Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide Emission Using Energy Analysis Approach: A Case Study of a District Cooling Plant

Absorption process is normally used for chilled water production at district cooling plants. Besides enhancing the efficiency of the plant, the process assists in reducing the emission of CO2 to the environment. The absorption system is also installed at a district cooling plant at Universiti Teknologi Petronas. The system is operated using waste heat from the gas turbine to produce chilled water. During the process heat loss is generated and emitted to the environment. This study analyzed the amount of heat loss and CO2 released to the environment using the First Law of Thermodynamics. It is estimated 70 887 kg of CO2 released to the environment due the absorption process. However the economic impact to the environment is not covered in the scope of this study. It is recommended the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) should be undertaken due to CO2 emission by the plant.