Title: Energy and exergy analysis of subcooling the condenser outlet refrigerant in a compression-absorption cascade refrigeration system

Authors: M. Salajeghe; M. Ameri

Addresses: Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, 7631133131, Iran ' Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman 7618868366, Iran

Abstract: The main aim of the presented research is to study the effect of subcooling the condenser outlet refrigerant in a compression-absorption cascade refrigeration system via energy and exergy methods. A parametric study is also conducted to investigate the effects of the operating conditions. LiBr-H2O and H2O-NH3 are used as fluid pairs in absorption section. The system is powered up by a prime mover, which can be either a micro-gas turbine, a gas turbine or a solid oxide fuel cell. The waste heat from the prime mover operates the absorption chiller and provides additional cooling, which is used to subcool the liquid exiting the condenser of the compression chiller. Results indicate that subcooling the condenser outlet enhances the efficiency of the cycle. It is also concluded that the system with a H2O-NH3 chiller has a better overall efficiency than the system with a LiBr-H2O chiller.

Keywords: integrated refrigeration systems; absorption chiller; compression chiller; second law efficiency; energy analysis; exergy analysis; subcooling; condenser outlet refrigerant; cascade refrigeration systems; waste heat.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2015.072170

International Journal of Exergy, 2015 Vol.18 No.2, pp.234 - 250

Received: 13 May 2014
Accepted: 14 Oct 2014

Published online: 02 Oct 2015 *

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