ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF THE DOUBLE EFFECT LITHIUM BROMIDE-WATER ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, WITH AND WITHOUT ENERGY STORAGE WITHIN THE SYSTEM; ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF SYSTEMS

A computer model to simulate the behavior of the double effect LiBr-water absorption refrigeration system is developed. A parametric study is conducted that illustrates the relative importance on the performance of the system of varying: heat transfer parameters, solution circulation rate, external flow rates, and boundary temperatures. The effect on the system performance of the mode of control of the condensate flow in the second generator is also illustrated. A second computer model is developed to simulate the operation of a double effect LiBr-water absorption refrigeration system with solution and refrigerant storage within the system. This model separates the operation of the regeneration and absorption sections of the system. Concentrating solar collectors and an auxiliary heater are the energy sources of the system. The behavior of the system is illustrated for a typical air conditioning application. The effects on the system performance of varying the parameters related to the storage and collection of energy are analyzed. An economic analysis is conducted to determine the relative attractiveness of the single and double stage systems with different energy storage modes and with no storage.