Thermoeconomic Analysis and Multi-Objective Optimization of a LiBr-Water Absorption Refrigeration System

Performance optimization of a single-effect lithium bromide water absorption refrigeration system is the subject of this paper. First, the thermodynamic model of the system wasderived based on the first and second law analysis of an absorption refrigeration cycle with LiBr-water as the working fluid pair. Then, the effects of different design parameters such as the generator inlet hot water temperature, evaporator inlet chilling water temperature and absorber and condenser inlet cooling water temperatures on the performance of the systemwere investigated. In order that, by defining the coefficient of performance (COP), exergy efficiency (Second-law efficiency) and total cost function of the system as the objective functions, the genetic algorithm optimization technique was implemented to evaluate these performance indexes. Finally, the optimal values of design parameters and objective functions were found and compared to the initial values. Results show significant improvement in system COP (about 75 %), exergy efficiency (47 %) and total cost (12 %).