Chapter 8

Exergy Analysis of Absorption

Cooling Systems
Chapter Outline
8.1 Introduction 115 8.4.2.6 Pump 121
8.2 ACSs 116 8.4.2.7 DEACS System 121
8.3 System Descriptions 117 8.4.3 TEACS 121
8.3.1 Single Effect Absorption Cooling System 117 8.4.3.1 HTG 121
8.3.2 Double Effect Absorption Cooling System 117 8.4.3.2 HHX 122
8.3.3 Triple Effect Absorption Cooling System 118 8.4.3.3 Condenser 122
8.3.4 QEACS 119 8.4.3.4 Evaporator 122
8.4 Energy and Exergy Analyses 119 8.4.3.5 Absorber 122
8.4.1 SEACS 119 8.4.3.6 Pump 122
8.4.1.1 Generator 119 8.4.3.7 TEACS System 122
8.4.1.2 Heat Exchanger 120 8.4.4 QEACS 122
8.4.1.3 Condenser 120 8.4.4.1 VHTG 122
8.4.1.4 Evaporator 120 8.4.4.2 VHHX 122
8.4.1.5 Absorber 120 8.4.4.3 Condenser 122
8.4.1.6 Pump 120 8.4.4.4 Evaporator 122
8.4.1.7 SEACS System 121 8.4.4.5 Absorber 123
8.4.2 DEACS 121 8.4.4.6 Pump 123
8.4.2.1 HTG 121 8.4.4.7 QEACS System 123
8.4.2.2 HHX 121 8.5 Performance and Efficiency 123
8.4.2.3 Condenser 121 8.6 Concluding Remarks 125
8.4.2.4 Evaporator 121 Problems 125
8.4.2.5 Absorber 121

ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the application of energy and exergy analyses to
absorption cooling is described. Absorption cooling (refrigeration)
technology represents an attractive alternative to the vapor-
compression cooling from the perspectives of energy diversifica-
tion and environmental protection. Absorption cooling systems use
low-grade or waste thermal energy to provide cooling, and do not
require a compressor. Commonly sources of low-grade thermal
energy are solar thermal systems and low-temperature geothermal
resources. Half effect, single effect, and double effect absorption
cooling systems are commonly available, although triple and
quadruple effect systems have been investigated. We examine in
detail a quadruple effect absorption cooling system in this chapter,
and energy and exergy analyses of single, double, triple, and
quadruple effect absorption cooling systems are described.
KEYWORDS
Exergy; Absorption cooling; Absorption refrigeration; Single
effect absorption cooling; Double effect absorption cooling;
Triple effect absorption cooling; Quadruple effect absorption
cooling; Efficiency.
8.1 INTRODUCTION
As environmental awareness grows, society has become
increasingly concerned about issues such as natural
resource depletion and environmental degradation due to
emissions of ozone-depleting and greenhouse gases.
Industries and businesses have responded by providing
greener products and technologies and using greener

Exergy. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-097089-9.00008-5
2013 Ibrahim Dincer and Marc A. Rosen. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved 115
116 Exergy

processes. Absorption refrigeration is one such technology, l Easy capacity control

