Thermoeconomic analysis of diffusion absorption refrigeration systems

This study deals with energy, exergy and thermoeconomic analyses of the DAR systems. The test rig is set up for DAR system operated by electricity and by LPG using three-component working fluid consisting of the refrigerant (ammonia), the absorbent (water) and auxiliary inert gas (helium). Energy and exergy performances of DAR system operated by electricity are determined as 0.393 and 0.1008, respectively, whereas the performance values of DAR system operated by LPG are calculated as 0.432 and 0.1067 respectively. Exergetic cost rates of the LPG and electricity DAR systems are determined as 2.111 $ h-1 and 1.284 $ h-1 respectively. With respect to thermoeconomic exergy cost of DAR system operated by LPG happens to be higher by 64% than DAR system operated by electricity. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved