Waste heat can be utilized in vapor absorption refrigeration systems as a key energy input for the generator where the absorbed refrigerant is vaporized. This use of waste heat allows these systems to operate efficiently by transforming otherwise discarded thermal energy into valuable cooling output. By employing sources such as cogeneration waste heat, solar, or geothermal energy, VARS can effectively enhance energy resource efficiency, significantly reducing the overall energy burden by leveraging the thermal energy that would otherwise not be utilized . This not only improves resource efficiency but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing reliance on electric or fossil fuel energy sources for cooling purposes .

In a vapor absorption refrigeration system (VARS), the refrigeration effect is produced by means of thermal energy input rather than mechanical energy, as in a vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS). In VARS, the compressor is replaced with an absorption mechanism consisting of an absorber, a pump, a generator, a regenerator, a valve, and a rectifier, creating a more complex system. VARS uses heat generated from low-grade energy sources like waste heat, steam, high-temperature water, or solar energy . This system configuration results in fewer moving parts, less noise, and the ability to operate in areas with electricity scarcity, whereas VCRS uses a compressor and is more compact with a higher coefficient of performance (COP).

The environmental and economic trade-offs between using lithium bromide-water and ammonia-water solutions in vapor absorption refrigeration systems revolve around operational temperature ranges, environmental impact, and system efficiency. The lithium bromide-water solution offers better environmental credentials as it operates at lower generator temperatures and has wider applications in air conditioning without freezing issues. It typically achieves a better COP, making it more energy-efficient at lower operational temperatures . However, it is often more expensive due to the corrosive nature of lithium bromide requiring specialized materials to handle it safely. Conversely, ammonia-water systems excel at higher-temperature operations and tend to be more economically viable when waste heat is readily available . Ammonia, however, poses safety and environmental concerns due to its toxicity and the potential for releasing harmful substances if leaked, necessitating stringent safety measures which can increase operational costs .

Vapor absorption refrigeration systems (VARS) have a lower thermodynamic efficiency compared to vapor compression refrigeration systems (VCRS), as evidenced by their lower coefficients of performance (COP). VARS are more suitable for applications where the availability of waste heat or low-grade thermal energy makes them economically viable, such as geothermal, solar energy, or waste heat recovery settings . Despite their lower COP, VARS are advantageous in situations where electricity is scarce or expensive, given their ability to function with minimal electrical input and to capitalize on available heat energy . In contrast, VCRS are more efficient in terms of energy conversion with higher COPs but are dependent on electricity and typically use mechanical energy .

The operation of an ideal vapor absorption refrigeration system is governed by both the first and second laws of thermodynamics. According to the first law, the heat input at the generator (Qg) plus the heat absorbed by the refrigerant at the evaporator (Qe) equals the heat discharged to the atmosphere through the condenser and absorber (Qa + Qc). Neglecting the pump work, the equation simplifies to Qg + Qe = Qa + Qc. The second law of thermodynamics asserts that the entropy change of the system is zero in a closed cycle, and the entropy change of the surroundings is greater than or equal to zero, ensuring the system's feasibility . The relationships between heat inputs and outputs also imply that the COP of an ideal VARS, under reversible conditions, can be expressed as the ratio of the heat absorbed by the evaporator to the heat input at the generator, strongly influenced by temperatures at each stage .

Absorption refrigeration systems have a significant environmental advantage because they utilize non-CFC natural refrigerants, making them more environmentally friendly. Additionally, they consume less electricity by using waste heat or low-grade energy for operation, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels compared to traditional compressor-based systems that often use environmentally harmful refrigerants .

In a vapor absorption refrigeration system, cooling water is essential for both the condenser and the absorber to remove heat generated during the absorption of refrigerant and the condensation of vapor. This cooling is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of absorption and ensuring the refrigerant vapor returns to liquid form for the cycle to continue effectively . This requirement differs from vapor compression systems, which primarily require cooling in the condenser alone, as the compressor mechanism generates mechanical heat that is dissipated differently and doesn't require the dual cooling that VARS does .

The requirement for cooling within the absorber of an ammonia-water absorption system influences its operational constraints and efficiency by necessitating a constant removal of heat due to the exothermic dissolution of ammonia vapor in water. This cooling is crucial to maintain low temperatures which enhance the solubility of ammonia in water, thereby maximizing the absorption process and the system's efficiency . Without effective cooling, the temperature rise would limit ammonia absorption, consequently reducing system performance. The need for continuous cooling introduces complexity and an operational constraint, as adequate cooling resources must be consistently available to prevent efficiency losses and maintain stable operation .

Single effect vapor absorption systems operate under two pressures: low pressure at the evaporator and absorber, and higher pressure at the generator and condenser. Double effect systems, conversely, introduce a third intermediate pressure. Specifically, they utilize high pressure in the main generator and secondary condenser, medium pressure in the secondary generator and main condenser, and low pressure in the evaporator and absorber . These varying pressures in double effect systems enhance efficiency by allowing for higher operational temperatures and better utilization of heat, increasing the overall COP compared to single effect systems due to the additional step of vapor generation in the secondary generator .

The double effect vapor absorption system improves efficiency over single effect systems through a series of heat exchange processes that maximize the utilization of input heat. As the primary refrigerant vapor from the main generator is condensed in the secondary condenser, the heat of condensation released is recovered to drive the secondary generator. This cascade effect of utilizing heat that would otherwise be wasted boosts the system's thermal performance significantly. Additionally, preheating stages using heat exchangers before the absorber and generator further recover and reintegrate the system's thermal load, resulting in less heat loss and greater overall efficiency . This dual-stage heating process extends the temperature range over which the system can operate efficiently, enhancing the COP compared to single effect systems that lack this iterative heat recovery mechanism .