Low-source-temperature diffusion absorption refrigeration. Part I: Modeling and cycle analysis

Alexander S. Rattner, Srinivas Garimella

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

The diffusion absorption refrigeration (DAR) cycle offers a potentially fully thermally activated cooling technology. However, most implementations operate with high source temperatures, forced liquid cooling, or elevated evaporator temperatures (≳5°C). Additionally, few component design resources are available in the literature. In Part I of this investigation, a fully passive DAR design is proposed. Reduced temperature operation is enabled with alternate working fluids (NH3-NaSCN-He), a distributed heated bubble-pump generator (BPG), and an enhanced absorber. Detailed models are formulated for the BPG, condenser, evaporator, absorber, and gas circulation loop. These are integrated to yield an overall system model. System behavior is evaluated over a range of operating conditions. With the necessary and reasonably expected component performances, refrigeration COPs of 0.11–0.26 can be achieved at design conditions (Tamb = 24 °C) with low source temperatures (110–130 °C) and passive air cooling. In the accompanying paper (Part II), this refrigeration system is experimentally demonstrated, and the proposed models are evaluated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)287-311
Number of pages25
JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration
Volume65
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical Engineering

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