Radiator Performance Enhancement using a LiBr-H2O Absorption Cooler and Microchannel Technology: A Portable Life Support System Example

Conference · Wed Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4271/2006-01-2267· OSTI ID:1010488

Brooks, Kriston P; TeGrotenhuis, Ward E

Portable life support systems must be capable of performing thermal management in a wide variety of environments. Heat-actuated heat pumps may provide this flexibility, if they can be made small enough. Microchannel technologies represent a proven approach for reducing system volume and mass. The potential impact of adding a LiBr-H2O absorption cooler to increase the radiator temperature was considered. This study showed that such a heat pump can lift the radiator temperature from 15°C to 60°C with a coefficient of performance of 0.65 and that the radiator area can be reduced by up to 60%.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1010488
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-49024; 5109; 400409900
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
ABSORPTION
Absorption Cycle Heat Pump
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE
ELEVATORS
EVA
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
FLEXIBILITY
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT PUMPS
Heat Actuated Heat Pump
LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT
Microchannel
PERFORMANCE
PLSS
RADIATORS