Rotary heat pump driven by natural gas

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an efficient cycle based upon the rotation of a hybrid absorption/recompression arrangement. This novel refrigeneration cycle combines a mechanical compressor and absorption system, together with process intensification which exploits radial flow driven by centrifugal force. The system is driven by a gas-engine, in order to utilise the waste heat produced by the engine. The developed cycle avoids the use of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). Performance calculations are reported for a cycle using water and lithium bromide (H₂O/LiBr) and water sodium hydroxide-potassium hydroxide-caesium hydroxide (H₂O/NaOHKOHCsOH) as the working fluid. For each of the combinations, the refrigerant is water. This paper also discusses various cycles using different configurations in order to assess their feasibility.