Simulation of a solar hybrid absorption/thermochemical refrigerationsystem for a residential application

Abstract

Further improvement of solar refrigeration systems depends strongly on development of more efficient energy storage systems. A hybrid absorption / thermochemical refrigeration system is proposed in this work, where both subsystems share the same condenser, evaporator and refrigerant fluid, making the overall system more economic and better performing than operating both parts separately. Performance of the system is evaluated by means of a simulation in a sample scenario, consisting of a demand of refrigeration for a single-family residence. The influence of varying the number of solar thermal collectors and the mass of refrigerant fluid available for storage at the thermochemical subsystem is studied.