Energy and exergy analysis of a series-flow double-effect H2O–LiBr absorption cooling system

Double-effect absorption cooling systems are increasingly favored over single-effect systems due to their superior thermal performance and higher coefficients of performance (COP). This study introduces a comprehensive energy and exergy analysis of a series-flow double-effect H 2 O–LiBr absorption cooling system, with a novel focus on component-level exergy behavior influenced by low-pressure generator (LPG) temperature. The research identifies the LPG temperature as a critical parameter, revealing that an optimal value of 84 °C minimizes total exergy destruction (16.45 kW) while achieving a COP of 1.4 and exergetic efficiency (ECOP) of 21.3 %. A detailed breakdown of component inefficiencies shows that the absorber is the primary source of irreversibility, contributing 39 % to total exergy destruction. By comparing exergy loss with thermal capacity for each component, the study provides new insights into internal inefficiencies and design bottlenecks. These findings offer both theoretical and practical guidance for optimizing double-effect absorption systems, particularly in industrial waste heat applications, and lay the groundwork for future triple-effect system design and analysis.