Energy and Exergy Analysis of a Modified Absorption Heat Pump (MAHP) to Produce Electrical Energy and Revaluated Heat

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This paper presents an interesting research on an alternative absorption heat pump for cogeneration applications. A novel theoretical application is presented.

The authors should be more specific in the impact of the experimental results and their application in the section Conclusions

The theoretical framework could be more specific for similar experimental systems and summarized, the modelling and results discussion can be further concisely organized and, the main contribution and results will be well presented using a number of tables for a practical replication of the experimental data.

Review the cite number 8 placed on Introduction, could you place another instead, for current data about uses of thermal solar energy.

Please cite and reference the values on lines 59, 60, 61.

Please use more currents cites and references, for example cites 9 or 12. Take on count the others cites placed on this paper.

In general, the work should not be an analysis of theoterical results and general bibliography from other authors about similar thermal renewable energies, you should obtain more analysis for your own models and repeatable practical or construction results. The economic result is recommended for a possible construction of a real machine. If this were possible and if the theoretical model is already proven. Climate change grows!

I recommend its publication, the scientific content is good. The paper can in principle be accepted after revision based on the reviewer’s comments.

Author Response

We greatly appreciate the review.

Best regards

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Reviewer 2 Report

The paper is submitted under the special issue Advances in Renewable Energy Systems. But the studied configuration is not directly related to renewable energy. Just the heat source can be from a solar energy. It was interesting if a solar collector was considered as hot source, with considering actual solar irradiance and temperature fluctuations. This is the main issue with this paper.

What is the novelty of the work? It is a basic simulation using EES based on very basic assumptions.

Practically is the use of such process, economically profitable? Especially with the integration f the turbine.

Is it correct to consider the same temperatures for the Evaporator and Low-pressure generator temperature? Normally the water temperature at the outlet of the LPG should be evaluated using the energy balance and is to be considered as the inlet temperature of the evaporator. To be explained.

Author Response

We greatly appreciate your review and great feedback.

Best regards

 

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

Best regards

Author Response

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Response to Reviewer 3 Comments

We thank you for the revision.

Best Regards

 

 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 4 Report

The paper presents results of a study about energy and exergy analysis of a modified absorption heat pump to produce electricity and revaluated heat. Authors propose alternative absorption heat pump for cogeneration applications (simultaneous production of electricity and heat revaluation). This way a novel sustainable power producer system is provided. Authors analyzed source or supply temperature (TGH), and the energy revaluation gradient (GTL). Obtained results show that ηEx of 87% can be obtained, having the maximum performance in chosen parameters.

Dear authors. Thank you very much for interesting paper about …. I have some comments and questions, which should be included and answered in the paper.

Questions and suggestions:

 

1. Introduction chapter is well written. Authors describe the general situation of energy market and ecology aspects on the world, what is good start for the paper. They explain influence of CO2 and role of revaluated heat. They present cogeneration process. The chapter is relatively long, but it is correct introduction for the readers.

2. Next chapter describes MAHP, where many details are presented.

3. Authors focused their job on H2O-LiBr work solution mixture in next chapter 3.

4. Next key chapter explain MAHP performance parameters, such as thermal efficiency, exergetic efficiency, and gross temperature lift.

5. Chapter 5 presents mathematic modeling with many established assumptions. I did not find any information how the assumptions were established. What was a fundamental to use mentioned assumptions. Please complete this section.

6. Chapter 6 shows concentration gradients and mass flow ratio of the MAHP. Next chapter 7 indicates thermodynamic simulation results, such as net power, revaluated heat, and thermal and exergetic efficiency.

The paper is very interesting from commercial and science points of view. I think, the connection of the producing electricity and revaluated heat is very promising and proper in time of energy crisis. I think, the paper can be ready to be published, but I would like to receive some answer on my point 5.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

After revision, the paper can be accepted for publication