Compression–absorption cascade refrigeration system

This paper describes the study carried out to analyse a refrigeration system in cascade with a compression system at the low temperature stage and an absorption system at the high temperature stage to generate cooling at low temperatures, as well as the possibility of powering it by means of a cogeneration system. CO2 and NH3 have been considered as refrigerants in the compression stage and the pair NH3–H2O in the absorption stage. The analysis has been realized by means of a mathematical model of the refrigeration system implemented in a computer program and taking into account the characteristic operating conditions of a cogeneration system with gas engines. The paper presents the results obtained regarding the performance of the refrigeration system and the adaptability between the power requirements of the refrigeration system and the power supplied by the cogeneration system taking into account the present Spanish Regulations about the use of cogeneration systems.