Thermodynamic analysis and experimental validation of multi-composition ammonia liquor absorption engine cycle for power generation

Abstract

Energy conservation, utilization, and effective integration are of utmost importance for future sustenance. Accordingly, this work focuses on the generation of power from the low-grade temperature below 150°C. A proposed novel multi-composition ammonia liquor absorption engine (MALAE) power cycle can be used toward the above purpose by supplying renewable energy obtained from low concentration type solar collectors. Proposed MALAE power cycle minimizes heal loss due to heat recovery and uses high purity NH3 vapors to expand through the isentropic turbine. MALAE power system is modeled and simulated using NH3-H2O as a working fluid for a reboiler temperature of 115°C. The purpose of this work is to simulate the proposed MALAE power cycle with the distillation column and two solution heat exchanger (SHE). MALAE modeling and simulation is accomplished in SCILAB software. The simulation outcome is validated with the pilot-scale 5 kW experimental setup and validation showed ±5% deviation. A comparison of MALAE cycle with published cycles signifies higher efficiency of MALAE cycle toward the utilization of low-grade energy from a temperature range of 100°C to 150°C. Finally, detailed parametric analysis of MALAE cycle efficiency is presented in terms of number of plates, distillation pressure and vapor flowrate, absorber temperature, pressure partial condenser temperature, and heat loads.