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Journals / International Journal of Thermodynamics / 2026 / Volume: 29 Issue: 1

Assessment Of H2O-LiBr Absorption Refrigerator Driven by Parabolic Trough Solar Collector for Air Conditioning in Ho Chi Minh City

Tran Van Hung(Ho Chi Minh city university of technology)0009-0004-5218-6609
Nguyen Minh Phu(Industrial university of Ho Chi Minh city)0000-0002-7594-1708
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-03-08
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Key findings reveal a strong influence of temperatures on system viability: the COP significantly improves (from 0.5 to 0.78) while the required solar collector area (Acollector) decreases drastically (from 65 m2 to 41 m2) as the condenser temperature (T8) is lowered (from 48C to 39C).

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study presents a thermodynamic performance assessment of a single-effect H2O-LiBr absorption refrigeration system (ARS) specifically driven by a parabolic trough solar collector for air conditioning applications in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Key Findings & Data:The methodology involved developing a detailed mass and energy balance model for the absorption cycle, which was successfully validated against existing literature, showing a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 0.7195.
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Conclusion & Impact:Key findings reveal a strong influence of temperatures on system viability: the COP significantly improves (from 0.5 to 0.78) while the required solar collector area (Acollector) decreases drastically (from 65 m2 to 41 m2) as the condenser temperature (T8) is lowered (from 48C to 39C).
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Lithium bromide system · Thermal energy · Climate data

Abstract

This study presents a thermodynamic performance assessment of a single-effect H2O-LiBr absorption refrigeration system (ARS) specifically driven by a parabolic trough solar collector for air conditioning applications in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The methodology involved developing a detailed mass and energy balance model for the absorption cycle, which was successfully validated against existing literature, showing a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 0.7195. The system's performance and collector area requirements were then analyzed against key operating parameters and local climate data. Key findings reveal a strong influence of temperatures on system viability: the COP significantly improves (from 0.5 to 0.78) while the required solar collector area (Acollector) decreases drastically (from 65 m2 to 41 m2) as the condenser temperature (T8) is lowered (from 48C to 39C). Conversely, higher generator outlet temperatures (T7) and increased solution heat exchanger effectiveness (SHX) both lead to substantial increases in COP and a corresponding reduction in Acollector. The results confirm that optimizing the heat rejection temperature (T8) and maximizing heat recovery (via SHX) are critical factors for achieving high system efficiency and minimizing the expensive solar collection area, thereby proving the feasibility of solar-driven H2O-LiBr air conditioning in the hot, sunny climate of Ho Chi Minh City.

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Cite This Article

Hung, T. V., Phu, N. M. (2026). Assessment Of H2O-LiBr Absorption Refrigerator Driven by Parabolic Trough Solar Collector for Air Conditioning in Ho Chi Minh City. International Journal of Thermodynamics, Volume: 29 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.5541/ijot.1805941

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