Feasibility studies on alternative aqueous salt mixture in vapour absorption cooling

Abstract

Current years, the research is based on renewable energy resources, especially solar-based applications, due to its promising energy resource. Vapour absorption refrigeration system widely accepted as an environmentally friendly, prospective innovation for the economic and efficient use of solar heat for refrigeration purposes. The extensive search for coolant-absorbing varieties is underway that can be made to operate at a solar energy temperature range. However, Thermodynamic analysis shall check the compatibility of a coolant-absorbing mixture for a particular operation. Detailed thermodynamic analysis of H2O-(LiBr + LiI + LiNO3 + LiCl) cooling systems with a single-effect and a capacity of one ton is carried out in the current work. It also established the sustainability of systems for solar and air-cooled applications. A thermodynamic evaluation was conducted based on all aspects of the device that are conserved in mass, concentration, and energy. The impacts on output parameters of the working variables are explored through performance plots. Possible temperature variations are defined for optimum system operation. Generator temperature range represents the suitability of the system for solar thermal applications. Absorber/ Condenser temperature range shows the suitability of the system for air-cooled applications to carry away rejected heat. It shows the possibility of reduction in size and cost of the system. It has been found that H2O-(LiBr + LiI + LiNO3 + LiCl) COP is nearly 9% more than the H2O-LiBr system in every operating temperature. The alternative salt mixture is best adapted for solar and air-cooled vapour absorption systems with higher COPs.