Title: Exergetic analysis of solar powered absorption refrigeration system using LiBr-H₂O and NH₃-H₂O as working fluids

Authors: Abdul Khaliq, Rajesh Kumar

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India. ' Mechanical and Automation Engineering Department, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, GGIPU, New Delhi 110061, India

Abstract: This study provides an easy to follow description of the second law (of thermodynamics) method as applied to a single effect absorption refrigeration cycle. Two different sets of working fluids: LiBr-H₂O and NH₃-H₂O solution are considered, and a method to calculate the entropy of both working fluids is offered. The total exergy destruction in the system as a percentage of the exergy input from the generator heating water over a range of operating temperature is examined for the system operates on both the working fluids separately. It is found that the total exergy destruction for NH₃-H₂O solution is significantly higher than the LiBr-H₂O solution for a given generator temperature. The exergy destruction in each component and the exergetic efficiency of system operates on LiBr-H₂O and NH₃-H₂O solution is also determined. It is shown that the exergy destructions are significantly occur in generator and absorber, and the exergetic efficiency increases significantly as absorber temperature increases.

Keywords: vapour absorption refrigeration; exergy destruction; exergetic efficiency; LiBr-H₂O; NH₃-H₂O; solar power; solar energy; second law; thermodynamics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2007.011576

International Journal of Exergy, 2007 Vol.4 No.1, pp.1 - 18

Published online: 03 Dec 2006 *

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