Thermodynamic and Optimization Comparison of a Solar-Powered Compressor-Assisted Combined Absorption Refrigeration and Power Systems

Abstract

The operation and performance of three different combined absorption refrigeration and power systems is presented in this study. The systems are based on the single, double, and triple effect absorption refrigeration cycles with ammonia-water as working fluid pairs all powered by solar thermal energy. The thermodynamic performance of these modified combined absorption cycles have been analyzed for typical thermal boundary conditions and design parameters. The simulation results show that when the compressor pressure ratio increases from 1 to 2, the heat source inlet temperatures can be reduced by 27% (111.3 oC to 81.1 oC) in the single effect system, 16% (182.1 oC to 152.5 oC) in the double effect system, and 34% (228.3 oC to 150.3 oC) in the triple effect system. The exergy efficiency of the triple effect system increases from 38% to 64% for a 75-kW cooling load system. These proposed systems provide a better way to optimise the utilisation of heat sources with moderate temperatures.

Keywords

• Absorption Refrigeration
• Compression Ratio
• Power
• Cooling
• Triple Effect

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