Heat powered refrigeration cycles

The technology and application of absorption refrigeration, single and multistage cycles, and systems into which they are integrated such as CHP, are reviewed. The fundamental thermodynamics is established in terms of Carnot cycles (direct and reverse). This theory was then merged with Carnot theory to establish a universal law of cold generation systems: combinations of driving and cooling cycles which produce cooling from a combustion process. The applications of direct fired absorption chillers, cold generation systems, and their integration into combined heat and power (CHP) systems are analysed. Direct fired chillers have been proved to be economically feasible; the analysis of cold generation cycles indicated the feasibility of certain plant configurations. For the CHP analysis, the exergy costing method was selected as very appropriate and was used to determine the most cost effective application. Finally theoretical and economic conclusions are presented regarding the equivalence of vapour compression and absorption cycles. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.