Absorption Power Refrigeration Cycle

75990-Waste heat streams represent an enormous untapped energy resource. The smaller the quantity and temperature of the waste heat, the more difficult it is to convert it to power. Yet, the smaller waste heat streams are available in greatest number. This project will develop a new absorption cycle for converting low temperature (<500oF), low quantity (<500 kWe) waste heat streams to power and refrigeration. The co-production will ensure both high efficiency and high utilization of the waste heat. Phase I will establish a complete design for the absorption power/refrigeration cycle, including a heat and mass balance, selection of an expander, specification of major components, and a preliminary estimate of cost and benefits. Included in the design will be a plan for converting refrigeration capacity to power capacity during off-season operation. A prototype will be developed in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new absorption cycle should be capable of producing roughly 50 kW to 500 kW of power from small waste heat streams. Target applications include those needing both power and chilling, at least seasonally; examples are hotels, hospitals, supermarkets, universities, shopping malls, cold storage warehouses, and industrial processes.