Modeling, optimizing and sizing of a solar air conditioning system with refrigerant storage for meeting the 24-hour cooling load of a restaurant building

Abstract

A methodology is presented for the sizing of a solar integrated absorption refrigeration system considering the dynamic cooling load, solar energy and ambient conditions. The solar vapor absorption system (single effect, LiBr) is designed to meet the cooling demand of a 200 m2 restaurant building. Using the genetic algorithm, the operating variables of the absorption refrigeration system are optimized The system is to be integrated to a solar collector to meet the varying cooling load profile. The local solar insolation profile at a location is considered in the analysis. The ambient temperature data is utilized to model how the system works in real time. For continuous operation, to meet the 24 h load profile, refrigerant storage is considered for the system. The amount of refrigerant stored is 1529 kg. The optimal area required for the solar collector is found to be 308 m2. The hot water storage tank volume is 5.2 m3. The selection of working fluid (LiBr-water), solar collector (flat plate), and design (single effect system) guarantees that the system is effective, economical, and environmentally favorable.