Experimental analysis of triple fluid vapour absorption refrigeration system driven by electrical energy and engine waste heat

Abstract

In this study, performance analysis of absorption refrigeration cycle has been carried out under variable power sources namely electrical and thermal energy sources. The triple fluid vapour absorption system was used in this work. The temperatures at each point in the cycle such as generator, absorber, evaporator and condenser have been measured. The coefficient of performance of the system was calculated and then compared. The results showed that when the cycle driven by electricity, the coefficient of performance varied from 0.28 to 1.6 along the test time and the generator temperature changed from 66°C to 106°C. When thermal energy used to generate power, the coefficient of performance varied between 0.16 and 0.6 under the generator temperature of 98°C and 150°C. It was observed that the waste heat energy from engine exhaust can be used efficiently and can replace the conventional power source to drive the absorption refrigeration unit.