A novel combination of absorption heat transformer and refrigeration for cogenerating cooling and distilled water: Thermoeconomic optimization

• Published in: Renewable energy 2022-07, Vol.194, p.978-996
• Main Authors: Mahmoudi, S.M. Seyed, Akbari, A.D., Rosen, Marc A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exergy analysis; LiBr/H2O absorption heat transformer system; LiBr/H2O absorption refrigeration system; Thermoeconomic optimization; Water desalination
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2022.05.142

A novel cogeneration system consisting of an absorption heat transformer and refrigeration system integrated with a water desalination system is proposed, analyzed, and optimized. The cogeneration and desalination systems interacted thermally. The proposed system is flexible in producing cooling and distilled water with variable fractions. Influences on system performance are investigated of the decision parameters. A maximum value of 39 °C is achieved for gross temperature lift. Also, it is observed that the condenser temperature, which is influenced by climate conditions, affects system performance. The system performance is optimized considering such criteria as exergy efficiency, the rate of distilled water production, and total product unit cost. Depending on the criteria used for optimization, the results indicate a minimum total product unit cost of 42.6$/GJ, a maximum exergy efficiency of 27.9%, and a maximum distilled water mass flow rate of 0.53 kg/s. The minimum total capital cost rate and exergy destruction cost rate are found to be 11 $/h and 3.89 $/h, respectively. Under optimized conditions, the generator is seen to contribute the most to the total exergy destruction rate. The values of levelized cost of energy and water and payback period are 0.013 $/kWh, 9 $/m3 and 1.8 year, respectively.