Thermodynamic Performance Assessment of a Novel Micro-CCHP System Based on a Low Temperature PEMFC Power Unit and a Half-Effect Li/Br Absorption Chiller

Abstract

The aim of this work has been to evaluate the energetic feasibility and the performances of a novel residential micro-Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CCHP) system, based on low temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) power unit and half effect lithium bromide absorption chiller. This integrated system has been designed to produce both electric, thermal and cooling power by recovering heat from the fuel cell power unit cooling system. The analysis has been conducted by using numerical simulations: the PEMFC power unit and the absorption chiller have been modeled by means of one-dimensional and thermochemical models, respectively, and by means of available experimental and literature reference data, has been performed the validation. The performance parameters such as: the energy utilization factor (EUF), the exergy utilization factor (ExUF) and the trigeneration primary energy saving (TPES), have been used to analyzed the performances of the system. The numerical results showed a good performance in terms of energy and ExUF, in the whole operating field of the trigeneration system. Furthermore, the highest ExUF values are obtained for the minimum evaporator temperature (4 • C) and minimum condenser temperature (27 • C) of the absorption chiller. The calculated values of TPES for the CCHP mode, ranges from −0.07 to 0.19, thus, the system has good performance in a wide operating range, but the better performance can be achieved at lower loads.

Study of the work and efficiency improvement of combined-cycle gas turbine plants

“…As a source of cold it is proposed to use absorption refrigeration machine. [13][14][15][16][17] The operational principle of an absorption refrigeration machine is based on certain properties of the refrigerant and absorbent, which provide heat removal, cooling and maintaining the required temperature conditions. At present, the industry widely uses absorption refrigeration machines to produce cold in an area of positive temperatures for various technological needs.…”

Thermodynamic Analysis of a Half-Effect Absorption Cooling System Powered by a Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Source

“…Besides, the author concluded that for generator temperatures higher than In the literature, there have been many reports about theoretical and experimental works on singleand double-effect absorption systems: However, the literature about absorption half-effect systems is scarce. Cozzolino [14] described a residential micro-Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CCHP) system, including a low-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) power unit and a half-effect lithium bromide absorption chiller. The author carried out numerical simulations in order to demonstrate the energetic feasibility and performance of this configuration.…”

Modeling and Control of a Combined Heat and Power Unit with Two-Stage Bypass

“…This condition is attributed to the particularly scarce peak-load regulation power (hydropower and condensing unit) in these areas compared with the numerous combined heat and power (CHP) units. The CHP units have considerable environmental and financial benefits when compared to conventional energy generation [3][4][5][6][7]. However, a CHP unit is subject to a heat load-based constraint, which causes its power output to be high in the heating season and limits the access space of wind power in the grid [8].…”