Parametric analysis on parallel flash cogeneration cycle for enhancing heat source utilization

ABSTRACT

Demand for electricity and cooling is increasing due to population growth, which in turn increases pollution. Renewable energy sources are gaining popularity due to their lower levels of pollution. Resource utilisation efficiency is an important factor in maximising the efficiency of low-temperature heat sources. In this study, a vapour absorption cooling cycle and a Kalina power cycle were merged. At the economiser, heat is recovered from the heat exchanger and divided into two basic solution streams. The high-pressure flow passes through the boiler evaporator to produce wet steam, while another stream is throttled to an intermediate pressure. The thermal efficiency of the cycle improves with increasing separator temperature, separator pressure, concentration, and heat recovery temperature, but there is an optimal separator temperature for resource utilisation capacity. Increasing separator pressure and heat recovery temperatures improves resource utilisation efficiency. The proposed cycle has a better temperature match in the heating process. The resource utilisation efficiency of the present cycle is 31.13%, which is 90.63% higher than the reference study.

KEYWORDS:

• Kalina cycle
• vapour absorption refrigeration cycle
• thermal efficiency
• resource utilization efficiency

Data availability statement

Simulation data submitted for review. It is displayed in the form of graphs in the manuscript. The values of the cycle at the component connections are displayed in tabular form.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).