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A solar diffusion-absorption refrigeration system for off-grid cold-chain provision, Part II: System simulation and assessment of performance

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  • Freeman, J.
  • Markides, C.N.

Abstract

The diffusion-absorption refrigerator (DAR) is a cooling technology that can be driven entirely by thermal energy. With solar-thermal collectors as the heat source, this technology can provide a zero-emissions solution for essential cold-chain provision in the world’s poorest regions. In the accompanying paper, a system model of a solar-driven DAR system was developed for simulating operation under variable solar conditions. In Part II of this study, we apply this model to assess the predicted performance of the system in its intended application: for on-farm refrigeration of harvested crops in rural India. The roles of the working-fluid charge pressure and collector array area for maximum cooling are investigated. A charge pressure of 16 bar is found to be optimal for ambient conditions during the October harvest season in Ahmedabad, with a collector-array area of 1.5 m2 found to be most appropriate for the nominal 70 W cooling-capacity system. However, the time taken to reach the required solar collector temperature for bubble pump activation results in a daily operating period of less than 5 h and a predicted overall solar-to-cooling efficiency of less than 1%. To address these limitations, modifications to various components are considered based on simple assumptions for improving performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Freeman, J. & Markides, C.N., 2024. "A solar diffusion-absorption refrigeration system for off-grid cold-chain provision, Part II: System simulation and assessment of performance," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:230:y:2024:i:c:s0960148124007857
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.120717
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