Patent ID: 7669428

Claim:
A vortex tube assisted vapor compression refrigeration (vortex VCR) system comprising: at least one vortex tube, an evaporator, a condenser, at least one compressor, a throttle, and a working fluid, wherein the vortex tube, the evaporator, the condenser, the compressor, and the throttle are in fluid communication with one another via a manifold, wherein the vortex tube has a first end and a second end, wherein the vortex tube is configured to separate the working fluid into a first working fluid stream and a second working fluid stream, wherein the vortex tube is configured to direct the first working fluid stream out of the first end of the vortex tube, wherein the vortex tube is configured to direct the second working fluid stream out of the second end of the vortex tube, wherein the manifold is configured to direct the first working fluid stream to the evaporator, wherein the manifold is configured to direct the second working fluid away from the evaporator, wherein the first working fluid stream has a lower enthalpy than the second working fluid stream, wherein the working fluid comprises a CO 2 fluid, wherein at least one compressor comprises two compressors, wherein a first compressor is positioned after the evaporator and a second compressor is positioned after the first compressor and before the condenser, wherein the first compressor is configured to receive the first working fluid exiting the evaporator and the second compressor is configured to receive a mixture of the second working fluid stream and the first working fluid stream exiting the first compressor.