Performance predictions of alternative, low cost absorbents for open-cycle absorption solar cooling

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Solar Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-092X(94)00103-K· OSTI ID:219664

Ameel, T A; Gee, K G; Wood, B D ^[1]

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1. Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ (United States)

To achieve solar fractions greater than 0.90 using the open-cycle absorption refrigeration system, considerable sorbent solution storage is necessary. Having identified the absorber as the system component whose performance is affected the most by a change in absorbent, an absorber model was selected from available literature pertaining to simultaneous heat and mass transfer. Low-cost absorbent candidates were selected and their physical properties were either located in the literature, measured, or estimated. The most promising of the absorbents considered was a mixture of two parts lithium chloride and one part zinc chloride. Both the lithium-zinc chloride mixture and lithium bromide solutions had estimated pumping powers of less than 0.1 kW. The solubility of the lithium-zinc chloride mixture at absorber conditions was improved over that of lithium bromide, reducing the risk of solidification of the solution. 16 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

• DOE Contract Number: FG03-86SF16345
• OSTI ID: 219664
• Journal Information: Solar Energy, Journal Name: Solar Energy Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 54; ISSN SRENA4; ISSN 0038-092X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
40 CHEMISTRY
42 ENGINEERING
ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION CYCLE
DESIGN
LITHIUM CHLORIDES
PERFORMANCE
SOLAR ABSORBERS
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
USES
ZINC CHLORIDES