically by using a data logger. The characteristics of the
sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
measuring devices used in the experiments are given in Table 1. The
4 m_ 5
dj ¼ (50) range and accuracy of the pressure transmitter are 0/25 bar and
p rj Vj
±1.0%, respectively. K-type thermocouples are calibrated to provide
an accuracy of ±0.3  C for the temperature range of 50/100  C.
when DPd is sufficiently small, DLd will be very small. Therefore, we Pressure difference between the refrigerant at diffuser outlet
can write Ad;j1 yAd;j ¼ Ad . Based on to the continuity equation, it is and the secondary evaporator outlet is defined as PLift .
known that m_ d;j1 ¼ m_ d;j ¼ m_ 5 . So, the friction force DFf ;d for each
pressure difference in the diffuser can be calculated using Eq. (51). PLift ¼ P6  P8 (59)

According to thermodynamic analysis, PLift value is 93.4 kPa.

DFf ;d ¼ Pd;j1  Pd;j Ad þ m_ 5 Vd;j1  Vd;j (51)
Variations in refrigerant pressures at the diffuser and secondary
For the friction force DFf ;d , Eq. (52) can be written. evaporator outlets of left hand side (LH) and right hand side (RH)
and PLift value are shown in Figs. 6 and 7 as a function of time,
  respectively. According to the experimental results PLift is measure
fd
DFf ;d ¼ rd Vd2 ðpdd DLd Þ (52) around 80 kPa after the system reaches steady state. There is a
8
difference of about 15% between the theoretical and experimental
Haaland's equation is used for the friction coefficient fd in the results. Also, variations in refrigerant temperatures at the diffuser
diffuser. The cross-sectional area, diameter, velocity, and density and secondary evaporator outlets of (LH) and (RH) and TLift values
shown in Eqs. (51) and (52) are defined as follows: are shown in Figs. 8 and 9 as a function of time, respectively. TLift is
defined as temperature difference between the refrigerant at
 
Ad ¼ Aj1 þ Aj 2 (53) diffuser outlet and the secondary evaporator outlet.

  TLift ¼ T6  T8 (60)
dd ¼ dj1 þ dj 2 (54)
TLift value is considered as 4  C in the thermodynamic analysis. It
  is approximately 3.8  C in the experimental study after the system
Vd ¼ Vj1 þ Vj 2 (55) reaches steady state. The difference between the theoretical and
experimental values is around 5%. According to these results, it can
  be said that differences between the theoretical and experimental
rd ¼ rj1 þ rj 2 (56)
results are within acceptable limits and therefore, the presented
The diffuser length needed for each step of DPd can be calculated calculation method for the ejector dimensions in this work can be
using Eq. (57). considered as validated.
116 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119

Table 1
Characteristics of the measuring devices.

Measured variable Measuring device Range Accuracy

Pressure Piezo-resistive pressure transmitter 0/25 bar ±1.0%

Temperature Type-K thermocouple 50/100  C ±0.3  C

Table 2
Design parameters of the ejector cooling systems for buses and midibuses.

Parameter Symbol Value

Refrigerant R134a
Cooling capacity Q_ 14 kW for midibuses
32 kW for buses
Condenser temperature Tc 45  C
Primary evaporator temperature Te1 12  C
Secondary evaporator temperature Te2 5 C
Subcooling temperature DTsc 3 C
Superheating temperature for primary evaporator DTsh1 3 C
Superheating temperature for secondary evaporator DTsh2 3 C
Isentropic efficiency for the nozzle hn 0.9
Mixing section efficiency hm 0.8
Isentropic efficiency for the diffuser hd 0.9

