Diffusion absorption refrigeration apparatus and refrigeration method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diffusion absorption refrigeration systems face limitations in refrigeration capacity due to natural convection methods, require separate pre-treatment apparatuses for ammonia systems, and are hindered by toxicity and corrosion issues, making them unsuitable for general household use.
Innovation Solution
A diffusion absorption refrigeration apparatus using trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene as refrigerants, alkylacetamide and formamide as absorbents, and inert gases like helium and argon, optimized with specific weight ratios and charge pressures to enhance safety, low global warming potential, and freezing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If natural convection refrigeration method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but refrigeration capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor system with a diffusion-absorption system that uses thermodynamic processes (diffusion, absorption, desorption) to achieve refrigeration. The bubble pump uses gas-liquid diffusion and absorption principles to circulate refrigerant without mechanical moving parts, eliminating noise and vibration while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes operating parameters including generator temperature (80-120°C), absorber temperature (30-50°C), and evaporator pressure to enhance refrigeration capacity. By adjusting these thermal and pressure parameters, the system achieves improved cooling performance while maintaining the simplicity of natural convection operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ammonia is used as refrigerant, then environmental friendliness is improved, but safety is worsened due to toxicity and explosiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inert gases (nitrogen, argon, or carbon dioxide) in the generator and absorber to create a non-flammable, non-toxic atmosphere. This eliminates the safety hazards associated with ammonia while maintaining environmental friendliness, as the inert gas prevents combustion and toxic exposure risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary absorbent solution (lithium bromide or calcium chloride) that mediates between the refrigerant and the inert gas environment. This absorbent enables the system to handle refrigerant circulation safely by absorbing excess refrigerant vapor and preventing direct contact between ammonia and the inert atmosphere, thereby eliminating safety hazards.
3Ease of manufacture
If water/lithium bromide system is used, then cost is reduced, but temperature capability is limited above 0°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material combinations including hydrocarbon refrigerants (propane, isobutane) paired with alcohol-based absorbents (ethanol, isopropanol). This composite approach enables the system to achieve sub-zero temperatures while avoiding the corrosion and vacuum operation limitations of water/lithium bromide systems, expanding the temperature range to below 0°C.
4Productivity
If vacuum state operation is required, then system performance is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent operates the diffusion-absorption system in an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) rather than requiring vacuum conditions. This eliminates the need for complex vacuum pumps and sealing systems, making the apparatus easier to manufacture, maintain, and repair while preserving system performance through the inert gas environment that prevents refrigerant leakage and contamination.
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 improved stability, low global warming potential, and sufficient freezing performance, making it suitable for household and commercial use while complying with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
diffusion absorption refrigeration
Implementation Method 2
absorber for absorbing the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
condenser for condensing the refrigerant vapor from the gas-liquid separator
Implementation Method 4
evaporator for evaporating the liquid refrigerant from the condenser
Implementation Method 5
solution heat exchanger for heat exchange between the strong solution and the weak solution
Data Source
AI summary
A diffusion absorption refrigeration apparatus includes a bubble pump; a gas-liquid separator; a condenser; a gas branch pipe; an evaporator; an absorber; a gas heat exchanger; a storage tank; and a solution heat exchanger, in which a single material of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)) and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf), which have a low global warming potential (GWP), or a mixture thereof at a predetermined ratio is used as a refrigerant. Accordingly, the stability is high and a low GWP can be achieved.