Performance evaluations of LiCl and LiBr for absorber design applications in the open-cycle absorption refrigeration system

Journal Article · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Journal of Solar Energy Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2887898· OSTI ID:516708

Kim, K J ^[1]; Ameel, T A ^[2]; Wood, B D ^[3]

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1. Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
2. Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
3. Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States). Mechanical Engineering Dept.

Both LiCl and LiBr solutions were considered for potential use in a solar-driven Open-Cycle Absorption Refrigeration (OCAR) system. A vertical falling film absorber was proposed and built to evaluate the performance of LiCl and LiBr as an absorbent. Absorption experiments were performed and the results are reported for typical operating conditions of nonabsorbable concentrations, solution concentration, solution temperature, cooling water temperature, absorber pressure, and solution flow rate, in terms of mass transfer rate. In general, LiBr outperformed LiCl in terms of effective absorption rate. Based upon experimental results, the required absorber area was estimated for both LiCl and LiBr. The small chemical potential of LiCl relative to LiBr leads to a larger absorber area. The cost for the required solution storage for three-ton cooling capacity of the present OCAR system was found to be high for both LiCl and LiBr. The pumping cost was estimated to be less than 0.1 kW for both.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG03-86SF16345
• OSTI ID: 516708
• Journal Information: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 119; ISSN JSEEDO; ISSN 0199-6231
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION CYCLE
HEAT EXCHANGERS
LITHIUM BROMIDES
LITHIUM CHLORIDES
OPEN-CYCLE COOLING SYSTEMS