and its use is growing relative to the commonly used vapor- l No cycling losses during on-off operations
compression refrigeration. Whereas that technology uses l Simple implementation
a compressor to compress refrigerant to high pressure, l Ability to satisfy variable loads easily and efficiently
absorption cooling systems (ACSs) use low-grade or waste
Absorption cooling technology represents an attractive
thermal energy to provide cooling and do not require
alternative to the vapor-compression cooling from the
a compressor. Instead they use heat exchangers and
perspectives of energy diversification and environmental
chemical absorption. Common sources of low-grade
protection. The performance of a cooling cycle is conven-
thermal energy are solar thermal systems and low-
tionally represented by the coefficient of performance
temperature (below 90oC) geothermal resources. Absorp-
(COP), which is the ratio of cooling effect to energy input.
tion systems use mixtures as the working fluid, for example,
The COP of a conventional double effect LiBr/H2O
lithium bromide and water (LiBr/H2O) in which water acts
absorption cooling cycle is approximately 1.2. Recently,
as the refrigerant, and ammonia and water (NH3/H2O) in
triple effect absorption cooling has attracted interest, in part
which ammonia acts as the refrigerant. These mixtures are
due to its greater efficiency; for example, triple effect
selected on the basis of low boiling point and operating
absorption systems can achieve COP > 1.6 (Mori et al.,
pressures and temperatures. The LiBr/H2O mixture is more
2003). Most development effort is being directed to single
suited for residential cooling whereas the NH3/H2O
effect absorption system, although some research has been
mixture is used for industrial cooling because it can achieve
published on double effect absorption systems. Little work
lower temperatures than LiBr/H2O mixtures.
has been reported for triple effect absorption systems, and
Cooling is required for air conditioning in buildings and
what work has been done is based on the use of a LiBr/H2O
industrial refrigeration (e.g., in food applications) (Dincer
solution working fluid (Kimura and Lipeles, 1993; Kim
and Dost, 1996). Several ACSs are available, and the most
et al., 2001; Mori et al., 2003; Gomri, 2008). Recent studies
common are half-effect, single effect, and double effect
of triple effect absorption systems show that they provide
systems.
higher COPs than single and double effect systems (Gadalla
The concept of absorption refrigeration was recognized
et al., 2010; Ratlamwala et al., 2011a,b, 2012). Some
well before the advent of electrically driven refrigerators.
researchers have examined how the COP or effectiveness of
Absorption technology was first invented by Ferdinand
an absorption system increases when number of effects is
Carre, a French scientist in 1858. This technology was
increased (Gomri, 2010; Gebreslassie et al., 2012).
further developed by students of the Royal Institute of
In this chapter, we consider a quadruple effect absorp-
Technology in Sweden. Many new mixtures and system
tion cooling system (QEACS), as well as other ACS types.
designs were proposed as the technology developed. Two
Very little research on QEACSs and their performance has
major types of absorption system designs emerged (series
been reported, although a QEACS running on a LiBr/H2O
and parallel flow), both of which are currently used. The
solution has been investigated using ABSIM simulation
first commercial absorption system was developed in 1923
software (Grossman and Zaltash, 2001). Energy and exergy
by the company AB Arctic. The availability of relatively
analyses of single, double, triple, and quadruple effect
inexpensive fossil fuels and electricity in the past made
ACSs are described, drawing extensively on the work of
absorption systems less popular; absorption technology
Ratlamwala et al. (2011a,b, 2012). The QEACS uses an
increased in appeal in early 1990s as fossil fuel prices
ammonia-water mixture for cooling and heating purposes.
increased and concerns regarding the scarcity of fossil fuels
Parametric studies are also conducted to assess the effect of
emerged.
increase in the number of effects on the cooling produced
Today, improvements in absorption technology
and energetic and exergetic COPs.
combined with the rising cost and environmental impact of
generating electricity are increasing the demand for
absorption systems. ACSs for industrial and domestic
8.2 ACSs
applications have been attracting increasing interest
throughout the world because of their advantages over other Absorption cooling is an alternative to conventional vapor-
vapor-compression refrigeration systems including: compression cooling. ACSs use mixture as a working fluid
to provide a cooling effect from low-grade heat or heat. The
l Quiet operation efficiency of ACSs increases as the number of effects
l High reliability increases. Effect means the number of generators used to
l Long service life produce cooling; for example, one generator is used in
l Efficient and economic use of low-grade thermal energy a single effect system, and two are utilized in a double
sources (e.g., solar energy, waste energy, geothermal effect system. Increasing the number of effects causes low-
energy) grade or waste heat to be utilized more effectively.
Chapter | 8 Exergy Analysis of Absorption Cooling Systems
8.3 SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONS
The single, double, triple, and quadruple effect ACSs
considered are described.
8.3.1 Single Effect Absorption Cooling System
The single effect absorption cooling system (SEACS; see
Figure 8.1) is one of the oldest types of ACSs. In the
SEACS, a generator, a heat exchanger, a condenser, an
evaporator, an absorber, and a pump are used to allow low-
grade or waste heat to provide cooling.
In a SEACS, a strong ammonia-water solution enters
the generator at state 3, and is heated by the heat provided
from an energy source. As the strong ammonia-water
warms, it starts to vaporize and as a result a weak solution
of ammonia-water at a higher temperature than state 3
leaves the generator at state 4. This weak solution passes
through a heat exchanger, where it releases heat to the
incoming strong solution at state 2. Transferring heat to the
strong solution allows heat recovery. The weak solution
leaving at state 5 enters the expansion valve, where its
pressure decreases before it enters the absorber at state 6.
The concentrated ammonia-water vapor (usually 99.99%
ammonia) at state 7 enters the condenser, where the
ammonia-water vapor rejects heat to the surroundings
before leaving at state 8. The ammonia-water vapor at state
8 enters the expansion valve, where its pressure and
temperature decrease. This cooled ammonia-water vapor at
state 9 enters the evaporator, where the ammonia-water
mixture absorbs heat from the air-conditioned space and
FIGURE 8.1 Schematic of a SEACS.
117
leaves at state 10. The weak solution at state 6 and
ammonia-water mixture at state 10 enter the absorber,
where they reject heat and exit as a strong solution in liquid
form at state 1 and enter the solution pump.
8.3.2 Double Effect Absorption Cooling
System
