Title: Conceptual and functional study of a solar absorption refrigeration cycle

Authors: Emna Berrich, Ali Fellah, Ammar Ben Brahim, Michel Feidt

Addresses: GEPEA – UMR CNRS 6144 Laboratory, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Energetic Systems and Environment Department, 4, Alfred Kastler Street, BP20722, 44307 Nantes, France. ' Applied Thermodynamics Research Unit (99/UR/11-21), Gabes University, Engineers National School of Gabes, Omar Ibn Elkhattab Street, 6029 Gabes, Tunisia. ' Applied Thermodynamics Research Unit (99/UR/11-21), Gabes University, Engineers National School of Gabes, Omar Ibn Elkhattab Street, 6029 Gabes, Tunisia. ' Energetic and Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Laboratory, CNRS – UMR 7563, LEMTA – ENSEM – 2, Avenue de la Foret of Haye BP 160, 54504 Vandoeuvre Cedex, France

Abstract: The paper presents an optimised conceptual design approach. It deals with the analysis of the solar absorption refrigerator|s performances. Hierarchical decomposition and endoreversibility principles of technical and energetic systems are used. Optimisation is carried out according to the Lagrange multipliers method. The general optimal performances of the cycle are coupled into a derived set of equations. The functional and conceptual characteristics are studied and the effects of the external sources temperatures on both the performances and the functional and conceptual characteristics are highlighted. This approach could be useful all time when we have to handle with a great number of variables.

Keywords: refrigeration cycle; solar absorption; sub-structure; hierarchical decomposition; endoreversibility; optimisation; conceptual design; optimal design; Lagrange multipliers; performance evaluation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2011.039790

International Journal of Exergy, 2011 Vol.8 No.3, pp.265 - 280

Received: 10 Feb 2010
Accepted: 13 Jul 2010
Published online: 20 Apr 2011 *

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