Absorption cooling machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional absorption cooling systems face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to crystallization of absorbent solutions, particularly in high-pressure environments, which can lead to system breakdowns, and they often require complex setups and expensive materials.

Innovation Solution

The absorption cooling machine employs a simplified design with magnetic drive pumps, siphons instead of solenoid valves, and an electronic card to control amperage, ensuring efficient operation and preventing crystallization by maintaining optimal fluid flow and pressure differences, using a lithium bromide and water mixture as the absorbent and refrigerant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional absorption cooling systems use high-pressure environments and standard absorbent solutions, then cooling capacity is achieved, but crystallization occurs leading to system breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidcrystallization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the absorbent solution by adding lithium chloride to the lithium bromide solution, changing its crystallization characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to operate at high pressures without crystallization, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful crystallization effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified absorbent solution composition that is less prone to crystallization, effectively replacing complex, expensive anti-crystallization measures with a more robust, simpler chemical formulation that naturally resists the harmful crystallization effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional absorption cooling systems use complex setups with multiple valves and components, then system functionality is achieved, but construction cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes solenoid valves from the system by replacing them with gravity-based flow control mechanisms and simplified piping arrangements. This extraction of complex components directly improves ease of manufacture while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components, such as integrating flow control and pressure regulation into the basic piping structure and pump system, thereby reducing overall device complexity and simplifying construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional absorption cooling systems operate at high temperatures (90°C), then sufficient heat input is provided, but energy consumption increases and solar energy utilization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the absorbent solution by using a lithium bromide-lithium chloride mixture, which has improved heat absorption characteristics. This allows the system to operate efficiently at lower temperatures (60-75°C), making it compatible with solar energy and heat pumps while improving overall energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the system to utilize low-grade heat sources such as solar energy and waste heat from industrial processes or heat pumps. The modified absorbent solution allows the system to self-adapt to lower temperature inputs, effectively using free or low-cost energy sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The system achieves higher efficiency and reliability by producing intense cold with water heated to 60-75°C, simplifying construction, and operating with solar energy, while avoiding crystallization through precise flow and temperature control.

Implementation Method 1

The first exchanger is arranged between the first pump and the absorber grids and configured to form a siphon for the absorbing fluid, thus preventing the passage of air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSiphon: Syphon

Implementation Method 2

the refrigerant fluid absorber being arranged to absorb the evaporated refrigerant fluid coming from the evaporator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

the evaporator/absorber assembly 4, the refrigerant fluid absorber 5 being arranged to absorb the evaporated refrigerant fluid coming from the evaporator 6

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

a refrigerant fluid condenser connected to the desorber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 5

The machine comprises a first pump arranged to recover a solution from the absorber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4042078B1Absorption cooling machine
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 EHKOKLIM SA
  • EP4042078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4042078B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4042078B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machine for cooling by absorption, comprising a desorber/condenser assembly comprising a refrigerant and absorbent desorber, a refrigerant condenser and an evaporator/absorber assembly. The machine comprises a first pump designed to recover a solution from the absorber, a second pump designed to recover the refrigerant from the evaporator, and a third pump designed to recover a weakened solution from the absorber and pass it through a third exchanger in which the weak solution is heated before being directed toward a fourth exchanger where the weak solution continues to be heated before being directed towards the desorber. The first exchanger is arranged between the first pump and the absorber gratings and is configured to form a siphon for the absorbent, thus preventing the passage of air, the machine having no electric valve.