Exergoeconomic based comparative analysis between NH3-NaSCN single effect absorption cycle, combined compression-absorption refrigeration and combined ejector-absorption refrigeration cycles powered by solar panel

Abstract

Solar cooling is environmentally friendly and relies on solar energy to meet cooling needs. In recent years, absorption chillers have gained interest as a sustainable alternative to vapor compression chillers using eco-friendly refrigerants. However, a major problem with simple absorption systems is their low coefficient of performance. As a result, researchers are exploring ways to improve their thermoeconomic efficiency. In this research, three different configurations of absorption cycles are compared and analyzed from exergetic and exergoeconomic points of view. These configurations include the simple absorption cycle, the combined ejector-absorption cycle, and the combined compression-absorption cycle, as well as a flat plate solar collector and a storage tank. Ammonia sodium thiocyanate is used as the working solution. In both combined cycles, the absorber operates at intermediate pressure, allowing three pressure levels to be considered. The simulations are carried out using EES software. The results show that the solar collector should be considered more than other components in terms of exergy and exergoeconomic. It is observed that for the same pressure ratio of ejector and compressor, the exergy efficiency of the ejector cycle is slightly higher than that of the compression cycle. Also, in most cases, the results show improved performance in the combined solar compression cycle by increasing the compressor pressure ratio compared to the other cycles. It has also been shown that increasing the pressure ratio of the ejector and compressor improves the exergoeconomic performance of the combined cycles compared to the simple absorption cycle.