Energy and exergy analysis of an experimental NH3-LiNO3 air-conditioning absorption system

An energy and exergy analysis of an experimental air-conditioning absorption system operating with the ammonia-lithium nitrate mixture has been performed. The system was operated under controlled and steady-state conditions. The main operating parameters, such as flow ratio, coefficient of performance, exergy coefficient of performance, and exergy destruction in each one of the main components, were determined at different heat sources and condensing temperatures. The coefficients of performance varied between 0.5 and 0.65, while the exergy coefficients of performance varied between 0.1 and 0.2. Clear trends were found for the coefficient of performance and flow ratio as a function of the generator and condenser temperatures; however, no trends were found in the exergy coefficients of performance due to the high variability of the ambient temperature. The highest values of the exergy destruction occurred in the generator, followed by the condenser and the evaporator, while the lowest values were obtained in the absorber and the economizer.