Work

Exergy-economic based multi-objective optimization and carbon footprint analysis of solar thermal refrigeration systems

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The increasing carbon footprint associated with conventional cooling methods underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the economic and environmental advantages of various solar-thermal cooling systems, with a focus on optimizing their performance across different climate conditions. Employing a multi-objective approach, the research emphasizes exergy-economic indices to optimize selected cycles. The analysis covers multiple refrigeration technologies , including liquid absorption , solid adsorption, and solid desiccant cycles. Results indicate that the liquid absorption cycle performs optimally in hot, arid climates, reducing the payback period to approximately 8 years when optimized. In hot and humid regions, the solid desiccant cycle proves most effective due to its superior humidity control, yielding a payback period of 5.3 years. For cold and mountainous areas, the solid adsorption cycle is preferred, with a payback period of 13.5 years, while moderate and humid climates benefit from the solid desiccant cycle for both cooling and humidity regulation. The exergy-economic factors for the solar refrigeration systems across semi-arid, hot and arid, hot and humid, cold and mountainous, and moderate and humid climates are 0.758, 0.602, 0.698, 0.74, and 0.575, respectively.

Source: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2024.105425

Authors: Amin Motevali Emami, Ehsan Baniasadi, Ahmed Rezk

Institutions: University of Isfahan, Aston University

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and Cooling Systems

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,210