Exergetic and energetic evaluation of a modified tc-CO2 refrigeration system assisted with an absorption chiller using natural refrigerants

Abstract

Transcritical CO2 (tc-CO2) refrigeration system is a pertinent option for refrigeration at low temperature, but it has high energy consumption with low coefficient of performance (COP) and exergetic efficiency. Thermodynamic properties of CO2 are favorable to be used as refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and very low global warming potential (GWP). The tc-CO2 system rejects a huge amount of energy at higher temperature in the gas cooler which can be utilized to run the absorption chiller and produce desired cooling effect, in various combinations. The current research focuses on the energy and exergy analysis of a tc-CO2 refrigeration system that aspires to accomplish low-temperature refrigeration. A single-effect absorption chiller is used to give subcooling to the tc-CO2 refrigeration system, which is powered by the heat available at high temperatures and pressures at the exit of the compression process of the former system, rather than any other external heat source. A work recovery turbine is also used as the expansion device to reduce throttling losses and electricity consumption to power the integrated system. The parametric study reveals that there is a significant improvement in the refrigerating capacity, COP and exergetic efficiency of the system.