Performance of Different Experimental Absorber Designs in Absorption Heat Pump Cycle Technologies: A Review

Abstract

Abstract:The absorber is a major component of absorption cycle systems, and its performance directly impacts the overall size and energy supplies of these devices. Absorption cooling and heating cycles have different absorber design requirements: in absorption cooling systems, the absorber works close to ambient temperature, therefore, the mass transfer is the most important phenomenon in order to reduce the generator size; on the other hand, in heat transformer absorption systems, is important to recover the heat delivered by exothermic reactions produced in the absorber. In this paper a review of the main experimental results of different absorber designs reported in absorption heat pump cycles is presented.

Experimental evaluation of a 3 kW absorption chiller prototype

“…The vapour streams to the condenser (1) where cooling water (13/14) aids condensation under condenser temperature and pressure. The resulting strong solution from generator flows to the absorber through the Solution Heat Exchanger (SHX) and valve [8][9][10]. The condensate (liquid refrigerant) flows through the valve to the evaporator (2,3), where it takes away heat from the chilling water (15/16) and evaporates again under evaporator temperature and pressure.…”

“…The absorber can be said to be the most important component of absorption machines as in general, its performance impacts directly on the size and energy supply of all absorption devices. The absorber is therefore the ultimate component in optimizing the COP of the device [8]. Falling film absorbers which are generally employed in absorption chillers have a wettability problem which diminishes absorption process [8].…”

“…The absorber is therefore the ultimate component in optimizing the COP of the device [8]. Falling film absorbers which are generally employed in absorption chillers have a wettability problem which diminishes absorption process [8]. A number of researchers have developed micro scale capacity absorption chiller prototypes, with improvements in absorber design aimed at improving the COP.…”

Experimental heat and mass transfer studies on horizontal falling film absorber using water-lithium bromide

“…Various experimental works on horizontal falling film absorbers using LiBr-water as working fluid are available in literature which are described through review works [4,5]. They are categorized based on tube geometry, tube surface and additive influence on performance enhancement of the absorber.…”

Design enhancement of an adiabatic LiBr-H2O absorber through a droplet flow optimization

“…Previous research offers a range of different absorber layouts. The most relevant ones have been summarized by Ibarra-Bahena and Moreno [51] and are:…”