Thermodynamic and economic analysis of a Kalina system with integrated lithium-bromide-absorption cycle for power and cooling production

The paper presents 3E (energy, exergy and economic) analysis of a modified Kalina power-cooling vapour absorption cycles (KLPCCs) for better thermo-economic figures of merit to drive affordable energy access and climate change mitigation. The analysis presents a balanced technical and economic conclusion in view of resource management and sustainability. The system utilized a Kalina power-cooling system at the topping cycle and an embedded vapour absorption system (VAB) at the bottoming cycle, which is a novelty. In the modified KLPCC, a supplementary evaporator and heat exchangers are integrated with the bottoming cycle. The considered performance indicators include energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, cooling rate, turbine net output, COP, and cost rate. From the results, about 1077 kW cooling rate was produced, while the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, COP, and turbine output were estimated at 16.97 %, 8.15 %, 0.706, and 291 kW, respectively. The LCC of $ 1.573 million was achieved, with the break-even point and unit energy cost calculated at five years and 0.0134 $/kWh, respectively. The outcomes are holistic and adequate for policymakers in the field of energy access and environmental sustainability. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.