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RP1002: Journal Article: Multi-Objective Optimisation of a Solar-Powered Triple-Effect Absorption Chiller for Air-Conditioning Applications

In this paper, a detailed simulation model of a solarpowered triple-effect LiBr–H2O absorption chiller is developed to supply both cooling and heating demand of a large-scale building, aiming to reduce the fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in building sector.

TRNSYS 17 is used to simulate the performance of the system over a typical year. A combined energeticeconomic-environmental analysis is conducted to determine the system annual primary energy consumption and the total cost, which are considered as two conflicting objectives. A multi-objective optimization of the system is performed using a genetic algorithm to minimize these objectives simultaneously. The optimization results show that the final optimal design of the proposed plant has a solar fraction of 72% and leads to an annual primary energy saving of 0.69 GWh and annual CO2 emissions reduction of ~166 tonnes, as compared to a conventional HVAC system. The economics of this design, however, is not appealing without public funding, which is often the case for many renewable energy systems. The results show that a good funding policy is required in order for these technologies to achieve satisfactory payback periods within the lifetime of the plant.

Read the full paper here: http://bit.ly/2ncDPb6 

Projects: 
RP1002: Concentrated Solar Thermal Systems and Absorption Hvac Systems