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Thermal comparison and multi-objective optimization of single-stage aqua-ammonia absorption cooling system powered by different solar collectors

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Abstract

This paper presents the comprehensive thermodynamic modelling to compare the performance and optimization of single-stage NH3–H2O-type absorption cooling system integrated with different solar collector types for the city of Mehsana, India. A 20-kW system at 0 °C is analysed which includes four different solar collectors flat-plate collectors, parabolic-trough collectors (PTC), flat plate with compound parabolic collector reflectors and evacuated-tube collectors (ETC) attached with insulated thermal storage tank to power the NH3–H2O vapour absorption system. The study investigated the effect of heat source temperature on performance aspects of systems. The examined performance parameters are exergetic efficiency, coefficient of performance and area of collector. Exergetic optimization of each system estimated the optimum collecting area requirement for cooling. Differentiation between optimized systems determined that the optimum cost, SCOP and ηII,system of PTC-type system are averagely 30, 11 and 0.5% higher than ETC-type system at different ambient temperatures. For effective comparison and conclusion, key performance indicator is evaluated to select optimum system configuration from both thermodynamic and economic criteria.

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Abbreviations

A :

Area (m2)

C collectorr :

Specific cost of collector (€ m−2)

C p :

Specific heat (kJ kg−1 K−1)

C R :

Area concentration ratio

E X :

Exergy (kW)

G b :

Beam irradiance (W m−2)

G d :

Diffused irradiance (W m−2)

G T :

Irradiance (W m−2)

m · :

Mass flow rate (kg s−1)

M :

Water mass in storage tank (kg)

P :

Pressure (kPa)

Q · :

Heat load (kW)

R b :

Beam radiation factor

SCOP:

Solar COP

T :

Temperature (K)

U L :

Overall heat loss coefficient (W m−2 K−1)

W · :

Work (kW)

η :

Efficiency

ρ w :

Water density (kg m−3)

η I :

First law efficiency

η II :

Second law efficiency

β :

Inclination of collector (°)

ρ :

Ground reflectance

ϕ :

Latitude (°)

A :

Absorber

C :

Condenser

E :

Evaporator

G :

Generator

in:

Inlet stream

min:

Minimum

out:

Outlet stream

P :

Pump

r :

Refrigerant

st:

Storage tank

st1:

Tank first zone

st2:

Tank second zone

st3:

Tank third zone

sun:

Sun

ss:

Strong solution

ws:

Weak solution

o :

Ambient

CFC:

Chlorofluorocarbons

COP:

Coefficient of performance

CPC:

Flat plate with compound parabolic collector reflectors

ETC:

Evacuated tube collector

FPC:

Flat-plate collector

HCHC:

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

PTC:

Parabolic-trough collector

VARS:

Vapour absorption refrigeration system

VCRS:

Vapour compression refrigeration system

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gujarat Power Engineering and Research Institute, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382710, India

    Bhargav Pandya, Vinay Kumar & Vijay Matawala

  2. School of Technology, Pandit Deen Dayal Petroleum University, Raisan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382007, India

    Jatin Patel

Authors
  1. Bhargav Pandya
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  2. Vinay Kumar
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  3. Vijay Matawala
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  4. Jatin Patel
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Correspondence to Vinay Kumar.

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Pandya, B., Kumar, V., Matawala, V. et al. Thermal comparison and multi-objective optimization of single-stage aqua-ammonia absorption cooling system powered by different solar collectors. J Therm Anal Calorim 133, 1635–1648 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-018-7193-z

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