An examination of the exergy and energy of a solar powered absorption cooling systems in the Riyadh climate

The single-effect H₂O-LiBr absorption refrigeration cycle is a critical sustainable cooling technology, leveraging low-grade thermal energy to address growing energy demands and environmental concerns associated with conventional vapor compression systems. Despite its potential for integrating renewable energy sources like solar power, prior studies have predominantly focused on isolated components or narrow operational ranges, limiting holistic insights into systemic efficiency and exergy losses. This study bridges this gap by conducting a comprehensive energy and exergy analysis of a solar-driven H₂O-LiBr absorption cooling system under Riyadh’s climatic conditions. A validated Engineering Equation Solver (EES) model is employed to simulate the cycle’s performance across generator temperatures (50–100°C), evaporator temperatures (Tev=10°C), and condenser temperatures (Tcd=31°C). Results reveal that lowering absorber temperatures enhances the coefficient of performance (COP) and exergy efficiency, while optimal generator performance peaks at 80°C, balancing COP (0.52–0.78) and exergy efficiency (0.11–0.68). Exergy destruction is dominated by the generator (52 % of total losses), followed by the absorber and condenser, underscoring the need for targeted component optimization. Furthermore, rising ambient temperatures (25–50°C) slightly reduce COP but improve exergy efficiency, highlighting trade-offs between first- and second-law performance. These findings provide actionable insights for designing climate-adaptive absorption systems, emphasizing the interplay between cycle parameters and sustainable cooling in arid regions.