Prospects for the use of low ambient temperatures in thermal power and refrigeration engineering

The potentials of use of low ambient temperatures, typical of the winter period in Russia, in the heat-and-power engineering and refrigeration engineering have been considered in the article. It is known from thermodynamics that in Carnot direct cycle a decrease in the temperature of heat receiver is advantageous from the energy point of view, while in Carnot refrigeration cycle — a decrease in the condensing temperature is beneficial. In practice this can be rather easily implemented in refrigeration technique by supplying cold outside air to condensers of refrigerating installation. In steam power cycles a decrease in temperature level is associated with the necessity to change the traditional working substance — water. In this case use of Kalina water-ammonia cycle has good prospects. The problems associated with the transition to air condensers can be fully overcome.