5. Results and discussion the two-phase ejector for such a system. Only the dimensions of the
nozzle and mixing section were presented for the two-phase
In this study, a method is applied to calculate the two-phase ejector refrigeration system with dual evaporator by Lawrence
ejector of a bus air conditioning system that has two separate [9], but the dimensions of the diffuser were not given. This is the
evaporators working under different evaporation pressures. Air- first time a method to calculate all the dimensions of a two-phase
conditioning systems with the cooling capacities of 32 kW and ejector using analytical and numerical methods is presented in
14 kW are widely used on buses and midibuses, respectively. For the current paper. In this method, the various parameters given in
the Mediterranean climate zone, the ambient temperature can be Table 2 are taken into account; therefore, a possibility exists to
assumed to be 35  C for the design condition of the bus air- calculate the two-phase ejector dimensions based on different
conditioning system [20]. The parameters given in Table 2 are external conditions, internal requirements, and cooling loads.
used to calculate the two-phase ejector dimensions of the air- Air-conditioning systems used on the buses and midibuses are
conditioning systems for buses and midibuses. The calculated di- the standard vapor-compression refrigeration system (current
mensions of the two-phase ejectors for the bus and midibus air-
conditioning systems are shown in the Figs. 10 and 11, respec-
tively. The obtained ejector dimensions are presented in Table 3.
As seen in the Figs. 10 and 11, the total length of the two-phase
ejectors is found to be 480.8 mm and 793.1 mm for the air-
conditioning systems of the midibuses and buses, respectively.
The diameters and lengths of nozzle, mixing section and diffuser
are also shown in these figures. In this work, the air-conditioning
system, having a two-phase ejector and dual evaporator which
are working under different evaporation pressures, is analyzed. In
the literature, there has been no study giving all the dimensions of

Fig. 4. Variation of the Mach number along the length of the nozzle. Fig. 5. Pictures of the test setup.
 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119 117

Fig. 6. Variations of the refrigerant pressures at the ejector and evap.2 outlets.
Fig. 9. Variations of the theoretical and experimental temperature lift values.

Fig. 10. Ejector dimensions of an air-conditioning system for midibuses.

Fig. 7. Variations of the theoretical and experimental pressure lift values.

system). The refrigeration system will be more complex, if it is

changed to the two-phase ejector cooling system with additional
pipes (new system). However, there are sufficient places for these
additional parts, and the ejector cooling system on the ceiling of the

Fig. 11. Ejector dimensions of an air-conditioning system for buses.

Table 3
Ejector dimensions of the air-conditioning system for buses and midibuses.

Dimensions [mm] For midibuses Q_ ¼ 14 kW For buses Q_ ¼ 32 kW

d3 12.2 18.5
dnt 2.5 3.8
d4 4.0 6.1
d5 6.7 10.2
d6 12.7 19.1
Lnc 27.4 45.3
Lnd 60.5 100.7
Lm 147.3 243.1
Ld 245.6 404.0
Fig. 8. Variations of the refrigerant temperatures at the ejector and evap.2 outlets.
118 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119

Table 4
The weight analysis of the midibus air-conditioning system with and without the two-phase ejector.

Component Weight [kg]

Current system (without ejector) New system (with ejector) Difference

3 3 3 3
Option 1 (215 cm ) Option 2 (313 cm ) Option 1 (163 cm ) Option 2 (215 cm ) Option 1 Option 2

Evaporator (LH & RH) 7.7 7.7 5.3 5.3 2.4 2.4
Condenser 5.0 5.0 4.7 4.7 0.3 0.3
Compressor 8.1 15.5 7.1 8.1 1.0 7.4
Ejector 0.0 0.0 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9
Additional tubes and fittings 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Other components 102.0 102.0 102.0 102.0 0.0 0.0
Total A/C system 122.8 130.2 122.0 123.0 ¡0.8 (¡0.6%) ¡7.2 (¡5.5%)

Table 5
The cost analysis of the midibus air-conditioning system with and without the two-phase ejector.

Component Cost [USD]

Current system (without ejector) New system (with ejector) Difference

Option 1 (215 cm3) Option 2 (313 cm3) Option 1 (163 cm3) Option 2 (215 cm3) Option 1 Option 2

