Experimental study on optimization of absorber configuration in compression/absorption heat pump with NH3/H2O mixture

Abstract

This research aims todevelopa compression/absorption hybrid heat pump system using an NH3/H2́O as working fluid.The heatpump cycle is based on a combination of compression and absorption cycles. The cycle consists of two-stage compressors, absorbers, a desorber, a desuperheater, solution heat exchangers, a solution pump, a rectifier, and a liquid/vapor separator. The compression/absorption hybrid heat pump was designed to produce hot water above 90°C using high-temperature glide during a two-phase heat transfer. Distinct characteristics of the nonlinear temperature profile should be considered to maximize the performance of the absorber. In this study, the performance of the absorber was investigated depending on the capacity, shape, and arrangementof the plate heat exchangers with regard tothe concentration and distribution at the inlet of the absorber. © 2011 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers.