Anti-Parallel Triple-Effect Absorption Chiller for Higher COP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional triple-effect absorption refrigerators face limitations in efficiency due to structural complexity, difficulty in maintaining airtightness and safety at high temperatures and pressures, and high power consumption, which hinders their commercialization and increases installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A triple-effect absorption chilling apparatus with an anti-parallel cycle configuration, where the absorber and first regenerator are connected in series, and the second and third regenerators are connected in parallel, allowing for efficient heat transfer and concentration of lithium bromide solutions using external heat sources like combustion heat or steam, with a bypass pipe and switching valve to manage flow rates and prevent sensible heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a triple-effect absorption refrigerator is configured with multiple regenerators and pumps to improve COP, then the coefficient of performance increases, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three distinct regenerators (first, second, and third) with different temperature ranges, each handling specific concentration ranges of lithium bromide solution. This segmentation allows efficient heat recovery at different temperature levels, improving overall COP while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization
Solution Approach 2:
The third regenerator serves multiple functions: it acts as both a heat source for concentrating medium-concentrated solution and as a high-temperature regenerator for the absorption cycle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving COP without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If high temperature and pressure are applied in the regenerator to improve concentration efficiency, then the COP increases, but the airtightness and safety become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerator system is segmented into three units operating at different temperature and pressure ranges. The first regenerator operates at lower temperatures for initial concentration, the second at medium temperatures, and the third at high temperatures. This segmentation allows each unit to operate within safe and reliable parameter ranges while achieving high overall concentration efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lithium bromide solution acts as an intermediary carrier that transfers heat and mass between different temperature levels. By using the solution as a mediator, the system achieves efficient heat recovery and concentration without requiring direct high-temperature and high-pressure conditions throughout the entire system, thereby maintaining airtightness and safety
3Ease of operation
If multiple pumps and valves are installed to control pressure and flow rate, then the operation control is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to utilize the natural flow characteristics and pressure differences created during the absorption and regeneration processes. The lithium bromide solution flows automatically between components driven by concentration gradients and temperature differences, reducing the need for powered pumps and valves while maintaining effective control over pressure and flow rate
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 enhances the coefficient of performance (COP) beyond conventional absorption chillers, reduces energy consumption, and allows for flexible operation between double- and triple-effect modes, while using environmentally friendly heat sources to decrease carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one absorber for absorbing refrigerant vapor generated from the evaporator to a dilute lithium bromide solution
Implementation Method 2
the weak solution supplied from the absorber is heated by the condensation latent heat of the refrigerant vapor in the first heat transfer pipe
Implementation Method 3
heated by the condensation latent heat of the refrigerant vapor
Implementation Method 4
the medium-concentrated solution supplied from the first regenerator is heated by the condensation latent heat of the refrigerant vapor in the second heat transfer pipe
Implementation Method 5
heated by the condensation latent heat of the refrigerant vapor
Implementation Method 6
the medium-concentrated solution supplied from the first regenerator is heated by the heat source
Implementation Method 7
the cold water used for the absorption cooling passes through the heat transfer tube of the evaporator, and dissipated by the evaporation latent heat of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 8
dissipated by the evaporation latent heat of the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a triple-effect absorption chilling apparatus adopting a structure of an anti-parallel cycle in which an absorber and a first regenerator are connected in series, a second regenerator and a third regenerator are connected in parallel with the first regenerator, and the solution through the second regenerator and the third regenerator is returned to the absorber. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve efficiency by acquiring a higher coefficient of performance than conventional absorption refrigerators, and to reduce energy consumption.