Advanced exergoeconomic analysis of a novel process for production of LNG by using a single effect absorption refrigeration cycle

A novel two refrigeration cycle process configuration for production of the liquefied natural gas is introduced and analyzed. In this process a single effect absorption refrigeration cycle which provides the refrigeration at -30 degrees C is used as the precooling cycle. Coefficient of performance for this cycle is 0.49. The second cycle is a mixed refrigerant vapor compression refrigeration system. The results show that liquefaction efficiency is 0.20 (kWh/kg LNG). This process is analyzed and compared with the conventional propane precooled mixed refrigerant (C3MR) process. Next conventional and advanced exergoeconomic analysis methods are used to evaluate the modified process. Based on the exergoeconomic factor values, compressors and air coolers investment costs should be considered for improvement of the process. Endogenous exergy destruction in all of the process components is higher than the exogenous. Results of the splitting of exergy destruction costs indicate that avoidable exogenous destruction portion is very small. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.