Experimental Results of a Novel Integrated Energy System Formed by a Microturbine and an Exhaust Fired Single-Double Effect Absorption Chiller

Abstract

Integrated Energy Systems (IES) combine a distributed power generation (DG) system such as a microturbine generator (MTG) or a fuel cell with thermally activated technologies (TAT) such as absorption cooling. This integration maximizes the efficiency of energy use by on-site utilization of most of the waste heat generated by the DG system, and thus reduces harmful emissions to the environment. This study shows experimental results of a real IES commercial unit that has been tested in the Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) DG testing facility at the University of California, Irvine. The system consists of an MTG with an internal recuperator that provides a maximum electrical power generation capacity of 28 kW, and a novel absorption cooling cycle. The absorption cycle is a single effect-double effect exhaust fired cycle, which increases the heat exchange from the MTG exhaust gases using two generators at two different temperature levels. With this combination, the maximum cooling capacity of the absorption machine is nominally 14 refrigeration tons (49.2 kW), which represents 25% more cooling capacity than a double effect absorption machine could provide with the same heat source. The results will show the electrical and thermal performance of this system, both at full load and partial load, for different cooling temperatures, and the relationship between the electrical load and the performance of the absorption unit.