Thermoeconomic advantage of absorption refrigeration system in refineries

Considering the issue of fuel demand and depletion of fossil fuels, most of the refiniries have started to opt for an alternative system that could provide the same output by consuming less amount of enegy or by utilization of waste heat sources. This work reveals that the absorption refrigeration system has proved to be an effective alternative for producing refrigeration in refiniries. The fact that absorption cycle can be driven by low grade waste heat sources like steam, flue gas, fuel oil, etc not only makes it suitable for refiniries but also provides the economical advantage. This research focusses on the thermodynamic analysis which justifies the replacement of conventional compression refrigeration system with absorption refrigeration system and the concept of payback period is discussed.