Published Paper Details:

The growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions in industrial applications has intensified interest in refrigeration systems powered by renewable energy sources. Conventional vapour compression refrigeration systems are heavily dependent on electrical energy derived from fossil fuels, leading to increased operating costs and environmental concerns. In this context, the present work focuses on the design and performance evaluation of a solar-assisted vapour absorption refrigeration system (VARS) intended for industrial cooling applications. The proposed system integrates a solar thermal energy collector with a vapour absorption refrigeration cycle, utilizing low-grade heat energy to drive the refrigeration process. Ammonia-water is considered as the working fluid pair due to its suitability for industrial-scale cooling. The system design parameters, including generator temperature, absorber efficiency, and heat exchanger effectiveness, are analyzed under varying solar radiation conditions. Performance evaluation is carried out in terms of coefficient of performance (COP), cooling capacity, thermal efficiency, and energy savings. The experimental and analytical results demonstrate that solar energy can effectively supplement conventional heat sources, leading to a significant reduction in electrical energy consumption and operational costs. The study confirms that solar-assisted VARS offers a viable, environmentally friendly, and economically attractive alternative for industrial cooling applications, particularly in regions with high solar insolation.