A thermodynamic steady-state model for a single-effect lithium bromide–water (LiBr-H2O)-based vapor absorption refrigeration system of 17.5 kW capacities has been presented using the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The mass, energy and exergy balance equations in each component of the vapor absorption cycle have been fitted into a computer program to carry out the calculation using the thermo-physical properties of the working fluid. The performance parameters such as coefficient of performance (COP), exergy coefficient of performance (ECOP), total exergy destruction (TED), etc. have been evaluated considering different temperatures in generator and evaporator, different LiBr concentrations in the weak and strong LiBr-H2O solution and different solution heat exchanger effectiveness. The model evaluated the optimum performance parameters like COP, ECOP, TED, etc. of the vapor absorption system by using Design Expert-12 software for an application like on-farm cooling or transit storage of fruits and vegetables.