The double effect absorption system (DEACS; Figure 8.2)
can be viewed as an enhanced version of the SEACS. The
double effect cooling system consists of two generators,
two heat exchangers, a condenser heat exchanger (CHX),
a condenser, an evaporator, an absorber, and a pump.
In a DEACS, heat is provided to the high-temperature
generator (HTG) from an external energy source, raising the
temperature and vaporizing the strong solution entering at
state 4. The strong solution exits as a concentrated ammonia-
water vapor (99.99% ammonia) at state 5 and as a weak
solution at state 12. The weak solution passes through
a high-temperature heat exchanger (HHX) and transfers heat
to the incoming strong solution at state 20. After releasing
heat in HHX, the weak solution leaves at state 13 to combine
with the weak solution from the low-temperature generator
(LTG) at state 23, yielding a weak solution at state 14. That
weak solution enters the low-temperature heat exchanger
(LHX) to release heat to the incoming strong solution at state
19 and leaves at state 15. This weak solution at state 15
passes through the expansion valve, where its pressure
decreases, and enters the absorber at state 16. The ammonia-
water vapor at state 5 enters the LTG, where it acts as a heat
118
FIGURE 8.2 Schematic of a DEACS.
source for the strong solution entering the LTG at state 22.
That strong solution is heated to an ammonia-water vapor at
state 7 and is transferred to the condenser. The ammonia-
water vapor at state 5, after transferring heat, leaves the LTG
at state 6 and enters CHX. The CHX reduces the temperature
of the ammonia-water vapor entering at state 6 and increases
the temperature of the strong solution from the solution
pump at state 17. After transferring heat in the CHX, the
ammonia-water vapor exits and is conveyed at state 8 to the
condenser. The heated strong solution leaves CHX at state
18 and combines with the strong solution coming at state 13,
and enters the LTG at state 22 at a relatively higher
temperature. The two ammonia-water vapor streams reject
heat to the environment in the condenser and leave at state 9.
This ammonia-water vapor stream enters the expansion
valve, where its pressure and temperature decrease, and
enters the evaporator at state 10. In the evaporator, heat is
gained from the air-conditioned space and conveyed by the
ammonia-water vapor, which leaves at state 11 as ammonia-
water mixture. The ammonia-water streams from states 16
and 11 enter the absorber, where they reject heat to the
environment exit as an ammonia-water solution that enters
the solution pump at state 1.
8.3.3 Triple Effect Absorption Cooling System
Heat from an external energy source is supplied to the HTG
of the triple effect absorption cooling system (TEACS;
Figure 8.3) to produce cooling. The heat provided is used in
Exergy
the HTG, where a strong solution from the absorber at state
28 is heated. A weak solution at state 29 and ammonia-
water vapor at state 30 exit. The weak solution at state 29
releases heat in the HHX and combines with the weak
solution at state 12, yielding a weak solution at state 32.
The weak solution at state 32 releases heat in the medium-
temperature heat exchanger (MHX) and combines with the
weak solution at state 23 to yield the solution at state 14.
This weak solution enters the LHX, where it heats the
strong solution entering at state 19. Then, the weak solution
at state 15 enters the expansion valve, where its temperature
decreases and enters the absorber at state 16. The vapor at
state 30 enters the medium-temperature generator (MTG),
where it heats the strong solution at state 26, which leaves
as an ammonia-water vapor solution at states 4 and 27.
These two ammonia-water vapor streams combine to state
5, and enter the LTG, where the combined fluid heats the
strong solution, entering at state 22 and exiting as an
ammonia-water vapor at states 6 and 7. The fluid at state 7
enters the condenser and that at state 6 enters the CHX,
where heat is transferred to the liquid entering at state 17
and exiting at state 18. The ammonia-water vapor leaving
the CHX at state 8 enters the condenser, releases heat, and
leaves at state 9. This stream passes through the expansion
valve and enters the evaporator at state 10. In the evapo-
rator, heat is gained by the system and the heated mixture
exits at state 11 to the absorber, where all three streams
mix, release heat, and enter the solution pump at state 1 in
liquid form.
Chapter | 8 Exergy Analysis of Absorption Cooling Systems
FIGURE 8.3 Schematic of a TEACS.
8.3.4 QEACS
In the hypothetical QEACS considered here (Figure 8.4),
external thermal energy is provided to the very high
temperature generator (VHTG), where a strong solution
from the absorber at state 36 is heated. A weak solution at
state 38 and an ammonia-water vapor with high concentra-
tion at state 37 exit the VHTG. The weak solution from the
VHTG at state 38 releases heat in the very high temperature
heat exchanger (VHHX) and is combined with a weak
solution from the HTG at state 30. The resulting exiting
weak solution exits at state 41, releases heat in the HHX, and
is combined with the weak solution leaving the MTG at state
12. The resultant weak solution at state 33 then releases heat
in the MHX and is combined with the weak solution from
state 23, leaving at state 14. This weak solution enters the
LHX, where it heats the strong solution from the solution
pump at state 19. After transferring heat, the weak solution at
state 15 enters the expansion valve, where its pressure and
temperature decrease and it enters the absorber at state 16.
The refrigerant vapor leaving the VHTG at state 37 enters
the HTG, where it heats the strong solution from the HHX at
state 34 and leaves as ammonia-water vapor at states 28 and
31. These two streams are combined and enter the MTG at
state 39, where they heat the strong solution from the MHX
at state 26, and leave as ammonia-water vapor at states 4 and
27. These two ammonia-water vapor streams are combined
and enter the LTG at state 5, heat the strong solution from
state 22, and leave as ammonia-water vapor streams at states
119
6 and 7. The fluid at state 7 enters the condenser while that at
state 6 is directed to the CHX, where it releases heat to the
part of the liquid that is fed backward by the solution pump at
state 17. That liquid gains heat and leaves the condenser at
state 18. The ammonia-water vapor leaving the CHX at state
8 enters the condenser (con), where it releases heat, leaving
at state 9. This stream then passes through the expansion
valve and enters the evaporator (eva) at state 10. In the
evaporator, heat is gained by the system and the heated
mixture enters the absorber (abs) at state 11. In the absorber
all three streams mix, release heat, and leave at state 1 in
liquid form, after which it enters the solution pump.
8.4 ENERGY AND EXERGY ANALYSES
The thermodynamic analyses of the ACSs are described in
this section, focusing on exergy facets.
8.4.1 SEACS
Energy and exergy analyses of the overall SEACS and its
components are provided here.
8.4.1.1 Generator
Mass balances for the generator (G) are given as follows:
m_ 3
3 m_ 4
4 m_ 7
7 (8.1)
m_ 3 m_ 4 m_ 7 (8.2)
120 Exergy

