Experimental Assessment of A Solar-Powered Lithium Bromide-Water Absorption Cooling System for Sustainable Air Conditioning in Hot Climate Regions

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Sanaa M. Hadi 1
Mushtaq I. Hasan 2
Mudhar A. Al-Obaidi 3
Farhan Lafta Rashid 4
Moneer H. Tolephih 5
1 Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq;
2 Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq
3 Technical Instructor Training Institute, Middle Technical University, Baghdad 10074, Iraq
4 Petroleum Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Kerbala, Karbala 56001, Iraq
5 College of Engineering, Al-Naji University, Baghdad, Iraq
10.22059/jser.2026.409023.1698
Abstract
This research conducted an experimental study by looking at a solar-powered single-effect absorption cooling system with 1 kW power under hot climate conditions in Nasiriyah, Iraq. The working fluid is a 55% solution of lithium bromide-water and the thermal energy is supplied by an evacuated tube solar collector. The developed system is assessed by measuring the correlation between solar radiation, ambient temperature, and component temperature tested in August 2024 while the solar radiation is at its peak intensity of 945 W/m2. The outcomes indicate that an increase in solar radiation can result in an increase in the temperature of the generator that boosts the evaporation of refrigerant and the overall performance of the system. The best operational efficiency can be attained when the generator operates at 94 oC and evaporator at 28 oC. The results verify that solar-driven absorption cooling is a technical and a sustainable alternative to traditional cooling systems in highly solar-irradiated regions, which has great potential of cutting down on the reliance on fossil fuels and limiting environmental impact.
Keywords
Solar collectors
Heat pipe
Absorption system
Solar energy
Water- Lithium bromide solution
Experimental absorption cooling system
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Journal of Solar Energy Research
Volume 11, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 3924-3936