Experimental Verification of a Combined Power and Cooling Thermodynamic Cycle

A novel combined power-cooling thermodynamic cycle, for use with low-temperature, sensible heat sources, is under experimental investigation. In this power-cooling cycle, absorption condensation is used to regenerate the working fluid. This allows the expander exhaust temperature to drop significantly below the temperature at which absorption is taking place. This is an obvious departure from pure working fluid, Rankine cycle operation and is the source of cooling. Expander exhaust temperatures are controlled by the cycle parameters of expander exit pressure (absorption pressure), expander isentropic efficiency, and the vapor properties (temperature, pressure, and concentration) at expander inlet. Experiments have been performed that show the power-cooling concept to be valid by measuring the expander exit-absorber temperature difference and they highlight the direction for future work.