Thermodynamic Performance Comparison of CCHP System Based on Organic Rankine Cycle and Two-Stage Vapor Compression Cycle

Owing to different temperature rages of power generation and refrigeration in the cogeneration system, for the sake of selecting the working fluids that are suitable for both power generation and refrigeration simultaneously, 17 commonly used working fluids are evaluated in this paper, based on an organic Rankine cycle coupled with a two-stage vapor compression cycle system in different geothermal fluid temperatures. The performances of working fluids under different working conditions, and the maximum power generation as well as cooling capacity are analyzed. Additionally, the main parameters are analyzed to optimize the system performance. The results indicate that net power output has a local maximum where it corresponds to the optimal evaporation temperature. Besides, the lower the critical temperature, the greater the thermal conductance, and the pressure ratio decreases with evaporation temperature. Hydrocarbons all have higher total heat source recovery efficiency. R1234yf, propane and R1234ze, R152a have excellent maximum net power output when the geothermal fluid temperature is low and high, respectively. R134a always has better maximum net power output and cooling capacity. The net power output is used for cooling, and the COP is closed, therefore, maximum net power output results in the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, that of propane and R1234yf are excellent until the geothermal fluid temperature are 140 °C and 120 °C separately. R1234ze and R152a are good when the geothermal fluid temperatures are 140 °C and 150 °C, respectively.