Parametric Study of Combined Cooling and Power (CCP) Plant Integrated with Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors (PTSCs)

Abstract

This study presents a detailed energy analysis of a Combined Cooling and Power (CCP) plant operated by Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors (PTSCs). The integrated cycles; Vapor Absorption Refrigeration Cycle (VARC) and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) are used to produce cooling and power, respectively. Six organic working fluids, namely, R113, R141b, R123, R245fa, R142b, and isobutane were selected for ORC, while LiBr-H2O solution used in VARC. Four key energetic parameters, useful heat gain, work output, cooling rate, and energy utilization factor (EUF) were examined during varying direct normal irradiance (DNI). A parametric study was carried out in three modes of operation, power only, combined power and cooling and cooling only under the limits of DNI from 0.6 kW/m2to 0.88 kW/m2recorded on the yearly-average basis in two cities of Pakistan, Lahore, and Quetta respectively. Results enunciated that R113 given the highest thermal efficiency of 17.12%, while isobutane gave the least thermal efficiency of 7.88%, hence R113 was chosen as organic working fluid for further study. The maximumEUF was found in the cooling mode of operation which increased from 63.95% to 66.79% at 0.6 kW/m2 and 0.88 kW/m2 respectively. During the combined cooling and power mode, maximum cooling rate, power output, and EUF were 3456 kW, 822.5 kW, and 41.34% respectively at 0.88 kW/m2.