Combined Cycle for Power Generation and Refrigeration Using Low Temperature Heat Sources

A combined refrigeration and power cycle, which uses ammonia-water as the working fluid, is proposed by combining Rankine and vapour absorption cycles with an advantage of varying refrigeration capacity to power output ratio. The study investigates the usage of low temperature heat sources for the cycle operation. Results of parametric analysis are presented, which show the scope for optimization. Results of thermodynamic optimization of the cycle for second law efficiency performed using genetic algorithm for different ambient temperatures are also presented. The cycle shows good potential for obtaining refrigeration and power generation.