Title: Energy, exergy, and economic exploration analysis of LiBr-H₂O and NH₃-H₂O absorption refrigeration cycles driven by a natural gas engine

Authors: Víctor M. Ambriz-Díaz; Carlos Rubio-Maya; Eduardo Ruiz-Casanova; Luis F. Villalón-López; Carlos R. Ramirez-Ferreira

Addresses: Tecnológico Nacional de México/I.T. Chihuahua, Av. Tecnológico, 2909, Chihuahua 31310, Chihuahua, México ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. Francisco J. Múgica, Morelia 58030, Michoacán, México ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. Francisco J. Múgica, Morelia 58030, Michoacán, México ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. Francisco J. Múgica, Morelia 58030, Michoacán, México ' Tecnológico Nacional de México/I. T. Morelia, Av. Tecnológico, 1500, Morelia 58120, Michoacán, México

Abstract: This paper presents the energy, exergy, and economic analysis of absorption refrigeration cycles (ARCs) driven by a natural gas engine. The analyses are based on the laws of thermodynamics and economic indicators such as the Simple Payback Period (SPP) and the net present value (NPV). Energy analysis indicates a cooling capacity and a coefficient of performance of the LiBr-H₂O ARC that are higher by 359.3 kW and 0.36, respectively, compared to the NH₃-H₂O ARC. Exergy analysis shows that the NH₃-H₂O ARC has 5.85% more exergy destruction. Finally, the economic analysis suggests that the LiBr-H₂O ACR can achieve a lower SPP.

Keywords: absorption refrigeration cycles; NH₃-H₂O; LiBr-H₂O; engine exhaust gases; 3-E analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2025.147747

International Journal of Exergy, 2025 Vol.47 No.4, pp.334 - 349

Received: 25 Feb 2025
Accepted: 30 May 2025
Published online: 29 Jul 2025 *

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