FIGURE 8.4 Schematic of a QEACS.

To obtain the outlet conditions of the generator, the 8.4.1.4 Evaporator

following energy balance is used:
An energy balance for the evaporator follows:
m_ 3 h3 Q_ G m_ 4 h4 m_ 7 h7 (8.3)
m_ 9 h9 Q_ eva m_ 10 h10 (8.9)
The exergy rate entering the generator is calculated as The thermal exergy rate generated in the evaporator, which
follows: represents the rate at which exergy is carried by the medium
_ G Ex
Ex _ 4 E_ 7  Ex
_ 3 (8.4) being cooled, is calculated as follows:
  
_ 3 m_ 3 h3  h0  T0 S3  S0 and similar T0
where Ex _ eva;th
Ex 1
Q_ eva (8.10)
relations apply for other states. Teva

T10 T9
8.4.1.2 Heat Exchanger where Teva :
2
Energy balances for heat exchanger (HX) can be written as
follows: 8.4.1.5 Absorber
m_ 2 h2 Q_ HX m_ 3 h3 (8.5) The following energy balance is used to calculate the heat
m_ 4 h4 Q_ HX m_ 5 h5 (8.6) rejected from the absorber:

m_ 1 h1 Q_ abs m_ 10 h10 m_ 6 h6 (8.11)

8.4.1.3 Condenser
Mass and energy balances for the condenser can be
expressed as follows: 8.4.1.6 Pump
The work required by the pump can be determined as
m_ 7 m_ 8 (8.7)
follows:
m_ 8 h8 Q_ con m_ 7 h7 (8.8) W_ P m_ 1 h2  h1 (8.12)
Chapter | 8 Exergy Analysis of Absorption Cooling Systems 121

8.4.1.7 SEACS System The thermal exergy rate generated in the evaporator
determined as follows:
The energetic and exergetic COPs for the SEACS system   
T0
are defined as follows: _ eva;th
Ex 1
Q_ eva (8.24)
Teva
Q_ eva
COPen (8.13)
Q_ G W_ P T10 T11
where Teva .
_ eva;th
Ex 2
COPex (8.14)
_
ExG W_ P 8.4.2.5 Absorber
The following energy balance is used to calculate the heat
8.4.2 DEACS rejected from the absorber:

Energy and exergy analyses of the overall DEACS and its m_ 1 h1 Q_ abs m_ 10 h10 m_ 11 h11 (8.25)
components are provided.
8.4.2.6 Pump
8.4.2.1 HTG
The work required by the pump is determined as follows:
Mass balances are can be expressed as follows:
m_ 4
4 m_ 5
5 m_ 12
12 (8.15) W_ P m_ 1 h2  h1 (8.26)

m_ 4 m_ 5 m_ 12 (8.16)
8.4.2.7 DEACS System
To obtain the outlet conditions of the HTG, an energy
balance is used as follows: The energetic and exergetic COPs for the DEACS system
are expressible as follows:
m_ 4 h4 Q_ HTG m_ 5 h5 m_ 12 h12 (8.17)
Q_ eva
The exergy rate entering the HTG is calculated as follows: COPen (8.27)
Q_ HTG W_ P
_ HTG Ex
Ex _ 5 Ex
_ 12  Ex
_ 4 (8.18)
_ eva;th
Ex
where Ex _ 4 m_ 4 h4  h0  T0 s4  s0 and similar COPex (8.28)
relations apply for other states.
_
ExHTG W_ P

8.4.2.2 HHX
8.4.3 TEACS
Energy balances for the HHX follow:
Energy and exergy analyses of the overall TEACS and its
m_ 20 h20 Q_ HHX m_ 4 h4 (8.19) components are provided.
m_ 12 h12 Q_ HHX m_ 13 h13 (8.20)
8.4.3.1 HTG
8.4.2.3 Condenser Mass balances for the HTG follow:

Mass and energy balances for the condenser are given as m_ 28
28 m_ 29
29 m_ 30
30 (8.29)
follows: m_ 28 m_ 29 m_ 30 (8.30)
m_ 7 m_ 8 m_ 9 (8.21) To obtain the outlet conditions of the HTG, an energy
m_ 9 h9 Q_ con m_ 7 h7 m_ 8 h8 (8.22) balance can be applied as follows:
m_ 28 h28 Q_ HTG m_ 29 h29 m_ 30 h30 (8.31)

8.4.2.4 Evaporator The exergy rate entering the HTG is assessed as follows:

An energy balance for the evaporator follows: _ HTG Ex

Ex _ 29 Ex
_ 30  Ex
_ 28 (8.32)

where Ex_ 29 m_ 29 h29  h0  T0 s29  s0 and similar

m_ 10 h10 Q_ eva m_ 11 h11 (8.23)
relations apply for other states.
122 Exergy

8.4.3.2 HHX 8.4.4 QEACS

Energy balances for HHX can be written as follows: Energy and exergy analyses of the overall QEACS and its
components are provided.
m_ 25 h25 Q_ HHX m_ 28 h28 (8.33)
m_ 29 h29 Q_ HHX m_ 31 h31 (8.34) 8.4.4.1 VHTG
Mass balances for the ammonia-water mixture of the
8.4.3.3 Condenser VHTG can be written as follows:
Mass and energy balances for the condenser are expressible m_ 36
36 m_ 37
37 m_ 38
38 (8.43)
as follows:
m_ 36 m_ 37 m_ 38 (8.44)
m_ 9 m_ 8 m_ 7 (8.35)
To obtain the outlet conditions of the VHTG, the following
m_ 9 h9 Q_ con m_ 7 h7 m_ 8 h8 (8.36) energy balance can be used:
m_ 36 h36 Q_ VHTG m_ 37 h37 m_ 38 h38 (8.45)
8.4.3.4 Evaporator The exergy rate entering VHTG is expressible as follows:
An energy balance for the evaporator can be written as _ VHTG Ex
Ex _ 37 Ex
_ 38  Ex
_ 36 (8.46)
follows:
where
m_ 10 h10 Q_ eva m_ 11 h11 (8.37) _ 37 m_ 37 h37  h0  T0 s37  s0
Ex (8.47)
The thermal exergy rate generated in the evaporator is and similar relations apply for other states.
calculated as follows:

