PROCESS DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF PROPANE ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION CYCLE OPERATING WITH DIFFERENT HYDROCARBON SOLVENTS

Abstract

In this study, six innovative process modifications of an absorption refrigeration cycle are simulated using ASPEN HYSYS software. The simulations' performance is evaluated considering two working fluid pairs namely, (propane-methyl cyclopentane) and (propane - ethyl cyclopentane). The performances of all proposed schemes are investigated at different operating conditions to select the optimum design scheme. The optimum design performance is compared to commercial cycles. A single absorption refrigeration cycle with a splitter and double heat exchangers revealed the highest performance among all proposed schemes at all operating conditions. Double absorbers and multi-absorbers cycle can compete effectively with all proposed cycles but at specific operating conditions depending on the process requirements of chilling temperatures so they are considered as a tailor-made design.