THERMAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

MEP 432 Absorption Refrigeration System

REPORTERS:
Engr. Remon G. Wenceslao
Engr. Frenzy Concha
Engr. Charles Rommel L. Tado
Absorption Refrigeration

• Is a type of refrigeration system that

operates on a different principle than
the more common vapor compression
refrigeration.

• The cooling effect is achieved by using

a combination of heat and a special
mixture of substances called an
“absorbent” and a “refrigerant”.
External energy transfers for an absorption
目 录system
refrigeration
Common Application of Absorption Refrigeration

INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES GAS REFRIGERATION

SOLAR COOLING RV AND CAMPING

Two types of Binary Mixtures

• Homogeneous Mixture
• Heterogeneous Mixture
 Two types of Binary Mixtures
Homogeneous Mixture Heterogeneous Mixture
• referred to as solutions, are • are not uniform throughout.
uniform throughout. • can have multiple phases, each
• the individual components of a with its distinct properties.
homogeneous mixture cannot • these phases may be visible to
be easily distinguished. the naked eye.
• have a single phase and the
properties, such as density and
composition, are consistent at
any point within the mixture.
 Elementary Properties of Binary Mixtures

COMPOSITION MELTING POINT

refers to the relative amounts refers to the relative is the temperature at which the solid component
amounts of the two components in the mixture. changes to the liquid phase at a given pressure.

PHASE DIAGRAM AZEOTROPES

is a specific composition of a binary mixture where the vapor phase has
mixtures can exhibit in different phases.
the same composition as the liquid phase, and the mixture boils or
condenses at a constant temperature.

BOILING POINT DENSITY

It is the temperature at which it changes from a
it depends on the densities of the individual
liquid phase to a vapor phase at a given pressure.
components and their proportions.
 Elementary Properties of Binary Mixtures

VAPOR PRESSURE VISCOSITY

is the pressure exerted by the vapor phase above liquid is influenced by the viscosities of the individual
mixture at a given temperature. components and their interactions.

ENTHALPY AND HEAT OF MIXING SOLUBILITY

is the sum of the enthalpies of the pure components the solubility of one component in the other can
and the heat of mixing, which represents the heat depend on temperature and composition.
released or absorbed when the components are solubility curves show how the solubility changes
mixed. under different conditions.
Steady Flow Process with Binary Mixtures

• The process involves the continuous flow of a mixture of two components ( A and B )
through a system or device, with the properties of the mixture changing as it moves from
one state to another.
• These processes are often encountered in chemical engineering, thermodynamics and
fluid mechanics.
Specific Steady - Flow Processes

• Adiabatic Mixing of two streams

• Mixing of two streams with heat exchange
• Simple heating and cooling processes
• Throttling
 Adiabatic mixing of two streams
• Is a process in which two streams of fluids ( usually gases or
liquids ) are combined without any heat exchange with the
surroundings, there is no heat added or removed from the
system during the mixing process.

• The behavior of the mixture depends on the initial properties

of the two streams and the mixing conditions.
Adiabatic mixing of two streams
Adiabatic mixing of two streams
 Mixing of Two Streams with Heat Exchange

• Is a common process in engineering and thermodynamics, often used in

applications like heat exchangers, reactors, and HVAC systems.

• In this process, two fluid streams, which can be gases or liquids, are
brought into contact with each other, and heat is exchanged between them.

• It is often necessary to remove heat or add heat in order to obtain the

desired final condition.
Mixing of Two Streams with Heat Exchange
 Simple Heating and Cooling Process
• In this case of some binary mixtures,
such as aqua – ammonia, rectification
or purification of the vapor is required.

• Figure 5.9 (a) shows a simple

arrangement of heat exchangers by
which we may produce a high purity
refrigerant vapor from a solution with
a relatively low concentration of
refrigerant. In order to simplify our
analysis, we assume that liquid and
vapor components are adiabatically
separated after each heat exchanger.
 Throttling
• Is a process commonly used in
thermodynamics and fluid
dynamics to reduce the pressure
and temperature of a fluid as it
flows through a restricted
passageway, known as a throttle
valve or a throttling device.

• This process is typically

adiabatic, meaning there is no
heat exchange with the
surroundings.
 Rectification of Binary Mixtures
• Is a separation process used to separate a binary
mixture into its individual components based on
their differences in boiling points.

• Figure 5.12 (a) shows schematically a rectifying

column between a generator and a vapor mixture
ascends through the column and a liquid solution
descends. The purpose of the plates is to bring
the liquid and vapor solutions into intimate direct
contact. The vapor rising through the tower has
some liquid condensed from it, while the liquid
trickling downward has some vapor evaporated
from it.

• Figure 5.12 (b) it shows the dephlegmator and an

arbitrary part of the column are shown.
 Here how Rectification of a Binary Mixture works:

VAPORIZATION CONDENSATION
The binary mixture is heated in a distillation The more volatile component in the vapor (the one
apparatus, typically in a column called a distillation with the lower boiling point) condenses at the top of
column or a fractionating column the column and is collected as a distillate.
.

FRACTIONATION RESIDUE
The less volatile component (the one with the higher
There are series of trays or packing materials that boiling point) remains in the liquid phase, often at the
allow for multiple stages of vapor – liquid contact. bottom of the column.
 Here how Rectification of a Binary Mixture works:

REFLUX SEPARATION BASED ON

Is a key part of the process because it increases the
number of theoretical separation stages in the
BOILING POINTS
column. Is based on the differences in boiling points between
two components.