   8.4.4.2 VHHX
T0
_ eva;th
Ex 1
Q_ eva (8.38) Energy balances for the VHHX are expressed as follows:
Teva
T10 T11 m_ 35 h35 Q_ VHHX m_ 36 h36 (8.48)
where Teva :
2 m_ 38 h38 Q_ VHHX m_ 40 h40 (8.49)
8.4.3.5 Absorber
An energy balance is used to find the heat rejected from the 8.4.4.3 Condenser
absorber:
Mass and energy balances for the condenser can be written
m_ 1 h1 Q_ abs m_ 11 h11 m_ 16 h16 (8.39) as follows:
m_ 9 m_ 7 m_ 8 (8.50)
8.4.3.6 Pump m_ 9 h9 Q_ con m_ 7 h7 m_ 8 h8 (8.51)
The pump work required is found with an energy balance as
follows:
8.4.4.4 Evaporator
W_ P m_ 1 h2  h1 (8.40)
Mass and energy balances for the evaporator follow:
m_ 10 m_ 11 (8.52)
8.4.3.7 TEACS System
The energetic and exergetic COPs for the TEACS system m_ 10 h10 Q_ eva m_ 11 h11 (8.53)
are defined as follows: The thermal exergy rate generated in the evaporator can be
calculated as follows:
Q_ eva   
COPen (8.41) _ T0 _
Exeva;th 1
Qeva (8.54)
Q_ HTG W_ P Teva
_ eva;th
Ex
COPex (8.42) T10 T11
_ HTG W_ P
Ex where Teva :
2
Chapter | 8 Exergy Analysis of Absorption Cooling Systems 123

8.4.4.5 Absorber the energetic COP of the system when the energy input to
the system is increased is shown in Figures 8.5 and 8.6 for
An energy balance equation is used to determine the heat two condenser loads. As the number of effects increases,
rejected from the absorber: the energetic COP of the system increases, mainly because
m_ 11 h11 m_ 16 h16 m_ 1 h1 Q_ abs (8.55) increasing the number of effect improves heat recovery in
the lower part of the cycle, leading to a relatively cooler
ammonia-water vapor mixture reaching the condenser. Due
8.4.4.6 Pump to this reduction in the temperature of the stream entering
the condenser, the stream entering the evaporator is also at
The pump work is calculated from an energy balance as a relatively low temperature. This reduction in temperature
follows: at the evaporator with increasing number of effect results in
W_ P m_ 1 h2  h1 (8.56) a higher energetic COP.
Further, increasing the heat input to the system for
a specific condenser load degrades the performance of the
8.4.4.7 QEACS System system and decreases the energetic COP. This happens
because increasing the heat input raises the temperature of
The energetic and exergetic COPs for the QEACS system the ammonia-water vapor. After this heated ammonia-
are defined as follows: water vapor reaches the condenser, which can provide
Q_ eva a specific condenser load, the exit stream from the
COPen (8.57) condenser is at a relatively higher temperature than that of
Q_ VHTG W_ P
the lower heat input. This increase in temperature of the
_ eva;th
Ex exit stream results in a lower heat removal from the cooled
COPex (8.58)
_
ExVHTG W_ P space and, therefore, degrades the performance of the
system. The single, double, triple, and quadruple effect
energetic COPs are found to decrease from 0.75 to 0.13,
1.7 to 0.8, 2.4 to 1.2, and 2.7 to 1.4, respectively, for
8.5 PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY
a condenser load of 220 kW. But when the condenser load
We now assess the performance of the ACSs and observe is increased, the energetic COP of the system increases.
how their components perform under varying operating The increase in condenser load results in better cooling of
conditions. Engineering equation solver (EES) is used to the ammonia-water vapor stream from the generator(s).
obtain the required thermodynamic properties of the This enhanced cooling results in a higher heat-absorbing
ammonia-water solution, and to facilitate the simulations capability of the stream flowing through the evaporator,
and parametric studies. improving system performance. As the generator load
To validate the simulation model, we compare the increases, for a condenser load of 240 kW, the energetic
results with those for a system previously examined by COPs for single, double, triple, and quadruple effect
Adewusi and Zubair (2004) (see Table 8.1). systems are found to decrease from 1.0 to 0.3, 2.0 to 0.9, 2.6
Thermodynamic properties at each state point for the to 1.3, and 2.9 to 1.5, respectively. Thus, increasing the
SEACS, DEACS, TEACS, and QEACS are provided in number of effects clearly enhances the performance of the
Tables 8.2e8.5, respectively. system and results in a higher energetic COP.
The heat input to the ACS affects its performance The exergetic performances of the four ACSs, when the
significantly. For the four ACSs considered, the variation of heat inputs to the systems are increased, are shown in

TABLE 8.1 Comparison of Chapter Results with the Results of Adewusi and Zubair (2004)

Results of Adewusi
Quantity Current results and Zubair (2004)
Q_ G [kW] 120 120
Q_ con [kW] 93.15 93
Q_ eva [kW] 91.55 91

COPen 0.753 0.734

124 Exergy

TABLE 8.2 Thermodynamic Properties of SEACS at Each State Point

State Mass flow rate Temperature Pressure Specific enthalpy Specific entropy Concentration Exergy rate
points (kg s1) (K) (kPa) (kJ kg1) (kJ kg1 K1) (kg kg1) (kW)
0 d 291.2 100 291.5 5.675 d d
1 1 279.7 250 199.5 0.0683 0.6 1181
2 1 280.1 400 197.6 0.0629 0.6 1181

3 1 357.1 400 977.7 3.614 0.6 1286

4 0.6661 372.1 400 845.5 3.04 0.4 880.1
5 0.6661 157.9 400 918.9 3.553 0.4 983.4
6 0.6661 157.9 250 918.9 3.552 0.4 983.2
7 0.3339 387.1 400 1541 5.503 0.999 433.8
8 0.3339 271.3 400 822 3.032 0.999 434.1

