Optimum Heat Source Temperature and Performance Comparison of LiCl–H2O and LiBr–H2O Type Solar Cooling System

Abstract

This comprehensive investigation has been executed to compare the thermodynamic performance and optimization of LiCl–H2O and LiBr–H2O type absorption system integrated with flat-plate collectors (FPC), parabolic-trough collectors (PTC), evacuated-tube collectors (ETC), and compound parabolic collectors (CPC). A model of 10 kW is analyzed in engineering equation solver (ees) from thermodynamic perspectives. Solar collectors are integrated with a storage tank which fueled the LiCl–H2O and LiBr–H2O vapor absorption system to produce refrigeration at 7 °C in evaporator for Gujarat Region of India. The main objective includes the evaluation and optimization of critical performance and design parameters to exhibit the best working fluid pair and collector type. Optimum heat source temperature corresponding to energetic and exergetic aspects for LiCl–H2O pair is lower than that of LiBr–H2O pair for all collectors. Simulation shows that FPC has lowest capital cost, exergetic performance wise PTC is optimum, and ETC requires lowest collector area. On the basis of overall evaluation, solar absorption cooling systems are better to be powered by ETC with LiCl–H2O working fluid pair.