The performance characteristics of an irreversible regenerative quantum refrigeration cycle

An irreversible regenerative model of the Brayton refrigeration cycle working with an ideal Fermi gas, which is simply called the quantum refrigeration cycle, is established. Expressions for several important performance parameters, such as the coefficient of performance, work input, refrigeration load and regeneration heat, are derived, based on the equation of state of an ideal Fermi gas. The influence of quantum degeneracy of the gas, regeneration and irreversibility on the performance of the quantum refrigeration cycle is analysed comprehensively. The general performance characteristics of the cycle are revealed. Moreover, two special cases are discussed and compared in detail. Consequently, the importance of regeneration in the cryogenic refrigeration is expounded from theory. Finally, the performance of the Brayton refrigeration cycle at high temperatures is directly deduced.