Thermodynamic analysis of ejector-assisted vapour compression–absorption hybrid refrigeration system

ABSTRACT

The vapour compression–absorption hybrid refrigeration system (VCAHRS) is a potential alternative refrigeration technology as it economises the use of energy resources. The main issues observed with VCAHRS are low overall COP and large size of system which is mainly due to the poor performance of absorption section. Absorption section, while assisted by an ejector, can improve the overall performance of VCAHRS. It is shown that at low generator temperatures, the ejector-assisted absorption section provides better performance than the conventional absorption system adapted in VCAHRS. Simulation results show that the overall COP of VCAHRS is improved by 22.6%, whereas the COP improvement of 25.2% is observed in the absorption section. The total irreversibility of the system is reduced by 38.8% using ejector at optimum generator temperature which is found to be 92.1°C while varying it from 117.9°C. Therefore, ejector-assisted VCAHRS also permits the utilisation of low temperature heat source.

KEYWORDS:

• Vapour compression
• absorption
• hybrid refrigeration system
• ejector

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.