Simulation of a solar driven aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration system Part 2: viability for milk cooling at remote Brazilian dairy farms

Abstract

Refrigeration at dairy farms in Brazil would contribute substantially to improving the rate and quality of milk production. Farmers would be able to milk twice a day or more, and keep the milk refrigerated until it was transported to the delivery station. The 1980 rural electricity consumption in Brazil's major milk-producing state was only 0.93% of the national total 2. This low consumption can be attributed to the high costs associated with the electrification of the rural regions. In these areas, cooling cycles based on the absorption principle may be especially suitable. Solar energy, coupled with methane generated from cattle herd wastes, has been investigated as a source of auxiliary energy.