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Relationship between heat source temperature, heat sink temperature, and coefficient of performance for solar-powered absorption air conditioners

Conference · · ASHRAE Trans.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7102422

In order to minimize size and cost of equipment it is desirable to maximize the COP of the cooling machine. The Carnot principle shows that high source temperatures and low sink temperatures result in the higher COP values. However, flat-plate collectors collect heat effectively only at relatively low temperatures. Thus if flat-plate collectors are to be used, low sink temperatures (such as can be obtained only with water cooling) will be required. Using a higher relative circulation in the absorption machine will tend to lower the generator temperature, but only at the expense of the COP value. Calculations for a basic ammonia-water system yield performance curves at air-cooled and water-cooled conditions which show that a flat-plate collector is not compatible with an air-cooled absorption machine, but that a flat-plate collector may be used if low temperature cooling water (less than 75/sup 0/F) is available.

Research Organization:
Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, MI
OSTI ID:
7102422
Journal Information:
ASHRAE Trans.; (United States), Journal Name: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States) Vol. 82; ISSN ASHTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English