Abstract
Solar energy is utilized in a combined ejector refrigeration system with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to produce a cooling effect and generate electrical power. This study aims at increasing the utilized share of the collected solar thermal energy by inserting an ORC into the system. As the ejector refrigeration cycle reaches its maximum coefficient of performance (COP), the ORC starts working and generating electrical power. This electricity is used to run the circulating pumps and the control system, which makes the system autonomous. For the ejector refrigeration system, R134a refrigerant is selected as the working fluid for its performance characteristics and environmentally friendly nature. The COP of 0.53 was obtained for the ejector refrigeration cycle. The combined cycle of the solar ejector refrigeration and ORC is modeled in EBSILON Professional. Different parameters like generator temperature and pressure, condenser temperature and pressure, and entrainment ratio are studied, and the effect of these parameters on the cycle COP is investigated. Exergy, economic, and exergoeconomic analyses of the hybrid system are carried out to identify the thermodynamic and cost inefficiencies present in various components of the system.
Highlights
The conventional vapor-compression refrigeration system (VCRS), which uses working fluids that are harmful to the environment, is dominating in the refrigeration sector all over the world
The ejector refrigeration system (ERS) is modeled in Equation Solver Software (EES), and a computer program is developed based on the mass, momentum, The
The entire system cycle represents the combination of the SERC with the organic Rankine cycle (ORC), where solar energy is used to drive both cycles for cogeneration of cooling capacity and electrical power
Summary
The conventional vapor-compression refrigeration system (VCRS), which uses working fluids that are harmful to the environment, is dominating in the refrigeration sector all over the world. The solar ejector refrigeration system (SERS), which uses solar energy as the driving energy, is the alternative for VCRS. It helps to decrease the indirect environmental impact though reducing the CO2 emissions coming from electricity generation. Solar energy is the most abundant, vast, and inexhaustible source of energy for a clean environment. Researchers have started investigating the replacement of high-priced fossil fuels with alternative renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. As the supply of solar energy is highly compatible with the demand, the use and implementation of solar energy in air conditioning and refrigeration applications have gained more attention over the last decades
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