Coupled Power-Refrigeration Cycle: An Innovative Approach

Due to the large difference in demand and supply of electrical energy, power cut leads to interruption in the working of cold storages which ultimately results in spoilage of vegetables. Compression refrigeration cycles are widely used in cold storages due to the higher coefficient of performance over other refrigeration systems. The most significant energy consumer of compression refrigeration system is electric motor which drives the compressor. Environmental concerns such as ozone depletion and global warming have directed the research trend towards the emergence of new refrigeration technologies. The objective of this work is to provide an energy efficient alternate cooling technology which can utilize renewable energy sources for its operation. In this regard, coupling of organic Rankine cycle and compression refrigeration cycle along with performance augmentation by well known technologies is proposed. The coupled power-refrigeration cycle uses an eco-friendly refrigerant in the topping power and bottoming refrigeration loop. This work presents energy and exergy analysis of a coupled power-refrigeration cycle along with modified configurations.