Evaporator (LH & RH) 77 77 62 62 15 15

Condenser 58 58 54 54 4 4
Compressor 310 595 170 310 140 285
Ejector 0 0 125 125 125 125
Additional tubes and fittings 0 0 10 10 10 10
Other Components 1385 1385 1385 1385 0 0
Total A/C system 1830 2115 1806 1946 ¡24 (¡1.3%) ¡169 (¡8.0%)

buses. For this reason, the buses can be designed with such a
cooling system more easily.
The change in the air-conditioner weight of the midibus with
and without two-phase ejector is shown in the Table 4. There are
two options for the current air-conditioning system of the Temsa
midibuses; so the two different compressors can be used in the air-
conditioning system. The compressors of 215 cm3 (option 1) and
313 cm3 (option 2) are used. The weights of the compressors are
8.1 kg and 15.5 kg for the first and second options, respectively.
According to the theoretical results, the total heat transfer surface
areas of evaporator and condenser for the midibus air-conditioner
with two-phase ejector can be decreased by 51% and 5%
compared to the current system, respectively. Furthermore, the
smaller compressors can be used in the two-phase air-conditioning
system for both options. So, it is possible to use the compressor of
163 cm3 instead of the 215 cm3 for the first option. Similarly, the
compressor size can be reduced to 215 cm3 for the second option.
The total weight of the two-phase ejector air-conditioner decreases Fig. 12. Variation of the COP values.
by 0.6% for the first option, and it decreases by 5.5% for the second
option in comparison to the current system.
The variation in the air-conditioner cost for the midibus air-
conditioning system with and without two-phase ejector is
shown in Table 5. The total cost of the two-phase ejector air-
conditioner decreases by 1.3% for the first option, and it decreases
by 8% for the second option compared to the current system. The
theoretical COP improvement of the system by using two-phase
ejector as an expansion device is by 15% depending on the design
parameters of the existing midibus air-conditioning system. Ac-
cording to the experimental results obtained in this study, the COP
improvement is determined as 8%. The fuel consumption of the
vehicle will also reduce. Therefore, due to the enhancement in the
COP the two-phase ejector air-conditioning system will be more
economical for both options in terms of overall cost.
The experimental studies are made on the test setup as shown
in Fig. 5 for both cases with and without two-phase ejector in air-
conditioning system. The variations of the COP values obtained
experimentally are shown in Fig. 12 for the current and new Fig. 13. Variation of the increasing rate of COP.
 Ş. Ünal / Applied Thermal Engineering 90 (2015) 110e119
systems. Also, increasing rate of COP values with respect to the
current system is presented in Fig. 13. It is seen that an increase is
provided around 8% in COP when using the two-phase ejector as an
expansion device in the bus air-conditioning system.
6. Conclusions
The current paper presents the determination of the ejector
dimensions of a bus air-conditioning system. The theoretical and
experimental studies have been performed on the two-phase
ejector used in the vapor-compression refrigeration system as an
expansion valve. One-dimensional homogeneous equilibrium
model is used for the theoretical study. As mentioned in the liter-
ature [21], experimental studies should be done on higher capacity
systems to maintain a system that can be widely used. Because of
this reason, all dimensions of the two-phase ejector for an air
conditioning system for buses are calculated according to the
method provided in this study; and an experimental study is per-
formed on a midibus air conditioning system. In the literature, the
ejector dimensioning studies are based on the assumption of an
ideal gas and empirical equations. In this work, R134a is selected to
be used as the working fluid, and the thermodynamic and physical
properties of R134a are used to calculate dimensions of the two-
phase ejector. The main conclusions can be cited as below:
1) According to the experimental results, the COP of the vapor-
compression cooling system can be increased by 8% with the
two-phase ejector as an expansion device.
2) Due to the cooling capacity of the air-conditioning system of the
buses and midibuses, quite a long two-phase ejector must be
used in the air-conditioner of these vehicles. In this study, the
total length of the two-phase ejector is calculated as 480.8 mm
