Thermodynamic second-law analysis combined with first-law analysis gives a premium to consideration of the quality of energy over the quantity involved in a process or a system. A detailed thermodynamic analysis leads the way to improve thermal systems and their components. Thus, this analysis can be applied as a useful tool for evaluation and improvement of absorption systems. Various configurations of absorption chillers using a LiBr/H₂O solution as the working fluid were analyzed and compared on the basis of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. These absorption systems include single-effect, double-effect, and triple-effect cycles. Simulation of these systems was employed first to investigate the first-law performances, while the thermal properties, entropy, and exergy of the working fluids were also calculated to analyze the second-law efficiencies under different operating conditions.

Units: SI