Optimisation and cost analysis of a lithium bromide absorption solar cooling system

Abstract

This paper presents the optimisation of the various components of a lithium bromide (LiBr) absorption solar cooling system such as the type, slope and area of solar collector and storage tank size. The collector types considered are the flat plate, compound parabolic and evacuated tube collectors. The optimisation is based on an energy benefit analysis, i.e., the amount of useful energy collected against the life cycle cost of the solar system. The above analysis considers the current prices for fuel and equipment costs, which have increased greatly during the last 5 years. A solar absorption system consisting of a lithium bromide-water unit, a solar collector and a storage tank is modelled with the TRNSYS computer program using a typical meteorological year (TMY) for a hot climate (Nicosia, Cyprus). For this analysis a typical house is modelled for a full year. The solar system can be used during summer to provide part of the heat required by the absorption unit and during winter to provide part of the heating load. The results indicate that due to the present high cost of fuel a large part of the building load can be covered with solar energy.