The performance analysis of a novel absorption refrigeration cycle used for waste heat with large temperature glide

Highlights: • A new absorption chiller utilizing heat with a large temperature glide is proposed. • Thermodynamic calculations are conducted to analyze the system performance. • Steady-state parametric studies are conducted for this system. • ω of the new cycle is much higher than that of a single effect cycle. • The new cycle can obtain lower temperature and use lower grade heat. - Abstract: To make full utilization of waste heat with large temperature glide, a new absorption refrigeration cycle with a simple construction is proposed. In this cycle, the solution flowing out from a low-pressure and high-temperature absorber absorbs refrigerant vapor in a low-pressure and low-temperature absorber which is cooled by evaporating refrigerant in a high-pressure evaporator. The refrigerant vapor to be absorbed in the low-pressure and low-temperature absorber comes from a low-pressure evaporator. The vapor flowing out from the high-pressure evaporator is absorbed by solution in a high-pressure absorber. This solution sent to a liquid pump comes from a low-pressure and low-temperature absorber. Compared to a single-effect absorption cycle, the molar fraction of refrigerant of the solution into generator is much greater, resulting in drastic temperature decline for the displaced exhaust gas/water of this cycle, which means the new cycle can effectively utilize waste heat with large temperature glide. Theoretical simulation results show that the cooling capacity per unit mass of exhaust gas of the proposed cycle is about 20% higher than that of a single-effect absorption cycle, especially for the situation that temperature of supplied waste heat is lower and/or refrigeration temperature is lower.