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Application of multi-objective optimization based on Sobol sensitivity analysis in solar single-double-effect LiBr–H2O absorption refrigeration

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Abstract

To improve the adaptability of solar refrigeration systems to different heat sources, a single-double-effect LiBr–H2O absorption refrigeration system (ARS) driven by solar energy was designed and analyzed. The system was optimized using a multi-objective optimization method based on Sobol sensitivity analysis to enhance solar energy efficiency and reduce costs. The model of the solar single-double-effect LiBr–H2O ARS was developed, and the continuous operation characteristics of the system in different configurations were simulated and compared. The results show that the average cooling time of the system without auxiliary heat source is approximately 8.5 h per day, and the double-effect mode (DEM) generates about 11 kW of cooling capacity during continuous operation for one week under the designated conditions, and the system with adding auxiliary heat source meet the requirements of daily cooling time, the solar fraction (SF) of the system reaches 59.29%. The collector area has a greater effect on SF, while the flowrate of the hot water circulating pump and the volume of storage tank have little effect on SF. The optimized SF increases by 3.22% and the levelized cost decreases by 10.18%. Moreover, compared with the solar single-effect LiBr–H2O ARS, the SF of the system is increased by 15.51% and 17.42% respectively after optimization.

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Abbreviations

ARS:

Absorption refrigeration system

AUX:

Auxiliary heater

CI:

Capital investment

CT:

Controller

CRF:

Capital recovery factor

CW:

Cooling water

DEM:

Double-effect mode

DACH:

Double-effect absorption chiller

EV:

Electric valve

FC:

Fuel cost

HG:

High pressure generator

INSTL:

Installation

KA:

Overall heat transfer coefficient

L:

Levelized

NG:

Natural gas

SF:

Solar fraction

SEM:

Single-effect mode

SACH:

Single-effect absorption chiller

ατ :

Absorption conversion factor

Q :

Heat transfer rate

T :

Temperature

x :

Solution mass fraction

a:

Ambient

abs:

Absorber

aux:

Auxiliary

c:

Solar collector

ci:

Inlet of the solar collector

chi:

Inlet of the chilled water

cho:

Outlet of the chilled water

con:

Condenser

cwi:

Inlet of the chilled water

cwo:

Outlet of the cooling water

dcho:

Chilled water outlet in double-effect mode

dcwi:

Cooling water inlet in double-effect mode

dhwi:

Hot water inlet in double-effect mode

eva:

Evaporator

effect:

Effect

hgen:

High pressure generator

hwi:

Inlet of the hot water

gen:

Generator

i:

Set-point

in:

Enter the component

load:

Load

loss:

Loss

n:

System lifetime

out:

Leave the component

p:

Pump

scho:

Chilled water outlet in single-effect mode

scwi:

Cooling water inlet in single-effect mode

shwi:

Hot water inlet in single-effect mode

st:

Storage tank

u:

Useful

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Acknowledgement

This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No. 51876094.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China

    Shiqi Zhao, Qingyang Li, Yongchao Sun, Dechang Wang, Qinglu Song, Sai Zhou & Yanhui Li

  2. College of Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050, China

    Jinping Li

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  1. Shiqi Zhao
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  2. Qingyang Li
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  8. Yanhui Li
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Correspondence to Dechang Wang or Qinglu Song.

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Zhao, S., Li, Q., Sun, Y. et al. Application of multi-objective optimization based on Sobol sensitivity analysis in solar single-double-effect LiBr–H2O absorption refrigeration. Front. Energy (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-024-0938-4

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