Comparison between two different solution-pumping methods in absorption refrigeration machines

George Vicatos; E. Krafft

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a pumping method in absorption refrigeration where a vapour-driven pump is to replace the electricity-driven pump. The vapour pump is driven by a fraction of the generator's hot, high-pressure, vapour mixture. The refrigerator is thus exclusively heat-powered and rendered independent of the availability of electricity as the main energy source. The design and operation of the vapour pump is presented. The results obtained by a computer simulation program show a decrease in performance (COP), which is confirmed by the data obtained from a 1 kW cooling capacity refrigerator. Peak performances occur at higher generator temperatures when compared to a cycle using an electricity-driven pump.

Keywords: vapour pump, absorption refrigeration

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References

Krafft, E. (1995). The design and testing of a vapour pump in the absorption refrigeration cycle. M Sc thesis, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.         [ Links ]

Szucs, L. (1963). New pumping method in absorption refrigeration. Proceedings of the XI^th International Congress of Refrigeration. Progress in Refrigeration Science and Technology Vol. 1, Munich.         [ Links ]

Vicatos, G. Private collection of experimental notes on thermal pumps        [ Links ]

Vicatos. G. (1995). Heat and mass transfer characteristics: Design and optimisation of absorption refrigeration machines. PhD thesis, University of Cape Town, South Africa.         [ Links ]

Vicatos, G. and Gryzagoridis, J. (1994). A graphical evaluation of the heat effects of the single stage absorption refrigeration cycle. S.A. Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, July 1994, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp 47-57.         [ Links ]

Received 20 June 2009
Revised 20 August 2010