Abstract The cascade refrigeration cycle system has been used mainly to obtain the ultra-low temperature. In this study, the effects of internal and outdoor temperatures at chamber on the heat capacity of fin-tube heat exchangers were examined. In addition, refrigerant line patterns as well as refrigerant type for cascade cycle were optimized. The results in this study show that the refrigerant line patterns have greater effect on the sensible capacity than the total capacity. Also, the condenser heat release rate for R717-R744 cycle varies the ratio of 46 % with outdoor temperature by comparing with that of 24% for R134a-R410a cycle.