9 0.3339 259.6 250 822 3.175 0.999 420.2

10 0.3339 259.7 250 1058 4.081 0.999 411

Figures 8.7 and 8.8 for two condenser loads. The figures
show that an increase in heat input decreases the exergetic
COP of the system, suggesting a greater destruction in the
system with higher heat input. This behavior is supported
by the concept that increasing the heat input results in
a higher temperature stream reaching the evaporator,
decreasing the ability of the system to remove heat from the
location being cooled. Also, since the exergy content of
entering a device is dependent on the temperatures of the
device and the surroundings, an increase in device
temperature for a fixed surroundings temperature results in
greater exergy destruction. The same concept applies when
heat input to the system is increased, and thereby increases
the system exergy destruction. But when the condenser load
increases, the exergetic COP increases relative to the lower
condenser load. This increase in condenser load helps cool
the stream from the generator which, in turn, decreases the
exergy destruction of the evaporator. The exergetic COPs
for the single, double, triple, and quadruple effect systems
decrease from 0.29 to 0.05, 0.39 to 0.19, 0.59 to 0.29, and
2.0 to 0.8, respectively, for a condenser load of 220 kW. For
a condenser load of 240 kW, however, these values change,
resulting in decreases from 0.37 to 0.11, 0.45 to 0.22, 0.65
to 0.33, and 2.6 to 0.8, respectively.
An important parameter in designing any air-condi-
tioning system is its cooling load. Parametric studies are
carried out to assess the effect of increasing heat input and
condenser load on the cooling capacity of the system. This
parameter plays an important role when selecting a system
because the ultimate goal of the system is to provide
cooling. It is seen in Figures 8.9 and 8.10 that, as heat
input increases, the cooling capacity of the system
decreases for a fixed condenser load. This trend occurs
because an increase in heat input for a fixed condenser
load results in a high temperature for the stream entering
the evaporator. As that streams temperature increases, the
cooling capacity of the evaporator decreases. Also, as
the number of effects is increased, the cooling capacity of
the system increases. Increasing the number of effect
improves heat recovery and cooling of the stream entering
the evaporator. For single, double, triple, and quadruple
effect systems, the evaporator load decreases from 68.9 to
18.9 kW, 162 to 113 kW, 217 to 117 kW, and 246 to 196
kW, respectively, for a condenser load of 220 kW and an
increase in heat input from 90 to 140 kW. But an increase
in condenser load from 220 to 240 kW results in a higher
cooling load; then the cooling load for all four systems
decrease from 89 to 39 kW, 183 to 133 kW, 237 to 137
kW, and 266 to 216 kW, respectively, with an increase in
the generator load.
The variation in energetic and exergetic COPs as
ambient temperature increases is illustrated in Figure 8.11.
The energetic COPs of single, double, triple, and quadruple
effect systems are not affected by the rise in ambient
temperature and remain constant at 0.77, 1.69, 2.22, and
2.51, respectively. However, the exergetic COPs of single,
double, triple, and quadruple effect systems are affected,
rising are from 0.29 to 0.59, 0.37 to 0.67, 0.54 to 0.99, and
2.02 to 5.19, respectively, as ambient temperature rises. An
increase in ambient temperature raises the exergetic COP
because of a higher heat rejection from the condenser due
to greater temperature difference between the condenser
and the ambient environment. The nondependence of the
energetic COP on ambient temperature demonstrates that
Chapter | 8 Exergy Analysis of Absorption Cooling Systems 125

TABLE 8.3 Thermodynamic Properties of DEACS at Each State Point

State Mass flow rate Temperature Pressure Specific enthalpy Specific entropy Concentration Exergy rate
points (kg s1) (K) (kPa) (kJ kg1) (kJ kg1 K1) (kg kg1) (kW)
0 d 291.2 100 291.5 5.675 d d
1 1 279.7 250 199.5 0.0683 0.6 1181
2 1 280.1 400 197.6 0.0629 0.6 1181

3 0.8 350.1 400 861.4 3.286 0.6 1012

4 0.64 387.8 400 1959 6.224 0.6 964.7
5 0.2137 500.2 400 1814 6.121 0.999 297.5
6 0.2137 356.2 400 1469 5.31 0.999 274.3
7 0.1202 299.2 400 1336 4.903 0.999 152.6
8 0.2137 271.9 400 1217 4.481 0.999 272.1

9 0.3339 271.3 400 541.1 2.001 0.999 440.5

10 0.3339 259.5 250 541.1 2.097 0.999 431.1
11 0.3339 259.7 250 1058 4.081 0.999 411
12 0.4263 407.8 400 2266 6.678 0.4 717.2
13 0.4263 360.6 400 618.5 2.423 0.4 543.1
14 0.6661 353.2 400 493.7 2.074 0.4 833.1

15 0.6661 174 400 778.1 2.702 0.4 912.2

16 0.6661 174.1 250 778.1 2.701 0.4 912
17 0.2 280.1 400 197.6 0.0629 0.6 252.5
18 0.2 300.1 400 71.51 0.849 0.6 237
19 0.8 280.1 400 197.6 0.0629 0.6 945.2
20 0.64 350.1 400 861.4 3.286 0.6 809.8

