Comparison of total energy systems using gas turbines and diesel engines for combined cooling

A gas turbine engine was used to drive the compressor of a vapour compression cycle so that the usually wasted energy in the exhaust gases was partially recovered and used in the generator of an absorption cycle. The cooling effect was therefore boosted. The degree of energy utilization was further enhanced when the energy released from the absorber and condenser of both cycles was recovered in the form of hot water, which could be used for different applications. The performance parameters for this combined system, such as the cooling effect, total heat recovered and performance effectiveness ratio, were calculated for various evaporator and condenser temperatures. It was found that a system driven by a gas turbine gives a better performance than a diesel engine system under similar operating conditions.