Simulation of a solar-assisted LiBr/H{sub 2}O cooling system

Because the energy demand for cooling usually occurs when solar energy is most available, using solar energy as the main energy input for cooling systems shows promise. A literature study of various available cooling technologies that can use solar energy as the main energy input shows that double-effect lithium-bromide/water (LiBr/H{sub 2}O) absorption cooling systems give the relatively high performance that is needed for reduced collector areas. To further study double-effect LiBr/H{sub 2}O absorption cooling systems, a computer model of the system was developed. This model was then coupled with a model of a solar collector system. The performance of the system is presented as the solar fraction that is the ratio of the solar energy to the total energy needed for the cooling system. Results are shown for various sky clearness indices, average ambient temperatures, and collector area to cooling system capacity ratios.