Design and Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of a Solar‑Assisted Hybrid Absorption–Compression Refrigeration System

Karthik Raman, Dr. Meera Kulkarni

 Department of Mechanical Engineering & Datta Meghe College of Engineering, Airoli

1. Abstract

Due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and the growing use of air conditioning in both commercial and residential sectors, there has been a significant increase in the global demand for cooling technologies that are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Traditional vapor-compression refrigeration systems, although widely used, contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions because of their high electricity usage and reliance on harmful refrigerants. Refrigeration systems that utilize renewable energy, particularly when integrated with solar thermal energy, offer a promising alternative. This study presents a detailed design and thermodynamic performance evaluation of a solar-assisted hybrid absorption–compression refrigeration system (SAHACRS). The hybrid system integrates an absorption refrigeration cycle with a vapor-compression cycle, employing solar thermal collectors alongside an auxiliary electrical compressor in a complementary manner. This configuration aims to improve cooling efficiency under varying solar conditions while reducing dependence on electrical energy. The paper explores the system’s conceptual design, thermodynamic modeling, energy and exergy analyses, simulation results, performance evaluation under different levels of solar insolation, and optimization of the collector-refrigerant interaction. Analytical models are developed based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics and validated through numerical simulations. The results indicate that the proposed hybrid system achieves a higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to standalone absorption or compression systems, especially under moderate solar flux conditions, and demonstrates enhanced exergetic efficiency with significant primary energy savings. Finally, recommendations for scalability, control strategies, and future research directions are provided.

2. Keywords

Solar-Assisted Refrigeration, Integrated Absorption–Compression System, Thermodynamic Performance, Energy and Exergy Evaluation, Renewable Energy Cooling, Coefficient of Performance (COP), Environmentally Friendly Thermal Solutions