Performance Analysis of Low-Capacity Water–LiBr Absorption–Cooling Systems Using Geothermal Heat-Sinks in Hot Climates

Omar Ketfi, Hamid Abdi, Billel Lounici and Mahmoud Bourouis ()
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Omar Ketfi: Laboratoire d’Etudes et Recherche en Technologie Industrielle, LERTI, Université de Blida 1, Route Soumâa, Blida BP 270, Algeria
Hamid Abdi: Département de Mécanique, Faculté de Technologie, Université de Blida 1, Route Soumâa, Blida BP 270, Algeria
Billel Lounici: Département de Mécanique, Faculté de Technologie, Université de Blida 1, Route Soumâa, Blida BP 270, Algeria
Mahmoud Bourouis: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans No. 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-19

Abstract: This paper addresses the use of a geothermal heat-sink to remove the heat released in domestic-sized single and double-effect water–LiBr absorption chillers operating in hot climates. This study is the continuation of a previous work, which demonstrated the operational constraints of these absorption chillers working in hot Algerian climate-zones. After localizing the non-operation zones for both systems, the thermo-physical properties of the soil at several depths are investigated for the implementation of the underground heat-exchanger. This heat-exchanger is connected to the condenser and the absorber of both systems, to supply cooling water at inlet temperatures of 33 °C in hot climate conditions, with ambient temperatures varying from 38 °C to 42 °C. The results show a steady operation for both absorption chillers in climate conditions which had not previously allowed the two systems to operate in water or air-cooled modes. A maximum coefficient of performance of 0.76 and 1.25 is obtained for single- and double-effect absorption cycles, respectively, with chilled water at 7 °C. The underground-tube length required is between 4.5 and 18 m, depending on the absorption-cycle configuration and the temperature of the chilled water.

Keywords: water–LiBr absorption chiller; geothermal heat-sink; underground heat-exchanger (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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