Effect of cycle coupling-configuration on energy cascade utilization for a new power and cooling cogeneration cycle

•A new power and cooling cogeneration cycle was proposed.•The thermophysical properties and the performance of the new cycle were calculated.•Different cycle coupling-configurations were analyzed.•The energy efficiency boosting mechanism of the new cycle was elucidated.

To recover mid-low grade heat, a new power/cooling cogeneration cycle was proposed by combining the Kalina cycle and the double-effect ammonia–water absorption refrigeration (DAAR) cycle together, and the equivalent heat-to-power and exergy efficiencies of the cogeneration cycle reached 41.18% and 58.00%, respectively. To determine the effect of cycle coupling-configuration on energy cascade utilization for the new cycle, the cycle coupling-configuration of the Kalina and DAAR cycles were first analyzed, after which the cycle coupling-configuration of the new cycle was analyzed. Analysis results showed that the cycle coupling-configuration of the new cycle enhanced the energy cascade utilization. Furthermore, the energy efficiency boosting mechanism of the new cycle was elucidated.