Chapter 2 - Solar-operated vapor absorption cooling system

Abstract

Space cooling is one of the highest energy-consuming areas in the world. A vapor absorption cooling system (VACS) runs on heat energy. This heat energy can be gained from solar energy, geothermal, waste heat from any power plant, natural oils, fuels, etc. Also, it operates with natural working pairs that seem to be economical and eco-friendly space-cooling technology. As the requirement of space cooling is directly proportional to solar heat, if space cooling can be operated by solar heat then it will be the best supply and demand matching. However, this system has several research challenges such as lower performance, bulkier size, and cost in comparison to the vapor compression cooling system. The objective of the present research is to identify the various factors influencing the performance of solar-operated vapor absorption cooling systems. Also, the present book chapter is a review of existing literature based on the thermodynamic performance of VACS under water-based pairs. Moreover, the systems have been categorized and inferred on the following vital factors: (1) cascading effects, (2) salt mixtures, (3) parameter selection, and (4) generator temperature as the critical parameters in solar collector selection. These factors give complete prior insight for further research in enhancing the performance of VACS. Optimal outcomes from each configuration of VACS are described. The effect of generator temperature has also been discussed, along with their corresponding coefficient of performance and exergy coefficient of performance levels. These data can be used to choose acceptable operating parameters and design conditions for an established solar collector or to choose a suitable solar collector for different configurations of VACS.