Advanced exergy analysis applied to a single-stage heat transformer

Highlights: • Endogenous, exogenous, avoidable and unavoidable exergy destruction was calculated for a heat transformer. • 14.78% of the total exergy destruction could be reduced assuming improvements in the efficiency and design of the equipment. • A parametric study was discussed considering variations in the operation conditions. - Abstract: This study presents an advanced exergy analysis of a single-state absorption heat transformer operating with a lithium bromide water solution. A traditional exergy analysis was also conducted to identify the components with the highest contribution to the exergy destruction, and an advanced exergy approach was developed to estimate a realistic design and improve the operating conditions of the system. According to the base case of this study, when calculating the total reversibility of the cycle, only 14.78% could be reduced by improving its design and configuration. In addition, a parametric study was presented to discuss the sensitivity of splitting exergy destruction concepts taking into account temperature variations in the heat source, sink, and seawater outlet. Considering improvements to the generator a top priority, followed by improving the absorber, the condenser and finally the evaporator. The numerical results of this work have been developed to help design engineers experiment and assemble future equipment.