Title : Utilization of industrial waste heat in a simultaneous power and cooling cogeneration unit: A thermodynamic and parametric study
Abstract:
The utilization of waste energy is a significant challenge for industries, as it not only incurs high energy costs but also contributes to environmental pollution and potential safety hazards. Consequently, effective management of waste energy flows is a critical concern in industrial operations. This article aims to enhance the performance of conventional combined cooling/power (CCP) cycles, thereby improving the energy efficiency of existing systems. In this set-up, the waste heat from an industrial unit is utilized as an energy source of the CCP. A cogeneration configuration integrating an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) with a Cascade Ejector Refrigeration Cycle (CERC) is proposed to achieve this objective. The results indicate a net power output of 47.85 kW, with cooling outputs from evaporators 1 and 2 calculated at 53.19 kW and 48.34 kW, respectively. The system's performance metrics include a coefficient of performance for the refrigeration cycle of 0.452, an organic Rankine cycle efficiency of 17.27%, and an overall simultaneous production cycle efficiency of 50.29%. Furthermore, a parametric study is conducted to analyse the effects of key parameters on energy efficiency. For instance, increasing the generator pressure results in enhanced turbine power production within the organic Rankine cycle, subsequently improving the overall efficiency of the CCP cycle. This relationship underscores the importance of optimizing operating conditions to maximize energy recovery and minimize waste. By refining these parameters, industries can achieve more sustainable operations, ultimately reducing environmental impact while enhancing economic viability. The findings of this research contribute to the ongoing pursuit of advanced energy systems that harness waste energy effectively.
