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Superstructure-Based Optimization of Vapor Compression-Absorption Cascade Refrigeration Systems
Sergio F Mussati1, Tatiana Morosuk2, Miguel C Mussati1
1INGAR Instituto de Desarrollo y Diseño (CONICET-UTN), Avellaneda 3657, S3002GJC Santa Fe, Argentina.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 8, 2020
Summary
This study optimizes a combined vapor compression and absorption refrigeration system. The novel configuration minimizes heat transfer area, improving cost-effectiveness and performance for refrigeration applications.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Refrigeration Engineering
- Mathematical Optimization
Background:
- Combined refrigeration systems merge vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS) and vapor absorption refrigeration system (VARS) advantages.
- This integration offers enhanced cost-effectiveness and improved coefficient of performance (COP) compared to standalone systems.
- Optimization is crucial for determining the most efficient system configurations and operating parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a cascade refrigeration system integrating a double-effect H2O-LiBr vapor absorption refrigeration system (VARS) with a R134a vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS).
- To minimize the total heat transfer area of the combined system through superstructure-based optimization.
- To identify optimal component sizes and operating conditions that meet specific refrigeration demands.
Main Methods:
- Extended a prior optimization model for a series flow double-effect H2O-LiBr VARS to a superstructure model.
- Coupled the enhanced VARS model with a R134a VCRS model.
- Applied mathematical programming to find the optimal system configuration, component sizes, and operating conditions.
Main Results:
- Identified an optimal configuration for the cascade system that differs from previously reported combinations.
- Achieved a reduction of approximately 7.3% in the total heat transfer area compared to a reference case.
- The optimized system meets design specifications for evaporator temperature (-17.0 °C) and refrigeration capacity (50.0 kW) using 130 °C steam.
Conclusions:
- The developed optimization approach successfully identified a novel and more efficient configuration for combined VCRS-VARS.
- The optimized cascade system demonstrates significant reductions in total heat transfer area, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.
- This research provides a valuable framework for designing and optimizing integrated refrigeration systems.
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