CONTROL OF SEPARATION
CONTINUOUS PROCESS
The degree of separation achieved in rectification can
is typically a continuous process be controlled by adjusting various operating
parameters, such as the temperature, pressure, reflux
ratio, and the number of theoretical trays or the type
of packing used in the column.
THANK YOU!!!
Lithium Bromide-Water Absorption System
(LiBr-H2O Absorption System)

REPORTERS
:
Engr. Remon G. Wenceslao
Engr. Frenzy Concha
Engr. Charles Rommel L. Tado
 LiBr-H2O Working Principle
• The weak solution of LiBr-H2O is
pumped into the generator
• Heat Transfer to the generator causes
separation of water vapor from the
LiBr-H2O solution.
• Pure vapor flows to the condenser
while strong solution of LiBr returns to
the absorber.
• Water from the condenser is throttled
to evaporator pressure
• The vaporization of water at low
pressure causes cooling, the
refrigeration effect
• The vapor from the evaporator is
reabsorbed, completing the cycle.
 LiBr-H2O Working Principle
• The weak solution of LiBr-H2O is
pumped into the generator
• Heat Transfer to the generator causes
separation of water vapor from the
LiBr-H2O solution.
• Pure vapor flows to the condenser
while strong solution of LiBr returns to
the absorber.
• Water from the condenser is throttled
to evaporator pressure
• The vaporization of water at low
pressure causes cooling, the
refrigeration effect
• The vapor from the evaporator is
reabsorbed, completing the cycle.
Comparison of Absorption System with Mechanical
Vapor Compression System
 Comparison of Absorption System with Mechanical
Vapor Compression System
Vapor compression Refrigeration System Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System

The Vapour compression refrigeration system has Vapour Absorption Refrigeration has Parts like
parts like Compressor, receiver, condenser, condenser absorber, generator, rectifier, and
refrigerant control device, and evaporator. evaporator.
Whereas,

Here when the operation is going it produces There is very less in noise or you can say it is quiet
noise. in operation.

The refrigerant we use here is In the Absorption system, we use refrigerant is

Chlorofluorocarbons, Hydrocarbons, and Ammonia or water (LiBr – Water Solution)
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Or you can say R12
refrigerant is used.

Here the charging of these refrigerants is very In this case, charging is very difficult.
simple. Whereas
 Comparison of Absorption System with Mechanical
Vapor Compression System
Vapor compression Refrigeration System Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System

The supply of energy is low. Here the supply of energy is high.

The compression system occupies more The Absorption system occupies less space
space and It is less efficient. and It is more efficient comparatively the
Compression refrigeration system.

Vapour compression refrigeration system But here It is required to operate by heat

required to operate by prime movers like energy like kerosene oil, gas, or electric
electric Motor, Petrol engine or Diesel Engine. heater.

The compressor is used and The flow of gas In the Absorption system, the flow of gas
depends upon the compressor only. Whereas depends upon the generator’s working and
Gravity.

The mechanical energy is supplied as input The heat energy is supplied here as input.
here.
 Comparison of Absorption System with Mechanical
Vapor Compression System
Vapor compression Refrigeration System Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System

Here the chances of wear and tear because Here the chances of wear and tear are very
the compression system has many moving less because the Absorption system has not
parts. any moving parts.

Here the refrigerant is being compressed for In the Absorption system, refrigerant is being
working operation. absorbed and heated.

The operationg cost is high becasue here we The operationg cost is Less because of less
compressor and it consumes more work. heat energy is required.

The coefficient of Power (COP) is high in the The coefficient of Power (COP) is low in the
compression system. Absorption system.

Maintenance is more. Less Maintenance.

 Comparison of Absorption System with Mechanical
Vapor Compression System
Vapor compression Refrigeration System Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System

The compressor system is not used for large

This system is used for large-capacity works.
capacity work as it is limited. Whereas

The leakage chance is more because of high The leakage chance is very less or negligible
pressure. because of low pressure.
 Applications of LiBr-H2O Absorption System
1. Industrial Plants: Many industrial facilities, such as chemical plants, manufacturing
plants, and power generation facilities, use absorption cooling systems for process
cooling and air conditioning. These systems are often customized to meet the specific
cooling needs of these industrial processes.
2. District Cooling Systems: In some cities, district cooling systems utilize absorption
chillers, including lithium bromide-water absorption chillers, to provide cooling to
multiple buildings or an entire district. These systems are more energy-efficient and can
use waste heat from various sources.
3. Data Centers: Data centers, which require significant cooling to maintain server and IT
equipment temperatures, sometimes employ absorption chillers, including LiBr-H2O
systems, to achieve the required cooling while reducing energy consumption.
4. Hospitals and Large Institutions: Some hospitals and large institutions may use
absorption chillers for air conditioning and refrigeration needs. These systems are
known for their energy efficiency and reliability.
 Applications of LiBr-H2O Absorption System
5. Greenhouses: In agriculture, greenhouses in regions with excess heat may utilize
absorption cooling to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels for plant
growth.
6. Solar Cooling Projects: In certain regions, solar-powered absorption cooling systems
that use lithium bromide and water are implemented as a sustainable way to provide
cooling in areas with ample sunlight.
THANK YOU!!!
REPORTERS
:
Engr. Remon G. Wenceslao
Engr. Frenzy Concha
Engr. Charles Rommel L. Tado