21 0.16 350.1 400 861.4 3.286 0.6 202.5

22 0.36 319.2 400 422.5 1.98 0.6 434.5
23 0.2398 339.2 400 271.9 1.436 0.4 291.2

energy analysis is insufficient for system design since only
exergy analysis depicts the actual performance of the
system.
8.6 CONCLUDING REMARKS
Energy and exergy analyses are described and contrasted
in this chapter for single, double, triple, and quadruple
effect absorption systems. The parametric studies identify
the effects on energetic and exergetic COPs and evapo-
rator load of varying key operating parameters like heat
input to the generator and condenser load. The impact of
increasing the number of effects on the performance of the
system in terms of COPs and cooling load is highlighted,
and a rise in ambient temperature is observed to affect the
exergetic COP but not the energetic COP, further pointing
out the advantages of exergy analysis is the analysis of
ACSs.
PROBLEMS
8.1. Compare a conventional vapor-compression air
conditioning system and a SEACS from an exergetic
point of view.
8.2. List the differences between a conventional vapor-
compression air conditioning system and an ACS.
126 Exergy

TABLE 8.4 Thermodynamic Properties of TEACS at Each State Point

State Mass flow rate Temperature Pressure Specific enthalpy Specific entropy Concentration Exergy rate
points (kg s1) (K) (kPa) (kJ kg1) (kJ kg1 K1) (kg kg1) (kW)
0 d 291.2 100 291.5 5.675 d d
1 1 279.7 250 199.5 0.0683 0.6 1181
2 1 280.1 400 197.6 0.0629 0.6 1181

3 0.8 327.1 400 535.9 2.329 0.6 974.8

4 0.171 449.4 400 1689 5.857 0.999 229.8
5 0.2137 428.7 400 1639 5.745 0.999 283.7
6 0.2137 272.1 400 1228 4.522 0.999 271.9
7 0.1202 290.2 400 1313 4.824 0.999 152.5
8 0.2137 271.4 400 976.5 3.599 0.999 275.6

9 0.3339 271.3 400 378.7 1.405 0.999 444.2

10 0.3339 259.5 250 378.7 1.474 0.999 437.5
11 0.3339 259.7 250 1058 4.081 0.999 411
12 0.08526 384.1 400 1186 3.938 0.4 119.4
13 0.4263 335.8 400 217.4 1.276 0.4 514.5
14 0.6661 333.7 400 184.2 1.177 0.4 800.9

15 0.6661 185 400 696.7 2.248 0.4 878.4

16 0.6661 185.1 250 696.7 2.247 0.4 878.2
17 0.2 280.1 400 197.6 0.0629 0.6 252.5
18 0.2 300.1 400 71.51 0.849 0.6 237
19 0.8 280.1 400 197.6 0.0629 0.6 945.2
20 0.64 327.1 400 535.9 2.329 0.6 779.9

21 0.16 327.1 400 535.9 2.329 0.6 195

22 0.36 310.2 400 277.9 1.522 0.6 430.4
23 0.2398 330.2 400 125.3 1 0.4 286.5
24 0.64 364.1 400 1114 3.991 0.6 840.1
25 0.512 364.1 400 1114 3.991 0.6 672.1
26 0.128 364.1 400 1114 3.991 0.6 168

27 0.04274 344.1 400 1441 5.23 0.999 54.67

28 0.512 387.1 400 1916 6.114 0.6 766.3
29 0.341 407.1 400 2264 6.674 0.4 573.6
30 0.171 497.3 400 1806 6.106 0.999 237.5
31 0.341 380.3 400 1060 3.608 0.4 467.3
32 0.4263 381.1 400 1085 3.674 0.4 547.4
Chapter | 8 Exergy Analysis of Absorption Cooling Systems 127

TABLE 8.5 Thermodynamic Properties of QEACS at Each State Point

State Mass flow rate Temperature Pressure Specific enthalpy Specific entropy Concentration Exergy rate
points (kg s1) (K) (kPa) (kJ kg1) (kJ kg1 K1) (kg kg1) (kW)
0 d 291.2 100 569.9 6.348 d d
1 1 279.7 250 199.5 0.06834 0.6 1099
2 1 280.1 400 197.6 0.06288 0.6 1099

3 0.8 290.1 400 151.9 0.09766 0.6 878.3

4 0.03419 1439 400 5628 10.09 0.999 135.7
5 0.07693 951.2 400 3219 8.078 0.999 165.1
6 0.07693 271.9 400 1218 4.483 0.999 91.6
7 0.1202 276.2 400 1272 4.68 0.999 142.7
8 0.07693 271.3 400 517.9 1.916 0.999 95.26

9 0.1971 242.6 400 138.5 0.5214 0.999 254.6

10 0.1971 242.6 250 138.5 0.5205 0.999 254.6
11 0.1971 259.7 250 1058 4.081 0.999 226.4
12 0.08526 323.1 400 1.734 0.6134 0.4 93.61
13 0.5631 229.5 400 434.9 0.9731 0.4 634.4
14 0.8029 253.9 400 316 0.4806 0.4 884.9

15 0.8029 244.3 400 361.6 0.6637 0.4 891.1

16 0.8029 244.3 250 361.6 0.663 0.4 890.9
17 0.2 280.1 400 197.6 0.06288 0.6 84.54
18 0.2 300.1 400 71.51 0.849 0.6 220.5
19 0.8 280.1 400 197.6 0.06288 0.6 879.1
20 0.64 290.1 400 151.9 0.09766 0.6 702.7

21 0.16 290.1 400 151.9 0.09766 0.6 175.7

22 0.36 296.2 400 27.78 0.5177 0.6 395.9
23 0.2398 316.2 400 36.98 0.5034 0.4 262.5
24 0.64 303.1 400 139.5 1.073 0.6 707.4
25 0.512 303.1 400 139.5 1.073 0.6 565.9
26 0.128 303.1 400 139.5 1.073 0.6 141.5

