Optimization of the Geometrical Parameters of a Solar Bubble Pump for Absorption-Diffusion Cooling Systems

Problem statement: The objective of this study was to optimize the geometrical parameters of a bubble pump integrated in a solar flat plate collector. Approach: This solar bubble pump was part of an ammonia/water/helium (NH₃/H₂O/He) absorption-diffusion cooling system. Results: An empirical model was developed on the basis of momentum, mass, material equations and energy balances. The mathematical model was solved using the simulation tool “Engineering Equation Solver (EES)”. Conclusion/Recommendations: Using metrological data from Gabes (Tunisia) various parameters were geometrically optimized for maximum bubble pump efficiency which was best for a bubble pump tube diameter of 6 mm, a tube length of 1.5 m, an inclination to the horizontal between 30 and 50° of the solar flat plate collector and a submergence ratio between 0.2 and 0.3.