Thermodynamic and economic investigation of a novel integration of the absorption-recompression refrigeration system with compressed air energy storage (CAES)

Abstract In this work, a novel hybrid system based on absorption-recompression refrigeration system, compressed air energy storage (CAES) and wind turbines is proposed for using in retail buildings. In proposed system, wind turbines are employed to provide electricity during off-peak hours. Using conventional environmental pollutant combustion chambers and refrigerants in CAES and refrigeration subsystems have been eliminated in present system. So, it is an entirely environmentally-friendly system. By tailoring a booster vapor compressor between the generator and condenser of the conventional absorption cycle and achieving full heat transfer between them, the efficiency has been significantly improved. To override the further energy consumption of the vapor compressor, coupling with a CAES system is investigated. Energy, exergy, economic and parametric investigations are applied to the proposed system and its single parts to have a comprehensive evaluation. As a result, 2287 kW cooling capacity, 2.431 total coefficient of performance and 56.71% roundtrip efficiency ( RTE ) are reached. The results indicate that the payback period of the proposed system is less than 6 years and 187.65 $ is saved in each cycle of the hybrid system. Furthermore, the exergy analysis represents that the pressure regulating valve in CAES and condenser/generator in refrigeration subsystems have the maximum exergy destruction.