Thermodynamic analysis of the performance of a solar absorption heat transformer at maximum coefficient of performance

It is proven that a solar absorption heat transformer affected by the irreversibility of finite-rate heat transfer may be modelled as an equivalent combined system consisting of a solar collector and an endoreversible absorption heat transformer, the latter being further treated as a combined cycle having an endoreversible heat pump driven by an endoreversible heat engine. The maximum coefficient of performance of the system is determined, based on the linear heat loss model for solar collectors and the general optimum relation for endoreversible absorption heat transformers. The optimality problems concerning the primary performance parameters of the system are discussed. The results obtained here may serve as a good guide for the evaluation of existing real solar absorption heat transformers or provide some theoretical bases for the optimal design of future solar absorption heat transformers. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.