Modelling a Solar Driven Absorption Heat Pump

Abstract: Absorption Heat Pumps (AHP) have been developed since the late 19th century. They enable to produce cooling and heating directly from a heat source, unlike Compression Heat Pumps that require mechanical work. In the context of scarcity of resources and global warming, the company Helioclim develops solar air conditioning using an Absorption Heat Pump. The heat is gathered at rooftop solar concentrators and powers an ammonia-water AHP. The present study proposes an EES model of Helioclim’s AHP allowing assessing its performances under various operating conditions. Another aspect developed is the Modelling of the whole system (from solar energy to the economic assessment) in order to find the best parameters to propose to a potential client. Regarding EES model, three existing EES examples of AHP have been used. Those models, ranging from the simple single-stage ammonia AHP to a more complex GAX-cycle, did not correspond exactly to the features of Helioclim’s cycle. Therefore, a new model has been built: the position of the GAX and its connections to the other heat exchangers have been adapted and a recirculation in the generator has been proposed in order to correspond to Helioclim’s design. The model obtained is then used to assess the improvement of the performances with the GAX. It is also compared to the available experimental data. In the present study, a software program representing the whole solar air conditioning system is also developed, integrating the previous EES model. The software program considers the solar energy gathered by the collectors and deduces the energy transmitted to the heat pump. The EES model is then used to assess the performances of the heat pump in the operating conditions, allowing determining the produced cooling and heating. An economic and energy synthesis is produced, summarizing effectively the parameters and economic advantages of the installation. This software program allows sizing an installation for a client much more quickly than before.