Hybrid absorption chiller to improve energy efficiency in combined cooling, heating, and power system

Abstract

As urban energy demands continue to rise, hybrid systems capable of utilizing diverse waste heat sources—including LNG combustion, exhaust gases, steam, and hot water—provide a sustainable solution by maximizing energy recovery and enhancing operational flexibility. This study presents the design, simulation, and experimental performance evaluation of a hybrid absorption chiller system utilizing multiple heat sources to improve energy efficiency in combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) applications. Simulation analyses compared the energy performance of series and parallel flow configurations, revealing that the hybrid system delivers significantly higher cooling capacity and performance than conventional single-source absorption chillers when total energy input is considered.

Simulation results indicated that the series flow configuration enhanced both cooling capacity and the coefficient of performance (COP) by 69% compared to conventional systems. Experimental results further demonstrated that, in hybrid mode-—integrating LNG and waste heat— the COP reached 2.27, representing a 74.9% improvement over single-source LNG-powered absorption chillers. Moreover, the hybrid system reduced LNG consumption by approximately 43%, highlighting its potential for significant energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. This study underscores the feasibility of multi-source hybrid absorption chillers as an environmentally sustainable and economically viable alternative for industrial and commercial CCHP applications.