Hybrid absorption-compression chiller and a related method for providing refrigeration effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid absorption-compression chillers are complex and not operable at sub-zero evaporation temperatures, lacking simplicity and energy efficiency while being adaptable over a wide range of operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid absorption-compression chiller system incorporating a vapor-compression system and a vapor-absorption system, utilizing a primary evaporator, compressor, secondary evaporator, condenser, absorber, and heat exchangers to efficiently recycle refrigerant vapors and Li-Br solution, with the option of using tetrafluoroethane, dichlorotrifluoroethane, trifluoroethane, or carbon dioxide as primary refrigerants and water as secondary refrigerants, to achieve high COP and energy savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a hybrid absorption-compression chiller is designed to operate at sub-zero evaporation temperatures, then the refrigeration capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vapor-compression and vapor-absorption refrigeration cycles into a single hybrid system. The compression system handles sub-zero temperature requirements while the absorption system utilizes waste heat for refrigeration, merging two different thermodynamic cycles to achieve both sub-zero operation and simplified design
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system serves multiple functions: it provides sub-zero evaporation temperatures, utilizes waste heat from industrial processes, reduces grid power dependency, and operates across a broad range of conditions. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system design by consolidating multiple refrigeration needs into one apparatus
2Use of energy by moving object
If an absorption chiller is used to reduce energy consumption and grid power dependency, then energy efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to sub-zero evaporation temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration load is segmented between two systems: the absorption system handles the base cooling load using waste heat, while the compression system specifically addresses sub-zero temperature requirements. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal efficiency range while collectively meeting all refrigeration needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite approach by integrating two different refrigeration technologies (absorption and compression) into one hybrid system. This composite structure combines the energy efficiency of absorption cooling with the sub-zero capability of compression cooling, achieving both low energy consumption and broad temperature adaptability
3Loss of energy
If a compression chiller is used to achieve high COP, then the coefficient of performance is improved, but the environmental friendliness and energy conservation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts waste heat from industrial processes, which would otherwise be discarded, into a useful refrigeration source. By utilizing this waste thermal energy in the absorption cycle, the system reduces overall energy consumption and grid power dependency while maintaining high COP, thereby converting an environmental harm (waste heat emission) into a benefit (free cooling source)
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system serves itself by using waste heat from industrial processes to drive the absorption refrigeration cycle. This self-service capability reduces dependency on external grid power and fossil fuel-based cooling, lowering environmental impact while maintaining efficient operation. The system essentially uses its own waste resources to sustain part of its operation
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 a higher coefficient of performance (COP) with up to 60% energy savings and operates effectively at sub-zero evaporation temperatures, reducing dependency on grid power and providing adaptable refrigeration over a broad range of conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a primary evaporator adapted to provide refrigeration by extracting heat from a medium to be cooled for vaporizing a cold condensed primary refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a compressor in communication with said primary evaporator to receive primary refrigerant vapors, said compressor being adapted to generate high pressure primary refrigerant vapors
Implementation Method 3
a secondary evaporator for receiving the high pressure primary refrigerant vapors through the evaporator tubes of said secondary evaporator, said secondary evaporator having a first spraying means for spraying a condensed secondary refrigerant under low pressure conditions in said secondary evaporator, in which said secondary evaporator is adapted to extract heat from the high pressure primary refrigerant vapors to vaporize the condensed secondary refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
an absorber in operative communication with said secondary evaporator for receiving the secondary refrigerant vapors, said absorber having a second spraying means for spraying concentrated Li-Br solution in said absorber, wherein said absorber is adapted to absorb the secondary refrigerant vapors in the concentrated Li-Br solution to generate dilute Li-Br solution
Implementation Method 5
a first equipment for heating the dilute refrigerant-absorbent solution, said first equipment including a heat exchanger, leaving said absorber is first heated; a second equipment for concentrating the dilute refrigerant-absorbent solution, said second equipment including a generator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention envisages a hybrid absorption-compression chiller comprising: a vapor-compression system providing refrigeration effect in a primary evaporator (102a) by extracting heat from a medium to be cooled in a condensed primary refrigerant, and a vapor-absorption system in operative communication with the vapor-compression system for receiving primary refrigerant vapors via a compressor (104a), these vapors are cooled by a condensed secondary refrigerant in a secondary evaporator (106a) to provide cold condensed primary refrigerant which is recycled to the vapor-compression system. The hybrid absorption-compression chiller of the present invention is energy-efficient and provides a higher COP in comparison with the conventional chillers.