THE INFLUENCE OF HEAT SOURCE AND HEAT SOURCE TEMPERATURE ON THE OPERATING PERFORMANCE OF ABSORPTION CHILLERS USING H2O/LiBr REFRIGERANT PAIR

Abstract

The article presents the results of an experimental study that investigates the impact of heat source and heat source temperature on the operational characteristics of a solar-driven absorption refrigeration system. The research was conducted on an experimental model of a solar-powered H2O/LiBr absorption chiller under different heat source temperature conditions. The research findings reveal that the heat source temperature exerts a substantial influence on the cooling performance and efficiency of the absorption refrigeration system. Specifically, lower heat source temperatures result in decreased cooling capacity, longer cooling duration, and higher evaporator outlet temperatures, exceeding the design evaporator temperature by approximately 2-3°C. Conversely, higher heat source temperatures enhance the cooling rate and lower the evaporator outlet temperature, aligning them more closely with the design specifications. However, this comes at the expense of maintaining higher system pressures. The utilization of solar energy as a direct cooling source demonstrates a strong scientific foundation.