27 0.04274 283.1 400 1292 4.754 0.999 50.71

28 0.1368 303.4 400 1346 4.936 0.999 162.3
29 0.512 318.1 400 405.7 1.927 0.6 574.9
30 0.06821 338.1 400 254.1 1.384 0.4 77.04
31 0.03419 298.1 400 1333 4.894 0.999 40.57
32 0.4778 296.9 400 121.9 0.2264 0.4 521

33 0.5631 301.1 400 103.7 0.2872 0.4 485.4

34 0.1024 318.1 400 405.7 1.927 0.6 115
35 0.4096 318.1 400 405.7 1.927 0.6 459.9

(Continued)
128 Exergy

TABLE 8.5 Thermodynamic Properties of QEACS at Each State PointdContd

State Mass flow rate Temperature Pressure Specific enthalpy Specific entropy Concentration Exergy rate
points (kg s1) (K) (kPa) (kJ kg1) (kJ kg1 K1) (kg kg1) (kW)
36 0.4096 323.1 400 479.4 2.156 0.6 462.8

37 0.1368 370.5 400 1502 5.401 0.999 165.2

38 0.2728 343.1 400 333.3 1.615 0.4 311.4
39 0.171 302.3 400 1343 4.928 0.999 202.9
40 0.4096 331.6 400 148.3 1.069 0.4 456.8
41 0.4778 332.5 400 163.4 1.115 0.4 533.8

FIGURE 8.5 Variation in energetic COP of ACSs having 2.7

multiple effects, with change in heat input to the generator for SEACS
a condenser load of 220 kW. 2.4 DEACS
TEACS
2.1 QEACS

1.8 Qcon = 220 kW

1.5
COPen

1.2

0.9

0.6

0.3

0
90 100 110 120 130 140
QG [kW]

FIGURE 8.6 Variation in energetic COP of ACSs having 3

multiple effects, with change in heat input to the generator for SEACS
2.7 DEACS
a condenser load of 240 kW. TEACS
QEACS
2.4

2.1 Qcon = 240 kW

1.8
COPen

1.5

1.2

0.9

0.6
0.3

0
90 100 110 120 130 140
QG [kW]
Chapter | 8 Exergy Analysis of Absorption Cooling Systems 129

2.4 FIGURE 8.7 Variation in exergetic COP of ACSs having

multiple effects, with change in heat input to the generator for
2.1 SEACS a condenser load of 220 kW.
DEACS
TEACS
1.8 QEACS

1.5 Qcon= 220 kW

COPex

1.2

0.9

0.6

0.3

0
90 100 110 120 130 140

QG [kW]

3.2 FIGURE 8.8 Variation in exergetic COP of ACSs having

SEACS multiple effects, with change in heat input to the generator for
DEACS
2.8 TEACS a condenser load of 240 kW.
QEACS
2.4
Qcon= 240 kW
2
COPex

1.6

1.2

0.8

0.4

0
90 100 110 120 130 140
QG [kW]

280 FIGURE 8.9 Variation in cooling load of ACSs having

SEACS multiple effects, with change in heat input to the generator
DEACS
250 TEACS for a condenser load of 220 kW.
QEACS
220

190
Qeva [kW]

160

130

100 Qcon= 220 kW

70

40

10
90 100 110 120 130 140
QG [kW]
130 Exergy

FIGURE 8.10 Variation in cooling load of ACSs having 280

multiple effects, with change in heat input to the generator
for a condenser load of 240 kW. 250

220

190

Qeva [kW]
160

130 SEACS
DEACS
100 TEACS
QEACS
70

40 Qcon = 240 kW
10
90 100 110 120 130 140
QG [kW]

FIGURE 8.11 Variation in energetic and exergetic 3 6

COPs of ACSs having multiple effects, with rise in
Qcon= 240 kW
ambient temperature for a condenser load of 240 kW.
2.5 5

2 4

COPex
COPen

1.5 3
COPen,SEACS COPex,SEACS
COPen,DEACS COPex,DEACS
COPen,TEACS COPex,TEACS 2
1 COPen,QEACS COPex,QEACS

0.5 1

0 0
290 294 298 302 306 310
T0 [K]

8.3. Determine the exergetic COP of the following cooling
systems capable of a providing cooling load of 100
kW for ambient conditions of 300 K and 100 kPa: (a)
vapor-compression air-conditioning system and (b)
DEACS. (Hint: Use data provided in Table 8.3 and
modify it to be able to provide the required cooling.)
8.4. In an ACS, exergy destructions occur in various
components such as generators, heat exchangers, the
condenser, the evaporator, and the expansion valve.
What are the causes of exergy destructions in each of
these components?
8.5. Rework the TEACS studied in this chapter using the
data given in Table 8.4 and try to duplicate the results.
If your results differ from those given in the example,
discuss why. Propose methods for improving the
performance of the system based on reducing or
minimizing exergy destruction.
8.6. Consider the QEACS shown in Figure 8.4. For the
state properties provided in Table 8.5, calculate the
exergy destruction rate for each component and for
the overall system.
8.7. Conduct a detailed exergy analysis of the following
air-conditioning systems using actual operating data
capable of providing a cooling load of 200 kW: (a)
a vapor-compression air-conditioning system, (b)
a chiller unit which produces cool water, and (c) an
Chapter | 8 Exergy Analysis of Absorption Cooling Systems
ACS. Present the results in a suitable manner (e.g.,
using tables and figures) and discuss them.
8.8. Design a quintuple effect (five effect) ACS. Carry out
a detailed exergy analysis of the system. Conduct
parametric studies to determine the effects on the
131
exergetic COP of varying the ambient temperature
and the concentration of the ammonia-water vapor.
Plot the results to show how the exergetic COPs vary
with changes in the above mentioned operating
conditions.