Solar powered absorption refrigeration system efficiency optimization

Abstract

The increase in the world's population has also led to an increase in energy demand, and this has led to a vision of increased interest in renewable energy sources in countries. Solar energy has thus become a growing demand and requirement for use. Turkiye is a country with high solar energy potential due to its geographical location. While progress has been made in the adoption of solar energy technologies, measures and steps must be taken to make efficient and effective use of the country's potential, such as expanding its existing infrastructure, developing incentive policies and regulations, and increasing investment in research and development. Furthermore, support for academic and scientific research to increase the use of solar energy, as well as the development of innovative solutions, is critical in this process. In this way, it could be possible for Turkiye to make greater use of the potential of solar energy. Solar energy can be utilized in many different ways and purposes. Solar powered/ assisted absorbtion refrigeration systems converting solar energy directly into cooling or electricity and providing the necessary cooling for buildings and facilities are one of them. In these systems, waste heat can also be used as a source of energy and recycled. The integration of these alternative energy sources into systems and the installation and use of these systems are important for environmental sustainability and contribute to the changing vision of the Earth, as well as lowering energy costs in the long term. Absorption refrigeration cycles are energy saving and environmentally sensitive systems in which the compressor is replaced by an absorption system consisting of an absorber, generator, pump and valve. This way, the performance coefficient of vapor compression refrigeration cycles increase by reducing the power of the compressor. Efficiency studies are critical to ensuring adequate electricity in absorption refrigeration systems supported by renewable energy. The present study aims at achieving maximum efficiency by taking an optimal value for variables such as system component performance ratio, temperature, and geometry. Four different collector types and the corresponding solar radiation values for the solar-energy absorption refrigeration system are studied. The LiCl-H2O working pair, which is friendly to the ozone layer and efficient, is used, including the LiCl absorbent and water coolant liquid. Solar radiation has been calculated for 34 different parameter combinations including four different types of collectors with collector areas within a given range using pre-defined solar energy and geographical parameters. Based on all this information, area, efficiency, COP, and SCOP data for different collector types were studied. The aim of the study is to examine the dynamics and limitations of the Turkish solar energy sector while seeking to increase the country's energy production in a sustainable way. The study is based on the boundaries of the province of Istanbul.