Design and Performance Assessment of a Solar-Biogas Hybrid Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System Using Heat from Solar and Biogas Sources

Abstract

This research covers the design and performance assessment via experimental testing of a solar-biogas driven hybrid vapour absorption refrigeration system. The system is designed for a 40-liter capacity with a cooling capacity of 0.05 TR for ammonia-water mixes. This refrigeration system was designed to operate at 140°C for generators using thermal sources such as solar energy and methane flames. The biogas flame served as a heat source, generating temperatures above 140°C, with the system achieving a coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.134 individually. When the system operates continuously throughout the day using biogas combustion. sun energy was used for 4 to 5 hours everyday when sun radiation was accessible. In this instance, the solar thermal system generated a temperature of just 70°C, but the solar panel supplying direct current to the heater resulted in a temperature of nearly 150°C. In a hybrid system using biogas flames as a heat source for 18 hours and solar energy via solar panel DC supply for 4 to 6 hours, a coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.1 was attained