Influence of the recirculation of the solution on the performance of a resorption refrigeration system.

Ammonia-water resorption refrigeration systems are characterized by their simplified design compared to absorption chillers operating with the same pair of working fluids. One reason is the elimination of the rectification column. This results in a certain carryover of the absorbent to the cold part of the system, where the cooling capacity is generated. As a consequence a system without any recirculation of the water to the hot part of the system would show a reduction of the cooling capacity. To avoid a too high water concentration in the cold cycle, the recirculation of the solution (here called “mix flow”) back to the hot cycle is essential for the continuous operation of a resorption refrigeration system. The influence of a continuous mix flow rate, as well as its amount, the effect on the main components (absorbers and desorbers) and the achievable cooling capacities are investigated experimentally.
Particular challenges are the provision of constant boundary conditions and the use of a reliable measurement and control technology.