Study on the Environmental Impact and Thermodynamic Efficiency of Absorption Refrigeration Using Waste Heat from Power Generating Units
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Study on the Environmental Impact and Thermodynamic Efficiency of Absorption Refrigeration Using Waste Heat from Power Generating Units
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Industrial power plants, including diesel and gas-based electricity generators, are significant sources of energy in many countries. However, these systems are inherently inefficient, with a large proportion of fuel energy—up to 60%—lost as waste heat through exhaust gases, cooling systems, and flue emissions (Bejan, 2016). This waste heat represents an untapped resource that can be harnessed for additional useful energy applications, such as cooling via absorption refrigeration systems (ARS).
Absorption refrigeration systems, particularly single-effect lithium bromide–water (LiBr–H₂O) configurations, are capable of utilizing low- and medium-temperature heat sources to produce cooling without relying on electricity-driven compressors (Chiasson, 2014). By integrating waste heat from industrial power plants into ARS, it is possible to improve overall energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with conventional electrically driven refrigeration systems (Zhang, Li, & Wang, 2018).
The thermodynamic performance of such systems is usually quantified through parameters such as the coefficient of performance (COP), cooling capacity, and exergy efficiency. Exergy analysis, in particular, provides insight into energy degradation and identifies opportunities for improving system efficiency (El-Sayed, Said, & Mahmoud, 2019). Additionally, utilizing waste heat in this manner contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, including CO₂, NOₓ, and SO₂, which are otherwise associated with fossil-fuel-based electricity consumption (Krause, Smith, & Wang, 2017).
Despite the potential benefits, there is limited research on the combined analysis of environmental and thermodynamic performance of absorption refrigeration systems powered by industrial waste heat, especially under varying operating conditions of power plants. This study seeks to address this gap by providing a comprehensive evaluation of the system’s performance and its environmental implications.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Conventional power plants exhibit low thermal efficiency, with substantial waste heat often discharged into the environment, contributing to energy loss and thermal pollution (Bejan, 2016). Meanwhile, conventional electrically driven refrigeration systems consume additional energy, increasing operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions (Zhang et al., 2018).
Although absorption refrigeration systems have been proposed to utilize low-grade heat, their performance is highly dependent on system design, working fluid selection, and operating conditions. In addition, the environmental benefits of integrating waste heat into ARS are not fully quantified, particularly in industrial settings. Without such analysis, opportunities for improving energy efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering emissions remain underutilized. Therefore, there is a critical need for a systematic evaluation of both the thermodynamic and environmental performance of ARS utilizing waste heat from industrial power plants.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
Aim:
To analyze the environmental and thermodynamic performance of an absorption refrigeration system utilizing waste heat from industrial power plants.
Objectives:
Design and model a single-effect absorption refrigeration system powered by waste heat from industrial power plant exhaust.
Evaluate thermodynamic performance of the integrated system, including coefficient of performance (COP), cooling capacity, and exergy efficiency under varying generator operating conditions.
Assess the environmental impact by quantifying fuel savings and associated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional electrically driven refrigeration systems.
1.4 Research Questions
How can a single-effect absorption refrigeration system be designed to effectively utilize waste heat from industrial power plants?
What is the thermodynamic performance (COP, cooling capacity, exergy efficiency) of the system under varying operating conditions?
What environmental benefits, including fuel savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions, can be achieved through the implementation of the system?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant in several ways:
Energy Efficiency: By recovering waste heat from industrial power plants, the system can reduce primary energy consumption and improve overall plant efficiency (Bejan, 2016).
Environmental Sustainability: Reduced reliance on electricity for cooling leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation (Zhang et al., 2018).
Economic Benefit: Utilizing waste heat for cooling can lower operational costs in industrial and commercial applications.
Scientific Contribution: The study contributes to the body of knowledge on absorption refrigeration systems, thermodynamic analysis, and environmental impact assessment, providing data for future research and industrial adoption.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on:
Designing a single-effect LiBr–H₂O absorption refrigeration system using exhaust heat from industrial power plants.
Evaluating system thermodynamic performance under different generator operating conditions, including full load, partial load, and idle conditions.
Assessing environmental benefits in terms of fuel savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Laboratory simulations and modeling using thermodynamic equations and software tools such as MATLAB or EES.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
Availability of accurate exhaust heat data may be limited due to operational variations in industrial power plants.
Laboratory simulations may not fully replicate complex industrial field conditions.
The study focuses on single-effect ARS and does not consider multi-effect or hybrid systems, which may offer higher efficiencies.
1.8 Definition of Key Terms
Absorption Refrigeration System (ARS): A refrigeration system that uses thermal energy to drive the cooling cycle rather than mechanical compressors.
Waste Heat Recovery (WHR): The process of capturing and reusing heat that would otherwise be wasted in industrial processes.
Coefficient of Performance (COP): The ratio of cooling effect produced to the heat input supplied to the generator.
Exergy Efficiency: A measure of the quality of energy utilization and potential for doing useful work.
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