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Cascaded Absorption Heat Pump Integration in Biomass CHP Systems: Multi-Source Waste Heat Recovery for Low-Carbon District Heating

Author

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  • Pengying Wang

    (College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China)

  • Hangyu Zhou

    (College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China)

Abstract

District heating systems in northern China predominantly rely on coal-fired heat sources, necessitating sustainable alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. This study investigates a biomass combined heat and power (CHP) system integrated with cascaded absorption heat pump (AHP) technology to recover waste heat from semi-dry flue gas desulfurization exhaust and turbine condenser cooling water. A multi-source operational framework is developed, coordinating biomass CHP units with coal-fired boilers for peak-load regulation. The proposed system employs a two-stage heat recovery methodology: preliminary sensible heat extraction from non-saturated flue gas (elevating primary heating loop (PHL) return water from 50 °C to 55 °C), followed by serial AHPs utilizing turbine extraction steam to upgrade waste heat from circulating cooling water (further heating PHL water to 85 °C). Parametric analyses demonstrate that the cascaded AHP system reduces turbine steam extraction by 4.4 to 8.8 t/h compared to conventional steam-driven heating, enabling 3235 MWh of annual additional power generation. Environmental benefits include an annual CO 2 reduction of 1821 tonnes, calculated using regional grid emission factors. The integration of waste heat recovery and multi-source coordination achieves synergistic improvements in energy efficiency and operational flexibility, advancing low-carbon transitions in district heating systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Pengying Wang & Hangyu Zhou, 2025. "Cascaded Absorption Heat Pump Integration in Biomass CHP Systems: Multi-Source Waste Heat Recovery for Low-Carbon District Heating," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5870-:d:1687773
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    References listed on IDEAS

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