Finite-time thermodynamics optimization of an irreversible parallel flow double-effect absorption refrigerator

• We optimize a double-effect absorption refrigerator using finite-time thermodynamics.
• Analytical and numerical optimization based on COP are carried out.
• Numerical optimization based on the new thermo-ecological criterion is investigated.
• We determine analytically the optimum parameters at maximum COP.
• The studied criteria are ECOP, specific cooling rate and entropy generation rate.

Finite-time thermodynamics optimization analysis based on the coefficient of performance and the ecological coefficient of performance criteria has been carried out. This was done analytically and numerically for a double-effect parallel flow absorption refrigerator with losses of heat resistance, heat leakage and internal irreversibility. The maximum of the coefficient of performance and the corresponding optimal conditions have been derived analytically. The optimum performance parameters, which maximize the coefficient of performance objective function have been investigated. The effects of irreversibility parameters on the general and optimal performances on the basis of COP and ECOP functions have been discussed. The results obtained may provide the basis for designing real double-effect parallel flow absorption refrigerators.