Performance evaluation of a monomethylamine–water solar absorption refrigeration system for milk cooling purposes

This study reports the applicability and the theoretical thermodynamic simulation of a solar driven monomethylamine–water single-stage absorption refrigeration cycle for milk cooling purposes in the rural regions of Mexico. A solar heating system using evacuated tube collectors coupled with a conventional auxiliary heating system is proposed. The simulation of the yearly dynamic behaviour of the solar system is carried out with the solar radiation and climate data of typical Mexican dairy farms in the semi-tropical regions. The theoretical coefficients of performance present moderate values at relative low generator and high evaporator temperatures and low absorption and condenser temperature values. The use of the solution heat exchanger and the milk precooler improve the thermodynamic efficiency and reduces the solar heating load fraction FSOL.