Abstract: By using finite-time thermodynamic theory, unified description a characterization is made of a class of two-heat-source refrigerators using an ideal gas as working fluid is achieved. The fundamental optimal relation of the refrigerators is derived, and the effect of regenerative loss and regenerative time on the cooling rate and coefficient of performance is discussed. The results obtained here have general significance. They may provide some new theoretical guidance for the manufacture and the optimal design of a class of two-heat-source refrigerators, such as Carnot refrigerators, Stirling refrigerators, Ericsson refrigerators, and so on.

Key words: unified description, two-heat-source refrigerator, finite-time thermodynamics