Transient thermal performance of a solar absorption cooling system integrated with energy storage for Doha, Qatar

Absorption chillers are a promising method of providing cooling with minimal global warming effects. This is due to relatively less impact on the environment and less energy usage for condensation in comparison to vapor-compression systems. This study aims to explore and analyze an integrated two-stage lithium bromide absorption chiller system with absorption heat storage tanks for use under the climatic conditions of Doha City in Qatar. The system is modeled, in TRNSYS software, to determine operating temperatures and solar radiation data. EES software is used to construct the mass and energy balance equations for each section of the system. The findings demonstrated that; (i) the removal rate of lithium bromide from the storage tank, (ii) the charge of the holding liquid tank, (iii) the temperature of the inlet fluid to the absorber, and (iv) the flow rate of the cooling fluid are all direct functions of the quantity of sunlight. In addition, the optimal value for the fluid distribution ratio between the generators is 0.42, which maximizes the tank charging capacity. Furthermore, the chiller performance coefficient, integrated performance coefficient, and second law efficiency of the chiller were found to be 0.86, 1.29, and 0.076, respectively.

Automated summary

This study explores and analyzes an integrated two-stage lithium bromide absorption chiller system for use under the climatic conditions of Doha City. The findings show that the system's performance and efficiency are directly affected by the amount of sunlight.