Thermodynamic Analysis of an Absorption/Compression Refrigeration System Using Geothermal Energy

Abstract

This article presents the potential use and exploration of geothermal energy for cooling applications using a combined absorption/compression system. The considered system uses R134a for the compression part and the cool water-ammonia for the absorption part of the installation. The geothermal temperature source is in the range 343-349K, the condensation temperature is 308 K, and in order to produce ice, the R134a evaporation temperature is 263 K. The COP is about 5.4. Therefore, based on the typical geothermal energy sources in Tunisia which present a refrigeration potential power of 9.1 MW, the quantity of ice that could be produced is about 82 tons per hour. The greenhouse gas emissions should thus be reduced by about 5884 tons of CO₂ per year, which represents (59%).