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Thermodynamic analysis of a vapor compression system with two evaporator temperature levels for the simultaneous production of cooling and desalinated water.

Author(s) : REYES A. P., BRITO E. D. C., RIVERA W.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

The rising demand for freshwater and cooling services has driven the development of integrated systems that optimize energy use. This study presents a thermodynamic model of a hybrid system that simultaneously pro duces cooling at two temperature levels and desalinated water by recovering condenser heat. The system combines a vapor compression refrigeration cycle with a solar photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) subsystem that sup plies part of the electricity required by compressors. A parametric analysis examined the effects of condensation temperature, evaporation temperatures, cooling load, and mass flow ratio between evaporators. Results show condensation temperature strongly influences freshwater output: at 98 ◦ C and a 10 kW cooling load in the low-temperature evaporator, cooling capacity reached 15.5 kW and water production 25 kg h-1 . However, higher condensation temperatures reduce perfor mance, lowering the Energy Utilization Factor by up to 21% and exergy efficiency by 9%. Increasing the evaporation temperature in evaporator 1 from 0 to 10 ◦ C improved all performance indicators. The mass flow ratio between evaporators had the greatest impact, significantly affecting cooling capacity, water production, and efficiency. Exergy destruction analysis revealed that the expansion valve and PVT modules account for about 73% of system irreversibilities. Overall, the proposed system demonstrates operational flexi bility, allowing adjustment to prioritize either freshwater production or thermodynamic efficiency depending on operating conditions.

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Details

  • Original title: Thermodynamic analysis of a vapor compression system with two evaporator temperature levels for the simultaneous production of cooling and desalinated water.
  • Record ID : 30034973
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 188
  • Publication date: 2026/08
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.106981

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