Optimization study of triple effect vapour absorption solar cooling system
Student name: Mr Sudhanshu Mishra
Guide: Dr Najmur Rahman
Year of completion: 2012
Host Organisation: Research Technology Innovation Centre, Thermax Limited Pune, Maharashtra
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Mukund Ranade
Abstract: Solar cooling applied to office buildings and school, colleges is without a doubt an
interesting alternative for reducing energy consumption. Conventional Vapor compression
air conditioning systems having more electricity consumption and it is not environmental
friendly. Water lithium bromide (LiBr-H2O) Vapor absorption cooling system, both single
and double effect is increasingly used for air conditioning. However, relatively few works is
available on triple effect in the literatures. The aim of the study is to identify an appropriate
solar driven cooling system configuration and size with respect to fulfil target values in
primary energy savings, solar thermal system exploitation and economics. This study is to
simulate performance and optimize the solar triple effect lithium bromide-water (Li Br –H2O)
absorption cooling system in Solar Energy Centre, New Delhi.
An Excel based model using heat transfer and thermodynamic relation has been
developed to simulate cooling system performance. Initially the system and its existing
operating conditions are analysed for its performance. Then the simulated results are used
to select the appropriate number of parabolic troughs and flat plate collectors. A separate
model for flat plate collectors developed for this study. This model is used to identify the
number of flat plate collectors and area required to generate 100kWthermal heat required to
run single effect absorption chiller. The result showed that the triple effect absorption system
giving the maximum ton of refrigeration effect in comparison to the single and double effect
chillers.
The final conclusion of the study on the basis of maximum ton of refrigeration effect
produced by different type of chiller using same collector area but different collector
technology, triple effect vapor absorption system driven by parabolic concentrating collector
is best suited technology for cooling in Solar Energy Centre, New Delhi.
Key words: Solar Energy Centre, Vapor Absorption Machine, Chiller, Parabolic Concentrating Collector, Ton
of Refrigeration Effect, Triple Effect absorption systems.