and 793.1 mm for the midibuses and buses, respectively. How-
ever, the air-conditioner is located on the ceiling of these vehi-
cles and there would be no space problem for the ejector and
additional pipes.
3) The experimental studies are performed for the air-conditioner
compressor operating at a constant speed. Further the experi-
mental studies can be performed according to the compressors
which operate at variable speed in the actual road conditions.
Acknowledgements
This study is part of the Scientific and Technological Research
_
Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) Project No. 112M167. The project is
also supported by TEMSA Global and SAFKAR companies. The
_
author would like to thank to TÜBITAK, TEMSA Global, and SAFKAR
for their contributions.
119
References
[1] Council Directive 96/53/EC, No: L235/59e75, Off. J. Eur. Commun. (25 July
1996).
[2] A.A. Kornhauser, The use of an ejector as a refrigerant expander, Int. Refrig. Air
Cond. Conf. 82 (1990) 10e19.
[3] S. Disawas, S. Wongwises, Experimental investigation on the performance of
the refrigeration cycle using a two-phase ejector as an expansion device, Int. J.
Refrig. 27 (2004) 587e594.
[4] S. Wongwises, S. Disawas, Performance of the two-phase ejector expansion
refrigeration cycle, Int. J. Heat Mass Transf. 48 (2005) 4282e4286.
[5] P. Chaiwongsa, S. Wongwises, Effect of throat diameters of the ejector on the
performance of the refrigeration cycle using a two-phase ejector as an
expansion device, Int. J. Refrig. 30 (2007) 601e608.
[6] P. Chaiwongsa, S. Wongwises, Experimental study on R-134a refrigeration
system using a two-phase ejector as an expansion device, Appl. Therm. Eng.
28 (2008) 467e477.
[7] G. Pottker, B. Guo, P.S. Hrnjak, Experimental investigation of an R410A vapor-
compression system working with an ejector, in: International Refrigeration
and Air Conditioning Conference, Purdue in USA, 2010. Paper-2473.
[8] C. Reddick, Y. Mercadier, M. Ouzzane, Experimental study of an ejector
refrigeration system, in: International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Conference, Purdue in USA, July 16e19, 2012. Paper-1176.
[9] N.D. Lawrence, Analytical and Experimental Investigation of Two-phase
Ejector Cycles Using Low-pressure Refrigerants (Ms. thesis), University of Il-
linois, Urbana, IL, USA, 2012.
[10] N. Lawrence, S. Elbel, Experimental investigation of a two-phase ejector cycle
suitable for use with low-pressure refrigerants R134a and R1234yf, Int. J.
Refrig. 38 (2014) 310e322.
[11] N. Lawrence, S. Elbel, Theoretical and practical comparison of two-phase
ejector refrigeration cycles including first and second law analysis, Int. J.
Refrig. 36 (2013) 1220e1232.
[12] J. Hu, J. Shi, Y. Liang, Z. Yang, J. Chen, Numerical and experimental investi-
gation on nozzle parameters for R410A ejector air conditioning system, Int. J.
Refrig. 40 (2014) 338e346.
[13] K. Ameur, Z. Aidoun, M. Ouzzane, Modeling and numerical approach for the
design and operation of two-phase ejectors, Appl. Therm. Eng. XX (2014)
1e10.
[14] C. Lin, Y. Li, W. Cai, J. Yan, Y. Hu, Experimental investigation of the adjustable
ejector in a multi-evaporator refrigeration system, Appl. Therm. Eng. 61
(2013) 2e10.
[15] C. Lin, W. Cai, Y. Li, J. Yan, Y. Hu, K. Giridharan, Numerical investigation of
geometry parameters for pressure recovery of an adjustable ejector in multi-
evaporator refrigeration system, Appl. Therm. Eng. 61 (2013) 649e656.
[16] C. Li, Y. Li, W. Cai, Y. Hu, H. Chen, J. Yan, Analysis on performance charac-
teristics of ejector with variable area-ratio for multi-evaporator refrigeration
system based on experimental data, Appl. Therm. Eng. 68 (2014) 125e132.
[17] Ş. Ünal, T. Yılmaz, Thermodynamic analysis of the two-phase ejector air-
conditioning system for buses, Appl. Therm. Eng. 79 (2015) 108e116.
[18] Y.A. Çengel, J.M. Cimbala, Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications,
second ed., McGraw-Hill, 2010.
[19] M. Balcilar, K. Aroonrat, A.S. Dalkilic, S. Wongwises, A numerical correlation
development study for the determination of nusselt numbers during boiling
and condensation of R134a inside smooth and corrugated tubes, Int. Commun.
Heat Mass Transf. 48 (2013) 141e148.
[20] Climatic Design Information, ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals, Atlanta, USA,
2001.
[21] J. Sarkar, Ejector enhanced vapor-compression refrigeration and heat pump
systems-a review, Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 16 (2012) 6647e6659.