Thermodynamic analysis of a hybrid absorption two-stage compression refrigeration system employing a flash tank with indirect subcooler

In this research, the thermodynamic analysis of a two-stage absorption compression refrigeration system employing a flash tank with indirect subcooler is presented. The absorption cycle uses LiBr-water solution as the working fluid and prepares the high temperature medium for the bottoming cycle, which is a two-stage compression refrigeration system with R744 refrigerant. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the proposed system decreases the required electrical work and the total exergy destruction rate results in the improvement of the overall COP and total exergy efficiency. The results are compared with the same system without the subcooler and a simple cascade absorption compression refrigeration system. It was found that the overall COP and the total exergy efficiency of the proposed system are 7.86% and 11.21% higher than the system without the subcooler. These enhancements are 11.42% and 16.48% in comparison with the simple cascade absorption compression refrigeration system. Moreover, the effect of the generator temperature, condenser temperature, cascade condenser temperature, evaporator temperature, and the intermediate pressure of the compression section on the system electrical work, overall COP, total exergy destruction rate, and the total exergy efficiency of the proposed system are discussed.