Thermo-economic analysis of absorption-compression hybrid cooling systems with parallel subcooling and recooling for small scale low-grade heat source and low temperature application. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Zeyu; Li, Zeyu; Zeng, Junquan; Yu, Jianting; Lv, Shiliang
• Is Part Of: International journal of refrigeration. Volume 138(2022)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Absorption-compression -- Low-grade heat -- Low temperature refrigeration -- Small scale heat source; Absorption-compression -- Chaleur à basse température -- Froid à basse température -- Source de chaleur à petite échelle; Refrigeration and refrigerating machinery -- Periodicals; 621.56
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2022.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-7007

Abstract

Highlights: Compressor work of novel layout is 10.45% less than that of cascade system. Conventional and advanced exergy analysis of the proposed layout is performed. Performance of the proposed layout for different critical parameters is studied. Optimal mid pressure is 54.16% of geometric mean for evaporator and condenser one. Payback period of the proposed layout is 3.67 years. Abstract: The consumption of low temperature refrigeration systems goes up dramatically due to the fast development of cold chain. In this regard, developing the absorption-compression hybrid cooling systems and employing the low-grade heat to save the compressor work is effective to address the above-mentioned issue. However, one of the main obstacles associated with such solution lies in small scale heat source vs. large heat consumption, which remarkably lowers the amount of energy saving. Consequently, a novel layout, absorption-compression hybrid cooling system with parallel subcooling and recooling, is proposed to deal with the above-mentioned problem. Comparative study is performed to display the advantage of the proposed facility at first. Subsequently, exergy analysis and parametric analysis of the proposed layout are implemented to derive design and operation criteria. Finally, the economic analysis of proposed system is carried out to assess the feasibility. It is found that the compressor power of the novel system is 9.3% and 10.45% less than that of two-stage vapour compression chiller and absorption-compression cascade layout, respectively. Moreover, the payback period of proposed layout is 3.67 years. The paper is favorable to enhance the energy saving of refrigeration system which is associated with small scale low-grade heat source and low temperature application.