Absorption cooling system

Abstract

The absorption cooling system is capable of continuous operation both day and night while using only solar power for its basic operation. The system is an absorption type system using phase changes of aqua-ammonia and a storage system for storing chilled refrigerant for operations when solar power is not available. When solar power is available during the day, the system operates according to the principles of absorption cooling systems, and also stores a reserve of chilled refrigerant in the storage unit. The stored refrigerant then continues the absorption process during the night when solar energy is not available, thereby providing uninterrupted cooling during the day, and also at night when solar energy is not available.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to mechanical cooling and refrigeration systems, and particularly to an absorption cooling system using aqua-ammonia as the refrigerant.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Solar energy has great potential as a renewable energy source that can be effectively utilized to power refrigeration and air conditioning systems, among other purposes. However, the biggest challenge in utilizing solar energy for uninterrupted cooling is its unavailability at night. There are essentially two types of operation for refrigeration and air conditioning systems, i.e., continuous operation and intermittent operation. Continuously operating systems have comparatively high coefficients of performance, and are also generally more compact than systems using other principles of operation. While such continuously operating systems may be capable of operating both day and night if supplied with uni...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The absorption cooling system is a compact assembly that can directly reject heat without the need for a separate cooling system. It uses two pumps for operation and includes a generator unit, a condenser unit, an evaporator unit, an absorber unit, and a storage unit. The system can continuously cool air throughout the day and night without interruption. This invention has technical advantages in providing efficient cooling without the need for a separate heat rejection system and without the need for an intermediate cooling system.

Problems solved by technology

However, the biggest challenge in utilizing solar energy for uninterrupted cooling is its unavailability at night.

While such continuously operating systems may be capable of operating both day and night if supplied with uninterrupted power, if they are powered by solar energy, they can only provide cooling during the time that solar energy is available, so they cannot be used to achieve uninterrupted cooling around the clock.

However, such intermittent cooling systems have comparatively poor coefficients of performance, are relatively large in size, and can generally only provide cooling effect during cooler times of day, i.e., at night.

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