A heat pump driven vacuum ice slurry production device and method based on an absorption refrigeration cycle

Abstract

This invention discloses a heat pump-driven apparatus and method for vacuum ice slurry production based on an absorption refrigeration cycle. The method involves a concentrated solution in an absorber absorbing water vapor from an evaporative freezing chamber, creating a low-pressure environment within the chamber. Water in the evaporative freezing chamber evaporates, absorbing its own heat and cooling down, forming ice slurry on an ice-forming device. The ice slurry is separated by an ice-water separator and discharged through an ice-releasing valve. A heat pump condenser provides a regeneration heat source for the concentrated solution regenerating in the generator, while a heat pump evaporator provides a cold source for the absorber and the water supply to the evaporative freezing chamber. The heat pump compressor is driven by surplus off-peak electricity from the power grid or green electricity generated from renewable energy sources. This invention combines the advantages of vacuum and subcooling methods, while avoiding the problems of maintaining vacuum levels and high energy consumption inherent in vacuum methods, and the ice blockage problem inherent in freezing methods. It provides a feasible comprehensive solution for ice slurry production and green electricity utilization.

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