What is it about?
In hot climates, people rely heavily on air conditioning, which increases electricity demand and costs. This study explores a sustainable alternative: solar-powered absorption cooling systems. Instead of electricity, these systems use heat from solar collectors to drive cooling. We tested several fluid mixtures—such as water–lithium bromide, ammonia–water, and others—to see which work best under real weather conditions in Mexico. Each mixture has advantages and challenges, especially regarding efficiency and the risk of crystallization, which can block the system. Our simulations showed that water–lithium chloride offers the highest efficiency but has crystallization risks, while ammonia–lithium nitrate and ammonia–water proved to be reliable with fewer operational issues. These results provide guidance for selecting the right fluid mixtures to improve solar cooling performance in warm regions.
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Why is it important?
Air conditioning is a major contributor to electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions in warm regions. By shifting from electricity to solar-driven cooling, we can reduce both costs and environmental impacts. What makes this work timely and unique is the direct comparison of five different working mixtures in dynamic, real-world conditions, something not often done in previous studies. The findings highlight which fluids are most efficient and reliable, helping engineers and policymakers design systems that maximize energy savings while avoiding technical problems like crystallization. This knowledge can speed up the adoption of solar cooling technologies and contribute to more sustainable urban development.
Perspectives
This research shows that solar absorption cooling systems can become a viable alternative to conventional air conditioning, provided the right fluid mixtures are chosen for local climates. Future studies could focus on large-scale implementations, hybrid systems combining solar with waste heat, and ways to minimize crystallization risks through system design or advanced control strategies. The insights gained here strengthen the pathway toward greener, energy-efficient cooling solutions worldwide.
Professor Rosenberg J Romero
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Dynamic Simulation of an Absorption Cooling System with Different Working Mixtures, Energies, January 2018, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/en11020259.
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