Investigation on small-scale energy network using coal-fired power plant and absorption heat pump

Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has investigated small-scale energy network models using the condensation heat of its coal-fired power plant. The average operation output of KIER’s coal-fired power plant is 1.2 MW. The flow rate of cooling water for condenser is 1,100 m³/hr. The outlet temperature of cooling water is 25-40°C and the waste heat is emitted to the atmosphere through cooling tower. A network model using the waste heat as a low temperature heat source of absorption heat pump and generating hot water for winter season was suggested. Absorption heat pump is a heat-driven system which transfers low temperature heat to high temperature source. In the new energy network model the absorption heat pump is installed to replace current absorption chiller-heater. The absorption chiller-heater operates like a gas boiler in the heating mode. Economic analysis was performed on the network model and the result showed that more that 40% reduction of LNG consumption would be expected with type 1 adsorption heat pump. A proto type of LiBr absorption heat pump of 50 kW class was installed in the test lab of KIER. Experiments considering actual working conditions are performed.