Performance Studies of Solar-Powered Absorption-Type Refrigeration System and Characterization of Deposits on its PV Panel

Abstract

The demand for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems has been increasing in recent years. In order to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, renewable energy sources can be used to drive these systems. Also, renewable energy sources will reduce global warming, increase energy security, and generate employment opportunities. The conventional vapor compression system used in domestic applications needs electrical energy and a vapor absorption system can be used as an alternative to a vapor compression refrigeration system. In this work, a refrigeration system of solar-type has been developed and tested as the demand for the refrigeration system is increasing, which directly and indirectly increases global warming. The use of a renewable energy-driven alternative cooling system such as an absorption system will reduce the impact of refrigeration systems on the environment. The experimental work concluded that the vapor absorption system driven by the solar photovoltaic (PV) system could be a substitute for the conventionally used vapor compression system. The accumulation of the dust reduces the performance of Solar PV panels. The characterization of dust particles is important in deciding further growth and subsequent deterioration of the solar PV panels and the power output. The scanning electron microscopy study and energy dispersive X-ray analysis have helped to find the chemical composition of the dust particles. The X-ray diffraction results have helped in further investigation of the severity of the deposits by identifying possible compounds. Based on this analysis, the periodic cleaning of solar PV panels must be carried out at regular intervals.