Application of multi-objective optimization based on Sobol sensitivity analysis in solar single-double-effect LiBr−H₂O absorption refrigeration

Abstract

To improve the adaptability of solar refrigeration systems to different heat sources, a single-double-effect LiBr−H₂O absorption refrigeration system (ARS) driven by solar energy was designed and analyzed. The system was optimized using a multi-objective optimization method based on Sobol sensitivity analysis to enhance solar energy efficiency and reduce costs. The model of the solar single-double-effect LiBr−H₂O ARS was developed, and the continuous operation characteristics of the system in different configurations were simulated and compared. The results show that the average cooling time of the system without auxiliary heat source is approximately 8.5 h per day, and the double-effect mode (DEM) generates about 11 kW of cooling capacity during continuous operation for one week under the designated conditions, and the system with adding auxiliary heat source meet the requirements of daily cooling time, the solar fraction (SF) of the system reaches 59.29%. The collector area has a greater effect on SF, while the flowrate of the hot water circulating pump and the volume of storage tank have little effect on SF. The optimized SF increases by 3.22% and the levelized cost decreases by 10.18%. Moreover, compared with the solar single-effect LiBr−H₂O ARS, the SF of the system is increased by 15.51% and 17.42% respectively after optimization.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

solar energy / absorption refrigeration / single-double-effect / solar fraction (SF) / multi-objective optimization

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Acknowledgement

This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No. 51876094.

Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Notations

Abbreviations
ARS	Absorption refrigeration system
AUX	Auxiliary heater
CI	Capital investment
CT	Controller
CRF	Capital recovery factor
CW	Cooling water
DEM	Double-effect mode
DACH	Double-effect absorption chiller
EV	Electric valve
FC	Fuel cost
HG	High pressure generator
INSTL	Installation
KA	Overall heat transfer coefficient
L	Levelized
NG	Natural gas
SF	Solar fraction
SEM	Single-effect mode
SACH	Single-effect absorption chiller
variables
ατ	Absorption conversion factor
Q	Heat transfer rate
T	Temperature
x	Solution mass fraction
Subscripts and superscripts
a	Ambient
abs	Absorber
aux	Auxiliary
c	Solar collector
ci	Inlet of the solar collector
chi	Inlet of the chilled water
cho	Outlet of the chilled water
con	Condenser
cwi	Inlet of the chilled water
cwo	Outlet of the cooling water
dcho	Chilled water outlet in double-effect mode
dcwi	Cooling water inlet in double-effect mode
dhwi	Hot water inlet in double-effect mode
eva	Evaporator
effect	Effect
hgen	High pressure generator
hwi	Inlet of the hot water
gen	Generator
i	Set-point
in	Enter the component
load	Load
loss	Loss
n	System lifetime
out	Leave the component
p	Pump
scho	Chilled water outlet in single-effect mode
scwi	Cooling water inlet in single-effect mode
shwi	Hot water inlet in single-effect mode
st	Storage tank
u	Useful

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