Performance analysis of a solar-powered multi-effect refrigeration system

Abstract

The main objective of the current work is to investigate the thermodynamic performance of a novel solar powered multi-effect refrigeration system. The proposed cycle consists of a solar tower system with a heliostat field and central receiver (CR) that has molten salt as the heat transfer fluid, an absorption refrigeration cycle (ARC), an ejector refrigeration cycle (ERC), and a cascade refrigeration cycle (CRC). Energy and exergy analyses were carried out to measure the thermodynamic performance of the proposed cycle, using Dhahran weather data and operating conditions. The largest contribution to cycle irreversibility was found to be from the CR system (52.5%), followed by the heliostat field (25%). The first and second-law efficiencies improved due to the increase in the following parameters: ejector evaporator temperature, turbine inlet and exit pressures, and cascade evaporator temperature. Parametric analysis showed that the compressor delivery pressure, turbine inlet and exit pressures, hot molten salt outlet temperature, and ejector evaporator temperature significantly affect the refrigeration output.