The performance analysis and optimization of a real regenerated air refrigerator is carried out by using finite-time thermodynamic method in this article. To maximize the cooling load and the coefficient of performance of the refrigerator, the heat conductance distribution between the hot- and cold-side exchangers and the regenerator for the fixed total heat exchanger inventory and heat capacitance rate matching between the working fluid and heat reservoirs are optimized, respectively. The influences of the pressure ratio, the total heat exchanger inventory, the efficiencies of the compressor and expander, the pressure recovery coefficient, and the ratio of the heat capacitance rates of heat reservoirs on the optimum characteristic of the refrigerator are shown by detailed numerical examples. The results obtained may provide guidance for the design of practice air refrigeration plants.
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