Comparison between solar single-effect and single-effect double-lift absorption machines (Part I)

• Published in: Applied thermal engineering Vol. 23; no. 15; pp. 1981 - 1992
• Main Authors: Yattara, A, Zhu, Y, Mosa Ali, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Energy saving; Equipments, installations and applications; Exact sciences and technology; Natural energy; SE and SE/DL chillers; Solar collectors choice; Solar energy; Solar refrigeration comparison; Solar thermal conversion; Asia; Europe; SE and SE/DL chillers; Solar refrigeration comparison; Energy saving; Solar collectors choice; Solar cooling systems; Absorption refrigeration; Economic analysis; Solar collector; Performance; Energy conservation
• ISSN: 1359-4311
• DOI: 10.1016/S1359-4311(03)00132-7

In this paper a comparative study between the solar powered standard single-effect (SE) and single-effect double-lift (SE/DL) absorption machines with identical cold output, using the same collector model is done with a special focus in solar unit part. Performance and economic analysis of the solar energy unit parts of the two different cycles have been carried out for a wide range of operating conditions and various commercial collector types from Asia and Europe. The solar SE/DL, due to the mean increase in collector efficiency from 2.5% to 18% saves more nonrenewable energy resource. In 20 years lifetime economic analysis, the benefit of saving energy is more than balanced the expense at the corresponding increase in the installed collector surface area. Consequently, a profitability by unit cooling capacity is of about $2600 for the conventional single glazed flat plate collector and about $1000 for the special designed low-cost single glazed flat plate collector, at hot water supply/return temperatures 90 °C/65 °C. The vacuum tube collectors are profitable when the driving hot water temperature is greater than 100 °C.