EES analysis of low-grade thermal energy organic-rankine-vapor compression-refrigeration system.

Utilizing the integrated organic rankine cycle (ORC) and vapour compression refrigeration (VCRs) cycle powered by low-grade thermal energy, the performance of different hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and novel hydrofluoroole fins was investigated. In this work Engineering Equation Solver (EES) program was utilised for simulation and the results were validated with available experimental results in literature. For low-grade thermal energy, VCRS normally operates in range of 5 and 40 °C, whereas ORC typically operates between 80 and 40 °C. Two essential criteria used to evaluate the system's performance were the coefficient of performance (COPs) and total mass flow rate for each kilo watt total cooling capacity. For the condenser, evaporator, and boiler, the influence of temperature on effectiveness was investigated. The effect of temperature on system performance was studied for the condenser, evaporator, and boiler. Among all the working fluids tested in this combined system, R600a was proven to be the best. Its flammability, though, should draw enough attention. The assumptions and constraints of the modeling were also examined, and model improvement are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]