Evaluation and design of absorption power cycles

Any improvement in the efficiency and power output of power cycles will impact the nation's energy picture and the environment as well. Absorption power cycles have been proposed in the literature to be used as alternatives to the conventional Rankine cycle. Analysis shows absorption cycles to have thermodynamic advantages over Rankine cycles. The information available in the literature on absorption power cycles is limited and incomplete. Most absorption power cycles cited in the literature are characterized by their high degree of complexity. However, little information is given in the way these cycles are designed.; The overall objective of the thesis is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the performance and applicability of absorption power cycles. A secondary objective is to develop methodology for designing and analyzing power cycles. The relationship of the maximum power point to the design as determined by economic considerations is considered. Heat exchanger network synthesis methods are used to develop a methodology for designing optimized power cycles.; A detailed evaluation of the many proposed power cycles appearing in the recent literature is made comparing their performance with conventional cycles. The research provides an engineering evaluation and a design methodology for power cycles which will improve the efficiency, power output and the economics of power plants. Moreover, the research focuses on power cycles operating with low temperature heat sources such as geothermal, solar energy or waste heat.