Comparison of energy,exergy, and entropy balance methods for analysing double‐stage absorption heat transformer cycles

The energy, exergy and entropy balance methods are used to analyse a double‐stage LiBr‐water absorption heat transformer cycle. An energy balance comparing component energy transfer is used to determine energy calculations. An exergy balance is employed to evaluate exergy destruction, and an entropy balance to verify entropy generation. A comparison of the results by the second law exergy and entropy balances indicates that they are consistent in identifying the location and relative significance of key non‐idealities within the system. The results obtained clearly show the influence of irreversibilities of individual components on deterioration of the effectiveness and the coefficient of performance of the system. The second law analysis offers an alternative view of cycle performance and provides an insight that the first law analysis cannot. The differences between the first law analysis by energy balance method and second law analysis by exergy and entropy balance methods are illustrated quantitatively for the double‐stage absorption heat transformer cycle, and the limitations and advantages of these methods are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.