A high efficiency double-effect chiller heater apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor absorption chiller-heater systems are inefficient in providing simultaneous heating and refrigeration, require additional electrical or heat input, and have high initial capital investments, with previous solutions either being complex, costly, or unable to produce high temperatures required for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a high temperature generator, hot-water heat exchanger, high temperature heat exchanger, low temperature generator, low temperature heat exchanger, recovery heat exchanger, condenser, evaporator, and absorber, optionally with a heat reclaimer, to efficiently produce hot water and refrigeration using a water-lithium bromide refrigerant pair, minimizing external heat input and reducing energy wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional vapor absorption chiller-heater systems are used, then heating and refrigeration can be provided simultaneously, but the system efficiency is low and requires additional electrical or heat input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chiller cycle and heater cycle into a single integrated absorption system where the generator serves dual purposes. The refrigerant vapor generated in the generator is directly utilized in the evaporator for cooling while the heat input serves both refrigeration and heating functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates refrigerant vapor for the cooling cycle, provides heated water for heating applications, and enables heat recovery through the solution heat exchanger. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate systems.
2Productivity
If conventional vapor absorption chiller-heater systems are used, then heating and refrigeration can be provided simultaneously, but the initial capital investment is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chiller and heater systems into a single integrated absorption cycle, reducing the number of separate components needed. By combining the generator, condenser, evaporator, and absorber into one cohesive system with shared working fluids and heat transfer pathways, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining simultaneous heating and refrigeration capabilities.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If waste heat is used to drive the absorption cycle, then operating costs are reduced, but the temperature range for industrial applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat transfer process into multiple stages with different temperature levels. The generator operates at high temperature to produce refrigerant vapor, the solution heat exchanger recovers heat at intermediate temperatures, and the process heater operates at lower temperatures. This segmentation allows the system to effectively utilize waste heat across a broader temperature range while meeting industrial application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the absorbent-refrigerant solution concentration and temperature throughout the cycle. By adjusting the concentration of lithium bromide solution and controlling temperature gradients across different components, the system can adapt to varying heat input temperatures and deliver both cooling and heating at required temperature levels for industrial applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration achieves 30-40% better efficiency than conventional systems, reduces fuel consumption, eliminates the need for additional electrical or heat inputs, and decreases carbon dioxide emissions, while providing the necessary high temperatures for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
the high temperature generator, to receive a heated absorbent solution having concentration between 50 - 62 %, being adapted to boil the absorbent solution using heat input having temperature between 130 - 220 °C, to provide a heated absorbent solution having concentration between 57 - 64 %
Implementation Method 2
the hot-water heat exchanger, to receive a portion of the refrigerant vapors from the high temperature generator, being adapted to transfer the heat there from to water, to provide hot water having temperature between 45 - 95 °C, condensing the refrigerant vapors to form a refrigerant condensate
Implementation Method 3
the low temperature generator, to receive a portion of the refrigerant vapors from the high temperature generator, and a partly heated absorbent solution having concentration between 50 - 62 %, being adapted to use the heat from the refrigerant vapors to boil the absorbent solution, to provide a heated absorbent solution having concentration between 57 - 64 %
Implementation Method 4
the low temperature heat exchanger, to receive a cooled absorbent solution having concentration between 50 - 57 % from the absorber, and a heated absorbent solution having concentration between 62 - 64 % from at least one equipment selected from the group consisting of the low temperature generator and the high temperature heat exchanger, being adapted to transfer heat between the absorbent solutions
Implementation Method 5
the absorber, cooperating with the evaporator to receive the refrigerant vapors, wherein the cooled absorbent solution having concentration between 62 - 64 % is sprayed in the absorber, being adapted to absorb the refrigerant vapors, causing the absorbent solution to dilute
Implementation Method 6
the evaporator, cooperating with the absorber, adapted to receive the further condensed cooled refrigerant from the condenser and water having temperature in the range of 10 - 20 °C, the further condensed cooled refrigerant absorbs heat from the water and becomes refrigerant vapors, and thereby provides chilled water having temperature in the range of 0 - 10 °C
Data Source
AI summary
The absorption chiller-heater apparatus of present invention utilizes a portion of direct heat, used to heat water, for providing the refrigeration effect. The external heat input required for providing refrigeration is minimal; hence, the efficiency of the apparatus is increased by 30 - 40 % over the conventional systems. Further, as the quantum of the external heat source required for a new cycle is reduced, the size of the high temperature generator (102) required, is smaller, which results in lower capital costs. The apparatus provides chilled water which can be used for various industrial purposes. The absorption chiller-heater reduces CO2 emissions and utilizes a single arrangement to produce both heating and refrigeration effect. Thus, additional electrical and heat input or separate components are not required.