A class of internally irreversible refrigeration cycles

A Carnot-like irreversible refrigeration cycle is modelled with two isothermal and two non-adiabatic, irreversible processes. The generic source of internal irreversibility, measured by the Clausius inequality, is a general irreversibility term which could include any heat leaks into the Joule-Thompson expansion valve, the evaporator and compressor cold boxes. This cycle is optimized first for maximum refrigeration power and maximum refrigeration load, then for maximum coefficient of performance. Its performances are compared with those of the endoreversible refrigeration cycle. (Abstract uses original text)