Solar driven LiBr-H2O absorption chiller simulation to analyze two backup options

Solar cooling technologies are becoming increasingly popular. Technological innovation and mass production driven due to its use of renewable energy has led to a significant reduction in the initial cost of investment. However, due to the sporadic nature of solar energy coupled with other technical and economical limitations, it is difficult to solely depend on a solar cooling system. In this study, a solar powered absorption chiller system was mathematically modelled and simulated. Objective of this study was to compare the performance of an absorption chiller system using two backup modes; LPG fired auxiliary heating mode and using an electrically driven vapor compression chiller. Inclined solar collectors were generating the solar power for the system. Solar irradiance on the inclined plan of the solar collector were calculated using ASRC-CIE sky model. Sky model and the absorption chiller with auxiliary heater was validated by dissecting the system into major components and comparing the results with practically logged data. Both configurations were able to meet the cooling requirements. Annual simulations of the two systems showed that both systems could operate with a collector area to cooling power ratio of 2 m2/kWth. © 2021 Regional Energy Resources Information Center (RERIC), Asian Institute of Technology. All rights reserved.